No-Fly Zone Over Libya Could Backfire & Undermine Protests in Middle East

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

There is a big rush by some to impose a no-fly zone over Libya.  Bill Clinton’s voice has joined others like Senators John McCain, John Kerry, and Joseph Lieberman as well as former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson in calling for NATO and the US to impose a no fly zone.

I think this is a mistake — and is more of an emotional impulse than one that really helps the Opposition in Libya.  The blowback costs could be huge — and there are other options, perhaps much better ones, to try and help those trying to rid themselves of Moammer Gaddafi’s rule.

My thoughts are here:

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2011/03/no-fly_zone_ove/
No-Fly Zone Over Libya Could Backfire & Undermine Protests in Middle East

All best,

Steve Clemons
202-276-1176 phone
@SCClemons Twitter