In early 2011, the United States government made the decision to become involved in the conflict in Libya. Reports were released by various human rights organizations of atrocities committed by Colonel al-Gaddafi’s political regime. The reports stated that Gaddafi’s men were killing civilians, and depriving entire communities of basic necessities like clean water and medical aid
Upon receiving confirmation of this injustice abroad, the US government and the United Nations became involved in an attempt to protect the civilian Libyan people. However, there is much debate as to whether or not America should have become involved in the first place, and whether or not our presence there was actually for the better.
The Cost of Keeping the Peace
American soldiers were deployed to Libya in an attempt to loosen Colonel al-Gaddafi’s power in the Libyan government. However, the effort in Libya cost the US government over $716 million in the first two months alone and cost approximately $896 million by the time America’s involvement was through. Additionally, it is debatable whether or not President Obama actually had the authority to start and to pursue this operation.
The White House asserts that Obama had the right to continue the military campaign in Libya because the scale of America’s involvement in the conflict had not yet become a “full-blown hostile event,” according to a report by the New York Times. A White House representative affirmed this, stating, “U.S. operations do not involve sustained fighting or active exchanges of fire with hostile forces, nor do they involve U.S. ground troops.”
However, due to legislation imposed during the time of the Vietnam conflict, a president has approximately 90 days to terminate a mission which he has begun without the approval of Congress. After 90 days, the mission may only continue if the lawmakers vote to continue or extend the efforts. In this instance, President Obama had passed the deadline. The only explanation or justification for his actions that has been offered comes from the permission granted by the UN Security Council, which allows forces to use only air space to defend civilians.
The White House has expressed its belief that it is essential for the US to become involved in the Libyan conflict, because of the human rights atrocities committed by Colonel Gaddafi. President Obama has stated that if Gaddafi’s regime was left in power, “Many thousands could die. A humanitarian crisis would ensue. The entire region could be destabilized, endangering many of our allies and partners. The calls of the Libyan people for help would go unanswered. The democratic values that we stand for would be overrun.” Rather than insist that Gaddafi step down from power, the initial focus of the mission in Libya was apparently to ensure that crimes against humanity were prevented.
Cycle of Terror
After Gaddafi was disposed as leader, many of his cohorts and supporters went into hiding. Many of these officials were just as responsible for the violations of human rights as the Colonel was, but since their retreat from public view, very few have been held accountable for their crimes.
The Libyan people are now calling for justice, and believe that the new government should punish these officials according to their crimes, in an effort to close the book on Gaddafi’s regime, and to help the people move forward. In a statement from Amnesty International, a spokesperson has said, "The new authorities must make a complete break from the culture of abuse that Colonel al-Gaddafi’s regime perpetuated and initiate the human rights reforms that are urgently needed in the country."
However, with the new regime in power, the Libyan people are still facing many dangers, and the violation of human rights continues.
After months of conflict marked by bloodshed, the Libyan people are still facing oppression and living in terror of their government. The new regime has recently begun a campaign to prosecute and essentially punish anyone whom they believe supported Gaddafi. Amnesty International has reported that there are several known cases of torture being used to extract confessions, and there are several militant groups operating without any jurisdiction or legal authority. Thus far, no one has been held accountable for these actions against human rights.
The US government may have had the best interest of the Libyan people at heart at the beginning of this campaign, but it has become apparent that things are not always so simple. The US, which is already in financial debt reaching into the trillions, has spent significant money and resources in this conflict, with very little return. The cost of this mission may have seemed worth it as the Libyan people were freed from oppression and a regime of fear, but it appears that another one has simply taken Gaddafi’s place. The future of the nation of Libya is unclear, but what is apparent is that the country cannot continue down this path, one of political corruption and social injustice, for much longer. As to whether or not Libya can endure these struggles much longer, only time will tell.
Kathleen Szeluga - I swear to report the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me logic and reasoning.
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