The Next Three Days: The End of the Libyan Rebellion

Since mid-febuary, there has been a revolution in Libya against Colonel Mummar Gaddafi. Rebel forces have been attempting to oust the Dictator, who has been controlling Libya since the late 1970's. For a bit more than a month, the world has stood by and watched as the Rebel forces fought hard against a superior army, and has listened to their cries for help. We all hoped that the rebels would be able to defeat Gaddafi on their own. And, for a time, it seemed that was possible. But, as time went on, the rebels started slipping. They had overextended themselves, confident that they could defeat the Dictator, and confident that the west wold give them a boost if needed. They payed the price for this ambition, as you and I watched key strategic points that the freedom-fighters held fall back into the hands of the Colonel. Al Zawiya, Ras Lanusf, and countless other cities have fallen into Gaddafi's hands. The rebels have continued to cry for help. Finally, the world began to react. NATO began to discuss a no-fly zone, and a serous bid began in the UN Security Council for a no-fly zone resolution. The Arab league approved a no-fly zone. But nothing has been done to help the rebels and give them fighting chance. Now, most previous measures will not work. Gaddafi will not be forced to the negotiating table. Humanitarian aid will not help. Just giving the rebels guns will not allow for them to overcome the Dictator. We, as the free world, have been passive, and now we will pay the price. We must make the tough decisions, and deal with the consequences.

As of now, there are only two completely feasible options. The first, to invade the country of Libya, bring Gaddafi down ourselves, and then help the Rebels build their own democracy. The second, to let the revolution die, and try and wash the blood off our hands.

The United States, even with its currently limited forces in the area, could quickly carry out option number one. The vessels that I mentioned in the previous article could quickly be converted to carry out military operations, and they could land. Tripoli could be taken in a matter of hours, and Benghazi could be fortified by a small force in the same amount of time. The 75th regiment as well as the 1st operational detachment could be there quickly, and Gaddafi will be overwhelmed by superior forces. American losses will be extremely low. That timeline is for just US involvement. More ships from other nations are already near to Libya. Italy is very close. Various other nations, if convinced, could very quickly give direct support to an attack on Gaddafi's forces. But someone must make the first move. A nation must take the initiative, and begin this operation. The United States is one of the Nations in a good position to do this.

The Second option is too horrible to contemplate. The forces of "freedom" and "liberty" stand by while the rebels are slaughtered in Benghazi. It will be brutal. Gaddafi will kill every last individual in that city. It will be a great victory for him, and all other dictators in the world. For this victory will show that the rest of the world will stand aside while slaughter occurs, and will give dictators open license to crush any rebellion with no fear of retribution.

Whatever occurs, the clock is ticking. The next three days will decide the fate of the Rebellion. I hope that the world makes the right decision. But if the world waits, that it will be made without our consent. It may be a decision we come to regret.