n But caution is needed in enforcement AS expected, the Arab League has endorsed calls for a no-fly zone in Libya, a potentiality that would unavoidably rely on the US and European Union, via a UN resolution, to create and enforce the zone. The endorsement comes as forces loyal to Gaddafi are retaking territory captured by rebels and the US is voicing strong reservations about taking on a no-fly zone. Its reluctance is understandable as is the Arab call for establishing the zone. Creating a no-fly zone in Libya would be initiated by a military attack on various Libyan military installations and air defense sites. Obviously, that would amount to foreign intervention, a point that was vigorously argued by Syria and Algeria. The result of that argument appears to have been the insertion in the endorsement of language indicating that the Arab League rejected “foreign intervention,” and its chief Amr Moussa's caveat that the action ends as soon as the crisis is over. Whether a no-fly zone would enable the rebels to regain momentum is also in doubt, given the strength of Gaddafi's forces. Also, a no-fly zone does not affect helicopters and artillery, which have both been used extensively by Gaddafi. It should be remembered, as well, that a no-fly zone was being enforced in southern Iraq following the first Gulf War when Saddam Hussein sent helicopters to punish Kurds who rebelled against his regime. The AL action puts pressure on the UN, the US and the European Union as the invitation for intervention was one of the prerequisites for undertaking a no-fly zone. Of course, any action by Western powers must also be supported by Arab nations in more ways than just endorsing the foreign action. Logistical support, at least, must be provided. Otherwise, we would be ceding control of our own regional issues to powers based far away from the Mideast. Most importantly, however, is the courage it took for the Arab League to make a request for foreign military powers to set up a no-fly one. The endorsement displayed not only courage but also a sense of self-confidence in terms of the region's relationship with the West. The AL endorsement shows a sense of realpolitik on the part of regional leaders, not to mention their willingness to assume a positive role on the world stage. Unless things change in Libya fairly soon, it may be the only fruit borne by the unfortunate events there. __
