Nothing humanitarian about U.S. intervention

[Starry Messenger]

http://socialistworker.org/2011/03/21/nothing-humanitarian-about-us-intervention

<snip>

Strategically, Libya has become the central question in the wave of revolts in North Africa and the Middle East that has already swept two U.S.-backed dictators from power.

In Tunisia and Egypt, massive mobilizations were successful in toppling the dictators. Now, the combined effect of Qaddafi's ruthless assault on rebel forces, similar brutality by the autocratic regimes of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain (which the U.S. has barely criticized, much less gone to war against), and direct military intervention have allowed the U.S. an opportunity to try to get some grip on developments.

A pro-U.S. regime in Libya--or a pro-U.S. regime in the eastern half of a partitioned country--would slow the tide of democratic revolts taking place across the region, especially if it seems that the likely outcome of a rebellion is the recreation of pro-U.S. puppet regimes.

Thus, Western intervention may appear to slow Qaddafi's advance, but it's really designed to halt the Arab rebellion. That's why it will be important for those who support the popular uprisings in the Arab world to oppose the West's war on Libya. The people of Libya and the wider region deserve to live free of dictatorships, but also of the dominance and oppression of U.S. imperialism.

<snip>

[cali]

1. I'm against the action in Libya but

to call it a U.S. intervention is not entirely honest.

Not to mention that the article doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

[TBF]

4. US fires more than 110 Tomahawk missiles

WASHINGTON: "An international coalition led by the US has launched 'Operation Odyssey Dawn' and fired Tomahawk missiles on Libyan defence targets to enforce no-fly zone over strife-torn African nation as per a UNSC resolution."

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-03-20/news/29148083_1_gaddafi-libyan-capital-surface-to-air-missile


This is an "international coalition" and "humanitarian effort" in name only. Why didn't we send in the cavalry to rescue folks in Sudan or Rwanda?

[blindpig]

2. Yep, there it is in a nutshell.

One might ask of this 'humanitarian concern', "Why not Congo?" And the answer is that resource extraction is moving along swimmingly, no need to upset a profitable applecart. Whereas if the Arab rebellion spreads it is going to greatly disturb 'business as usual'. Can't have that.

[Starry Messenger]

6. "We just happened to be in the neighborhood, thought we'd check on things"

Why do people think things will be different with this? Our track record in the area going back decades is abysmal. Our history with Iran alone would be enough to give me pause. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_Iranian_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat Maybe people forget.

[Bluerthanblue]

8. "if the Arab rebellion spreads it is going to greatly disturb 'business as usual'-

???? that doesn't make any sense.

The best way to keep the rebellion from spreading would have been to let Gaddafi destroy the people who had the nerve to rise up against him.

Not only would that have quenched it right there, it would have encouraged other dictators in the area to respond similarly.

Why not Congo? That's a valid question. If the Congolese people were rising up against Nguesso and came to the UN asking for help would you refuse?

[blindpig]

9. But this is even better

First ya let the 'Arab street' see the consequences of rebellion then NATO gets to play the good guy while giving Gaddifi a pummeling and ya got the weakened Libyan opposition in the palm of yer hand.

Can't show your hand ya know, the US is for democracy, except when it endangers profits. it's a sorry act which fewer believe every day.

If ya want to help the people of the Congo ya need expel the transnational extractive industries and their money from the region. Ain't gonna happen, business is good.

[BeFree]

3. What?

What is not humanitarian about sending 122 anti-human cruise missiles= "bombs bursting in air"?

At least they haven't called this operation "Shock and Awe". See? That's a change.

[MilesColtrane]

5. bullshit

[blindpig]

7. Why? n/t

[PVnRT]

10. Um....OK

So, Arab Spring will continue even better if Qadaffi crushes the rebellion with no action from the international community? That makes no sense. It will simply embolden leaders elsewhere to do the exact same thing, knowing no one will do anything about it.

[MilesColtrane]

12. Apparently Obama really can play 11-dimensional chess when it comes to...

expanding the American Empire.

*facepalm*

[pampango]

14. Apparently the logic is "Let the rebellion be crushed. Long live the rebellion."

By supporting the rebels, the UN is actually trying to stop the rebellion. Obviously, it requires a higher power of thinking to understand that you stop the revolution by supporting it and support the revolution by helping to destroy it. :)

Kind of ignores the fact that many other Arab (and non-Arab) kings and dictators are hoping against hope that Gaddafi proves that you can retain absolute control by unleashing your military on your citizens.

If Gaddafi succeeds, he will answer some of the questions that existed during the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions. "If told to fire on civilians, will the Army remain loyal to the dictator?" and "If they remain loyal and do open fire on civilians, will the international community respond effectively or just say 'Hey, they're your civilians (national sovereignty, you know). Kill them if you feel you must to retain power'? "We will send you a nasty letter, maybe even a toothless UN resolution, but that's all."

[Catherina]

11. Rec'd. Libya will provide an excellent base to quash future Arab rebellions

now that the Egyptian people aren't playing ball with us anymore. It did my heart good to see the Egyptian Youth Coalition tell Hillary she wasn't welcome in Egypt after the refused to meet with her. Same thing with the Tunisian revolutionaries. They understand exactly what's going on here.

[MilesColtrane]

13. "Libya will provide an excellent base to quash future Arab rebellions"

Nah

The United States has plenty of firepower in Spain, Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, etc., etc....to handle any imaginary anti-democratic attack against peaceful protestors.

[Starry Messenger]

15. That's what I see too. n/t