starting this thread, which i hope will be short-lived, to keep the board up to date with latest reports gleaned from the net

DIVINE jailed for 16 months BARONESS UUDINN STILL FREE

Wrong thread.

no stan, but one can always finds facts to suit purpose and i'm sure the u-tube one does just that ...... but equally i do not think for one moment that any of the unrest across m/e was spontaneous and unfomented from outside

Koussa has defected imo
recruited b4 quite certain
imo

Correct Mr.c

Hmmm - I've heard of fomented, but unfomented?

it's your lucky day then lol

:-)

Cynic,

My wife can be frightening and I have just shown her your posting and address.

====================

Right,

-
Cynic,

You asked what I my strategy would have been.

(Just skimming the surface of a complex and confusing situation.)

It is supposing that I would have been in a position of authority at the time and in the months prior to the Libyan uprising and cognisant with some detailed knowledge of what was happening in Libya and surrounds.

In addition, that I would be in contact with other leaders in Europe and hopefully not be seen, by them, as a Johnny come Lately.

I.e., an in politically, militarily and economically, integrated member of NATO and the European Union

I would have hoped that at the time of Tunisia and Egyptian uprising that there would have been rapid review of the political situations, and possible political changes in the immediate area and the world in general. (Follow the price of or greed for oil.)

I would have hopefully being drawing up contingency plans for the steps a coalition force could, or should take in response to changes on the ground and what should be the goals if military intervention occurred.

I would have been considering the constituents of that coalition and the command structure of such a body. (Also considering the financing of the necessary bodies.)

Also, the speed at which any plans could be put into action.

I would have been attempting to get the opinion and support of leaders of other countries before strutting and across the international boards and spouting oratory I couldnt back up.

I.e., endangering a more severe back lash from Gaddafi and false hopes and expectancies of those rebelling.

--------------------------------------

(In that there is the curse of not having a true international military police force able to act under the auspices of the United Nations, (I have sympathy with N thoughts about the UN, but it the best we have, and could be modified,)

Right, supposing all that had taken place.

I think I would have carried out the actions of the Coalition.

If committed to this action, I would have done my utmost to speed up actions of the force.

I would have frozen all Libyan assets outside Libya.

I would have put a siege on Tripoli and that area.

I would have introduce the NFI, but also attempted to destroy Gaddafis military installations in Tripoli and surrounds.

I would have deliberately targeted Gaddafi.

(It has been done before.)

I would have attempted to destroy any Gaddafi military moving towards of from the East.

I would have accepted the immediate collateral damage of such actions.

As far as destroying communications, power supplies and other parts of the infrastructures are concerned I would leave that to the specialist.

I would put an international military force on the ground, to regain control and law and order.

Accepting the responsibility of the actions that have occurred and managing the move to a humanitarian egalitarian society,

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Brief answer, but full of holes.


The major problem is dealing with the aftermaths, and introducing a democratic government and administration acceptable and to the liking of the general population,


I live in hope.

PS.

I was told as a little boy when doing something, to try to avoid using force, but if it was necessary, to used it in cold blood and make it efficient as possible.

Oh fred, you need a hobby.

I have one.

It involves bait.

fred - a major flaw would be sending in ground forces, as both the libyans and AL have stated loud and clear that that would not be tolerated

on the reasonable assumption that MG will eventually be removed, it will assuredly be a very lumpy journey towards democracy, but "the west" will have to tread very carefully if it is to avoid being shown as manipulating in any way


PS - i am perfectly sure that MG has 20/30/40 lookalikes floating about, so your assassination concept might be somewhat tricky

I'm Spartacus!

Cynic,

You asked what I would do.

Sometimes, I am known to throw caution to the wind and accept the risks and consequences.

(But, generally, have to have a fall back plan.)
-------------------

Looking at the politics (superficially) many of the AL have been coerced into the coalition decision and have their own internal situations to defend.

If the "coalition" is there on humanitarian grounds, then military actions should be ceased at the earliest opportune movement.

Doing so, will need "ground troops".

American, (British and French? "observers", "liaison officers" and "weaponry" is already being "infiltrated" into Libya.

I think more blood will be shed by delay, than expediting the removal of G.

Wouldn't like to be there.

many of the AL have been coerced into the coalition decision ..... reasonable facts to support?

will need "ground troops".... in defiance of AL and libyans strongly stated wishes?

1) DYOH
2) Wait and see.

Gadaffe to win even money at betfred bookies.

Soon as he regains some ground the ragtag rebels will flee, sad because bad Gadaffe will slaughter them and their family's after he has won, and the West will do f*** all to help the poor bastards.

NATO taking command does not fill me with hope for the rebels, chocolate wheel springs to mind.

cynic why do the gov call them rebels IF THEY ARE REBELS THEN THE GOV AND UNI ARE HELPING THE WRONG SIDE should they not be called freedom fighters .looking forward to your reply thanks

Because they are taking part in a rebellion?