March 17th: War In Libya?

Update : On the evening of March 17th, the U.N. Security Council approved (10-0, 5 abstainees) measures including a no-fly zone to try to halt Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's advances and the use of any other measures necessary to protect Libyans. Canada immediately noted they were ready to send 6 fighter jets to Libya to help enforce the no-fly zone. News services reported that the first strikes will be unilateral ones by British and French aircraft. Those countries' fighters could be in the air within hours of the resolution's approval. It is likely five Arab air forces will take part. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had earlier said it will mean bombing Libyan air defenses. On the morning of March 18, 2011, New York time, Libya's foreign minister declared a cease-fire after the U.N. Security Council approved the no-fly zone to protect civilians. Later reports, however, note that t wenty-five people, including several children, were ki...