I am absolutely ecstatic at the news that the United Nations Security Council has passed draft resolution 1970 (2011) AKA SWEET JUSTICE. I'm usually not one to blog after breaking news because I prefer to provide analysis after seeing the effects of some event, however, this is different. I have been advocating for the implementation of a no-fly zone as well as different arms embargo in previous posts on the subject.
To read the resolution click here. It isn't very long, just 8 short pages and written in the typical UN resolution language. If you want to skip all the pre-ambulatory clauses just jump to page 3. I am very glad to see that, in the resolution, there is deep cooperation with the organizing nations and the League of Arab States. Most action taken are to be reported to both Secretary-Generals of the United Nations and the League.
Details of the Resolution:
First, it establishes that protection of civilians is the NUMBER 1 goal of the resolution. It says that any nation should take all action necessary to protect civilians excluding "a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory". I am very happy with that clause because it allows the international community to help level the playing field while not risking too much intervention by foreign countries.
Second, it establishes a no-fly zone where no plans are allowed in the air except those for humanitarian goals (which will be searched anyway). It also calls for any and all nations to provide assistance and do their part to enforce the ban. Furthermore, no nation can accept the flight of any planes with goals other than humanitarian ones into their airspace or territory that violates the provisions within Resolution 1970.
Third, and just as important, is the enforcement of an arms embargo toward the Libyan government. It becomes the duty of all nations to ensure that they are not helping traffic any arms toward the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (Libya). They are to check their seaports, borders, etc.
A very important provision is in clause 16 on page 4 that recognizes the use of armed mercenaries in the fighting and orders all nations to do their part to limit the transfer of armed personnel into Libya.
Fourth, a new but UN endorsed Asset Freeze of all assets of the Libyan government as well as officials within the territories of Member states. This would secure those assets for the Libyan people and away from their corrupt government. There will also be a travel ban on most of the members of the Libyan government.
Finally, A "panel of experts" is going to be formed to analyze the measures taken in the operation (oversight committee).
All this on top of two envoys to Libya from the UN and League of Arab States to help end the fighting.
What is most important is that the resolution calls for a immediate ceasefire on all sides before the implementation of all these restrictions. It seems that European nations like France and England will lead the effort with the United States following close by. Massive celebration has been filmed in Benghazi as protesters' calls for a no-fly zone were finally answered.
Although he constantly seems like he has been snorting cocaine, Qaddafi is showing he is smarter than just a mad dictator. Hours after the passage of the resolution, he canceled his final push in Benghazi (rebel stronghold) and decided to just surround the city. Next the Libyan government (as I hear it from Al Jazeera Arabic) has declared a cease-fire on its side and is inviting envoys and the United Nations to see the "reality" on the ground. With no major effort on the side of the government, the justification for the for an attack on Libyan ground forces falls flat. France and England believe that the resolution allows member states to impose a no fly zone regardless of the status of a ceasefire. To catch the latest updates go to Al Jazeera's live 24/7 online stream.
I assume that the cease will not lead to long-term peace because rebels and protesters will refuse to make an agreement so long as Qaddafi is in power. This may give the ruler a more legitimate stance against the protesters, trying to convey himself as the peaceful missionary. I believe that will be the public image that the government tries to play until the international community's attention is elsewhere. Clashes have broken out in fledgling protests in Syria, a state of emergency declared in Bahrain and Yemen and foreign troops have helped crack down on Bahrain's major protests. Added to the disaster in Japan, it may not be long before the international community loses its attention span and looks elsewhere. For the Libyan people, let's hope that doesn't happen.
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