More unanswered questions over Libya
Calm and reasonable, David Cameron gave an assured performance in the Commons yesterday as he defended Britain’s intervention in Libya.His clear message, as he dealt deftly with critical questions from the floor, was that on humanitarian grounds, the West had no alternative but to act.
What a pity his colleagues have failed to show the same sureness of touch.
Take Defence Secretary Liam Fox. On Sunday, to everyone’s surprise – not least the Americans’ – he said Colonel Gaddafi might be a legitimate target. Then yesterday, William Hague appeared exquisitely woolly about regime change and committing troops on the ground.
However, the Chief of the Defence Staff was absolutely firm: The West had no lawful authority to eliminate Gaddafi.
By yesterday afternoon, this was being denied by Number 10, who were backing the Fox position.
When our servicemen are being asked to risk their lives, isn’t it the least they should expect that ministers and defence chiefs stick to a coherent line?
But while Mr Cameron deserves praise for ensuring this is a legal UN-backed operation, there are worrying signs that international support is already fraying.
The Arab League (admittedly a motley crew) are wobbling – while Vladimir Putin’s description of the action as a ‘crusade’ is deeply unhelpful. Nor is it reassuring that the U.S. wants to withdraw from the leadership at the first opportunity.
A Libyan man shows missile debris picked out of the rubble after a UN coalition missile totally destroyed an administrative building of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's residence in Tripoli on Sunday
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