Reinforcing Libya’s rebels

The international mission has been forced to take sides. Gadhafi’s actions simply leave it with no other option but supporting the opposition. No form of assistance must be excluded. From incentivizing high-level defections to expanded covert actions, preparations must be made for all possible scenarios, particularly if protracted conflict ensues.

Volunteers with no battle-ground experience must be admired for their courage. However, proper training will take time. As time is of the essence, existing resources must be effectively allocated. Priority must be given to reinforcing military elements that have defected from the regime. 

The presence of some radical religious elements among opposition forces is not surprising. Libya’s porous borders facilitate entry.  Wherever a power vacuum exists, they will always surface. Vigilance is required but policy paralysis due a minimal radical presence must be avoided.

President Obama’s stop-and-go approach to decision-making throughout the Libyan crisis has impacted developments on the ground and on the home-front. Greater executive clarity is required to maintain international unity and domestic support, particularly in Congress. The President’s rhetoric must reflect a more decisive tone. The Libyan conflict is not a legal case study.

Marco Vicenzino, a geopolitical risk expert, directs the Global Strategy Project (info@globalsp.org).