In our latest strategic dialogue, Adil Shamoo and Islam Qasem square off on the question of whether or not to intervene militarily in Libya. In his initial contribution to the debate, Shamoo urges a “thorough assessment of means and end” before pursuing military action in Libya. Qasem, on the contrary, argues that “time is running out for intervention in Libya” and the consequence of inaction are enormous. Here they respond to each other’s arguments.
Islam Qasem
Nothing is more tragic than not stopping a genocide from taking place when all facts and signs indicate that such a tragedy is about to take place. “I have two words for our brothers and sisters in the east: We are coming,” warned Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam. With Ajdabiya falling into the hands of Gaddafi, his death squads are now zeroing in on the stronghold of the opposition in Benghazi. Expecting the worse from a dictator that has been ruthless for 42 years, the people are fleeing Benghazi. For these people it is a question of life or death.
Despite the urgent humanitarian situation, skepticism abounds about Western intentions and the need for imposing a no-fly zone. Typical of the counter-intervention reasoning, Adil Shamoo’s article outlines several concerns.
Foreign Policy in Focus
Please read the full article at: www.fpif.org/articles/strategic_dialogue_intervene_or_not_in_libya
