Mil ops are clear, what about civ ops?

The U.S. military is clear enough about what it is doing in Libya (sorry the slides are not all shown in the video):

 

It is good Coalition partners are picking up about half the burden. I’m not a mil guy, but I am particularly interested in hearing that they are hitting communications. Experience in Bosnia and Kosovo suggests that is important in shifting the strategic balance. Once Gaddafi’s forces are cut off from his command and control, it is doubtful whether they will continue the fight.

That said, this effort has a civilian dimension as well.  Relief supplies are starting to move into rebel-held areas.  Hillary Clinton says Gaddafi loyalists are in touch with the State Department:

 

The most important civilian pieces are the ones we are not likely to see any time soon:

  • What is being done to ensure that the Transitional National Council is fully representative of the whole country and ready to take over governance if the opportunity presents itself;
  • Intelligence cooperation with the rebels;
  • Discussions with Gaddafi-friendly places about offering him refuge;
  • Diplomatic efforts to keep the Arab League on side, or at least not too loudly opposed to the intervention;
  • Planning for the difficult post-war stabilization and reconstruction phase.

The only diplomatic piece that has been visible the last couple of days is the quarrel over who will command and control the Coalition operation, a role the U.S. wants to pass off.  It seems now that will go to NATO.  You don’t want to delve into the intricacies of that debate, which involves French, Turkish and NATO scholasticism that would please only medieval monks.

Daniel Serwer

Share
Published by
Daniel Serwer
Tags: LibyaNATO

Recent Posts

Nuclear Iran – facts, goals and opportunity 

President Trump’s decision to kill the Iran nuclear deal was an obvious failure. Lack of…

2 days ago

Winning the war with equanimity

As I prepare to leave Kyiv Wednesday, here are notes on issues not covered in…

1 week ago

Ukraine’s opportunities and threats

Western appeasement would be a serious mistake. Ending Putin's threat to Ukraine will prevent war…

1 week ago

Ukraine’s strengths and weaknesses

Whatever the strengths and weaknesses on the Ukrainian side, Moscow will not implement whatever it…

1 week ago

Culture, religion, and education in Ukraine

We shouldn't expect world class museums, performances, and universities. When we find them, they merit…

1 week ago

Rebuilding Ukraine: Hopes and Challenges

I'll be speaking at the Kyiv School of Economics Monday, also via Zoom. Please join:…

2 weeks ago