Will EU take the next step in Libya?
Stop the killings! The first order is to stop the killings of Libyans by pro-government forces. There has been suggestions (which anybody can see) that human rights violations and crimes against humanity have been committed in the Libyan conflict. Who ever has to be held accountable for violence against civilians needs to be a latter concern, for post conflict investigations.A no-fly zone has to be put into place, but military force now appears to be more likely against pro-Gadhafi forces. The use of force needs to have the support of the international community, and this is achieved through the Security Council. We have France, the UK, perhaps the US – and the Arab League – supporting at least a no fly zone. We may need more and it’s the Arab League that is in the best position in the region, but the League will also need support.Beyond just sanctions, the European Union is in the best position, as it is, unlike NATO, best equipped for aid support and post-conflict reconstruction. The EU can also supply not only peace support, but also military forces to do the dirty work, like NATO, and provide military support for Arab League, and at the least, support a no fly zone.The EU’s military and defense policy has been evolving to this point, where a crisis-conflict is in need of peace enforcement. So far, the EU’s military missions have been just peace support and not peace enforcement, but always with the blessings of the Security Council. There is no reason why, with the Security Council’s backing, the EU cannot be called to support a no fly zone, aid the rebels, and perhaps put boots on the ground in Libya.Arab League backs Libya no-fly zone: FranceArab League To Hold Crisis Talks On LibyaEU Moves to Impose Added Sanctions on LibyaBritain and France push for Libya no-fly zoneEU to freeze assets of top Libyan firms
