What next in Libya?

After Libyan Rebel Forces launched a successful offensive operation against Pro-Gaddafi forces, supported by NATO air-strikes that liberated the coastal towns of Ras Lanuf, Brega, Uqayla and Bin Jawad. What next for NATO and the Libyan Rebels?


Early on into the no-fly operation over Libya, the Libyan Rebels have been on the defensive. Defending from assaults from Loyalist forces and launching counter-offensives against towns that used to be under their control, these actions were supported by the NATO air-forces operating over the country who have launched strikes destroying large amounts of Loyalist armour and artillery that have been attacking Rebel positions and endangering civilian lives.


After the fall of Ras Lanuf, Brega, Uqayla and Bin Jawad the situation on the ground changes, the Rebels that have been on the defensive and counter-offensive in the past, however when assaulting Loyalist towns and cities like the birthplace of Gaddafi the Loyalists become the defenders and the Rebels becoming the attackers. Instead of protecting civilians are the Rebels endangering civilian lives by assaulting cities with old inaccurate rocket artillery?

Rebel Artillery

NATO Commanders are discussing the future role of their air-operations over the country. Should they actively support the Rebels against Loyalist forces? Even though the United Nations Resolution clearly states that protecting civilian lives in the country takes priority over choosing sides in the conflict? Would it be illegal for NATO forces to strike Loyalist forces defending cities like Sirte? What about the possibility that this conflict can be solved without virtually forcing the conflict to turn into a civil war and creating a possible East/West divide of the country like it was under Italian control?

Map of current NATO operations

An offer of mediation and peace was accepted by Gaddafi before the no-fly zone was formed. Venezuela and the government of Hugo Chavez made a proposal for mediation between Gaddafi and the Rebels. This offer was being looked at by the Arab League while being brushed along by France and the United States, France led by an unpopular President who wishes to use this conflict to increase his support in the country and the United States a country which has had an anti-libya stance for decades and even tried to assassinate Gaddafi in 1986 when they bombed his compound. 


The Venezuelan offer of mediation seems like the only decent proposal so far. It gives room for international mediation to solve this crisis people and adopt a stable democracy after Gaddafi. It also creates room for Gaddafi to leave the country peacefully without any jealous retribution and execution like after the Romanian Revolution in the 90's.