When is the time for the EU to act?

The Lisbon Treaty was supposed to bring about a more vigorous CSDP and enhanced cooperation for the European Union in the area of defense and crisis management. The most demanding missions were for the Member States with the most capabilities to fit the missions. Also – the EU has a past history of cooperation with the United Nations in Africa, mostly in the Congo. The purpose for such enhanced cooperation is for crises like Libya, where massive human rights violations are taking place. The purpose of this was to allow flexibility in crisis responses (see Lisbon Treaty, French Defense ministry - Impact of Lisbon Treaty on CSFP and ESDP – EU Treaty of Lisbon: Permanent structured cooperation, Grahnlaw - Defense for Europe that is strong and independent! )There are those observers that believe that Libya could become another Somalia, which has not had a functioning government in 20 years and country is now the source of instability, terrorism and crisis. We also could see the Pro-democracy Rebel forces beaten, their members rounded up and slaughtered by Gaddafi’s forces. We could also see the EU, once again, sitting on the side-lines as people are slaughtered – as we did in Bosnia and Rwanda. It is absolutely right on for MEPs, like Guy Verhofstadt, to be “sick” and pointing out that the EU appears to have not learned nothing from history.  Even the Greens and normally pacifistic MEP groups favor some type of “no fly zone” and its enforcement.

Now – if Gaddafi’s forces take Benghazi, there will surly be a slaughter of pro-democracy forces. The crazed dictator has threatened to “show no mercy” toward Benghazi and “turn lives into hell” against anyone who attacks his country. But we cannot allow this madman any further gains and stop him from slaughtering his own citizens. The MEPs have a right to be upset by how the EU has fiddled – and the EU is normally very good at learning from mistakes.The EU has welcomed the UN Security Council’s resolutions against this crazy dictator – which authorizes the use of force to protect civilians. The one country that appears to be forceful is France, as it is vigorous about the EU defense capabilities, followed by the UK. Italy has offered its air bases. Norway and Canada have pledged assets. The excuse from Germany for not joining in efforts to stop Colonel Gaddafi, who praised Germany, was that the military intervention would “have considerable risks” (dugh!).  (No-fly zone ‘necessary to avoid more bloodshed,’ Euronews – Former French air chief envisages quick and ‘symbolic’ strike, EUobserver -UN clears France and UK to strike Gaddafi – Security Council authorizes ‘all necessary measures’ to protect civilians in Libya).

Now that we have a cease fire – let’s enforce the peace. After the Security Council pass Resolution 1972 and 1973 and air forces were on the way, Colonel Gaddafi “decided” to call a cease fire. Gaddafi may have buckled to the international forces coming against him, but he may also be buying time. France and Britain are now cautious, but reports now are that Gaddafi’s forces continue to bomb and attack positions. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish prime minister stated that “the international community will not be fooled.” (Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish prime minister – Libya offers cease-fire after UN no-fly zone vote).

Now – having Security Council resolutions in hand should make this easier for the European Union! We must insure that Colonel Gaddafi is now stopped from killing his own citizens and is ejected from power. We can know that the international legal order is now investigating Colonel Gaddafi and his henchmen, and swift justice is demanded. There have been crimes committed against the Libyan people and their protection from further violence. Sanctions need to help drive Gaddafi out of power. The rule of law and democracy must be established without occupation of the country. An economy must be recreated that provides jobs and demobilization of Rebel forces.The European Union can provide a large measure off all of the above, as demonstrated, and in the end we can avoid the fate of Somalia and finally  respond to the hopes of freedom and democracy of people in the Middle East and Africa.