In Libya, people caught the spirit of Arab uprisings led by Tunsia, then Egypt, and rebelled to throw off the dictatorial Qadafi regime. Unlike the prior examples, the revolt quickly militarized. Widespread success in the first days has now been systematically rolled back by Qadafi’s armed forces – fueled by his vast oil fortune, accumulated on the backs of his people. Lightly armed rebels have been pushed back to the doorstep of Benghazi, the provisional capital.

The West, where we love democracy, has done nothing to intervene (aside from pointless embargoes on arms Qadafi already has in plenty), except talk. France alone has extended diplomatic recognition to the revolutionary governement conviened in Benghazi. I understand the reasons for restraint. I have no doubt that one company of US Airborne or Frech Foreign Legion – 120 well-armed professionals with proper air support – would bring Qadafi’s third-world enforcers to a screeching halt at whatever red line was chosen. Of course, it would be much more than a company if the decision was taken. Maybe it is on France to step in. The misadventure in Iraq surely squandered the credentials we once had to halt such a fray on principle.

It’s a tragedy to see such a hopeful rebellion crushed if Qadafi shows restraint. It becomes unacceptable if he exacts retribution in the form of a genocide in Benghazi.

B