Why why why

[london_red]

This one is different though.

When it comes to Libya the UN, or at least somebody, should do something. Iraq was very much a grey matter and an apparent case of warmongering.

What most will complain about is the hypocrisy. Why does Libya get help when a country like Burma doesn't?

Of course, it's a rhetorical question.

Fair enough, I realise this situation is a bit different.

As you say, my main issue with it is the way we pick and choose which countries' affairs to intefere in.

[pauld]

Think it's different this time.Obama has tried everything to get out of supporting attacks this time round.

I think it's more subtle than that - the US seem to have been delaying because they didn't want to be the ones to take the lead in actually imposing the secure zone, they wanted the regional powers (ie Arab League plus Mediterrenean countries) to be the ones who imposed it. Which seems to be what is happening.

Bit weird to see the French so gung-ho, obviously looking for an opportunity to be able to surrender early on.

[BANGKOK RED]

Anyways. The RAF have a brand new toy to play with, it needs a good run-out.

[Reg Smeeton]

I think it's more subtle than that - the US seem to have been delaying because they didn't want to be the ones to take the lead in actually imposing the secure zone, they wanted the regional powers (ie Arab League plus Mediterrenean countries) to be the ones who imposed it. Which seems to be what is happening.

Bit weird to see the French so gung-ho, obviously looking for an opportunity to be able to surrender early on.

Presumably the Surrender Monkeys, see Libya as being very much in their self interest, what with Algeria and Morocco being in the region.  If Libya falls into  pit of chronic instability, it might have a knock on effect in the rest of the Maghreb.

Will Italy be leading from the front, as former colonial power? 

[pauld]

Will Italy be leading from the front, as former colonial power? 

Ha, ha a joint Italian-French task force. That would be brilliant. Truly terrifying

[Bathtime]

I think it's more subtle than that - the US seem to have been delaying because they didn't want to be the ones to take the lead in actually imposing the secure zone, they wanted the regional powers (ie Arab League plus Mediterrenean countries) to be the ones who imposed it. Which seems to be what is happening.

Bit weird to see the French so gung-ho, obviously looking for an opportunity to be able to surrender early on.

[/b]

This sounds pretty much on the mark...especially like the comment about the French

No one says anything about the Saudis going in to Bahrain...?

[pauld]

No one says anything about the Saudis going in to Bahrain...?

Two key differences:
1) They were invited in by the Bahrain government as part of a Gulf Cooperation Council force to help out local law enforcement
2) Bahrain is a key western ally in the region (hosts one of the largest US bases in the region) so their anti-government protestors are not heroic battlers for liberty, but unruly fanatical scum who their not very democratic government can therefore feel free to dispose of as it sees fit.

[pauld]

Breaking news: the French have begun bombarding Gadaffi's forces with a selection of soft cheeses, while a crack squad of Belgian pastry-makers is "on high alert".

[london_red]

Looks like Gadaffi's backing down anyway. Put the Brie bombers back in the hangar.

[pauld]

It was the Belgians wot won it

[herthab]

In fairness France was involved in a conflict with Libya as recently as the mid 80's. While there was very few actual frenchmen involved, The Foreign Legion were utilised extensively and kicked the arse of a much larger Libyan army.

[pauld]

Fuck off being fair to the French. Pffft! What on earth's got into you, man?

[stfcinbmth]

We have a French student at the mo, what a complete and utter knob he is too

[leefer]

Chic alors.

[chalkies_shorts]

We dont get anything from zimbabwe though, this is probably the reason.

Yes we do, immigrant white farmers who have had their farms stolen