Resolution 1973 in Libya

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In late February, Libyan demonstrators began taking to the streets in protest against Colonel Muammar Khadafy’s oppressive regime that has held power for 41 years. Originally the demonstrators were conducting their protests in a peaceful manner similar to their neighboring countries that successfully toppled oppressive governments in Egypt and Tunisia. However in Libya, Khadafy’s security forces and loyalists began attacking demonstrators. Khadafy had ordered these attacks on civilians whom had no means of defending themselves, and vowed to execute anyone who continued to stand against his rule. It was not long before these peaceful protesters had to arm themselves in order to fight off the government’s full-scale assault.

This prompted the international community to react rapidly and resulted in the United Nations Security Council passing Resolution 1973 which demanded an immediate cease-fire in Libya. The Resolution called for an end to the current attacks against civilians, which it said might constitute “crimes against humanity,” and imposed a ban on all flights in Libyan air space under a NATO “no-fly zone.” Clearly the situation in Libya is not just a problem for the people of Libya; rather its outcome may affect a region that is under constant turmoil, and consequently the world as a whole. With a civil war breaking out in Libya between Khadafy forces and the rebels it was imminent that some national security interests would be at stake in this vital region of the world. Amongst the nations discussing the importance of the war was the United States. As President Obama described the United States’ role in pursuit of the NATO imposed “no-fly zone,” he said, “The United States has played a unique role as an anchor of global ...

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Works Cited

28, March. "Libya Action in U.S. National Interest - Brookings Institution." Brookings - Quality. Independence. Impact. Web. 24 May 2011. .

Jackson, David. "Gates: U.S. Has Interest in Libya, Not 'vital' Interest - The Oval: Tracking the Obama Presidency." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Web. 24 May 2011. .

"Libya: Defining U.S. National Security Interests." U.S. Department of State. Web. 24 May 2011. .

"President Obama Pledges No Troops in Libya » Pa." Home » Pa. Web. 24 May 2011. .

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