Arming the Rebels

People are being killed every day in Libya due to Muammar Gaddafi's stubbornness to leave office following a massive popular uprising against his leadership following 42 years as "guide of the eternal revolution". This has occurred since February. It took the international community a month to pass a resolution enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya, and while that has been partially successful it is time for the democratic nations of the world to support the basic civil liberties of those in the African dictatorship.

Most importantly, humanitarian services must be delivered to those in need immediately. We should not look to the United Nations for authorization to feed the starving people in Libya, ensure their homes aren't destroyed, and aid the wounded. If the UN cannot even agree on that, then the international organization clearly has lost its effectiveness and purpose.

Should this be unachievable, we must arm the rebels fighting for democracy. It is appalling that a "democratic nation" with a strong international presence such as ours, is holding out on supporting democratic movements in the Middle East and North Africa. This involves arming the rebels and teaching them how to attack hired mercenaries used on their own people. The time has passed for us to simply watch as poorly prepared rebels die in the streets. We must support democracy and support the rebels.

This is a contentious issue. But in the face of a popular uprising succeeding in the east and failing in the west, clearly it is the end of the road for Mr. Gaddafi. How the people of Libya end his rule is up to their discretion. It is my hope that democracy will once again succeed in this truly remarkable spirit of civil unrest.

Update: After reading this over again I've realized I sound a little bit like a Republican from the United States. That is not my intention. If it all possible, we should avoid this conflict from becoming drawn out, as it will result in more unnecessary bloodshed. Diplomacy should be used to possibly end this prematurely. If this is unachievable, I feel we should arm the rebels to ensure the war will end quickly. This in turn will avoid sieges and massacres of innocent civilians and avoid future bloodshed. Regardless of what issues arise from that dialogue, humanitarian supplies must be delivered to the people of Libya immediately. It's a difficult situation over in Libya, and it'll be a long time until this mess is figured out.