Action is needed in Libya to prevent massacres – but it must be Libyan-led with regional backing
Caabu is deeply concerned over the deteriorating situation in Libya and the horrific reports of bombings of Libyan civilians and towns by Gaddafi forces. Immediate action is required to prevent this and to assist those fighting this brutal regime.
However, any actions must be on Libyan invitation and driven solely by Libyan and humanitarian interests. There also needs to be a clear regional backing for any intervention. Other options must also be investigated including further sanctions, isolation of the regime and support to the Libyan opposition.
Chris Doyle, the Director of Caabu, was interviewed on BBC’s Newsnight on 10 March 2011 about Arab attitudes towards intervention in Libya.
“There is support in the region but it is very limited. It is quite clear that they do not want to see military action on the ground, but very limited, specific action to prevent Gaddafi bombing Libyans would probably have enough support regionally because of all the massacres that are going on. The trouble is that the West has a chequered history. We have not had many successful interventions in the region. Everyone remembers Iraq; everyone remembers the 1986 bombing of Tripoli and Benghazi. They look at Britain and the United States in particular and they think oil, they think military, they think vested interests. They are not thinking that we are behind the Libyan people and that ultimately is our problem.”
Ends…
Notes to editors:
1. For more information contact Chris Doyle, on + 44207 832 1321 or +447968 040281.
News & blogs
