Qaddafi's End Requires One Power to Step

Up: Annette Heuser

By Annette Heuser - Mar 9, 2011

Bloomberg Opinion

The turmoil in much of the Arab world has grown into more than a regional protest by peoples

seeking to overthrow repressive regimes. Successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt have spurred

demonstrations from Morocco to Iran and now, tragically, conflict in Libya which increasingly

looks like civil war.

The criminal acts of that country’s leader, Muammar Qaddafi, demand foreign intervention.

With that, comes an opportunity for the U.S. to restore its prestige and political leadership on the

world stage.

U.S. efforts to maintain stability in this strategic region have for decades trumped more high-

minded notions of democracy and freedom. America’s presence there -- whether military or

civilian -- often engenders, at best, suspicion and, at worst, violence. The 2003 invasion of Iraq

and the persistent instability in that country have served mainly to cement -- justifiably or not --

this hostile view of U.S. intentions.

It can come as no surprise, then, that Washington’s genuine concern for the well being of the

people of Libya -- manifested in a debate on implementing a no-fly zone over that country --

initially received few kudos among Arabs. Only now, as an entrenched Colonel Qaddafi

escalates his attacks and reports of massacres proliferate, is vehement rejection of U.S.

involvement softening among some leading Arab organizations.

Equally disappointing is the lack of stronger support for U.S. action among its European allies.

The European Union seems to be paralyzed again by the usual internal struggle to find a

common position on a foreign-policy and security issue. EU leaders appear to be back to their

bad habit of putting their heads in the sand, hoping for a United Nations resolution, and

preventing more refugees from reaching their shores.

NATO Intentions

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization also is hamstrung. Ahead of meetings today and

tomorrow of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, there is no consensus within the alliance for

any military move similar to the action that put a halt to genocide in the former Yugoslavia in

1999. The U.S. is unlikely to find many European brothers-in-arms to stop Qaddafi’s murderous

assaults on his people.

The UN is also an improbable forum for real action. Russia and China, though each for its own

reasons, are as suspicious of U.S. intentions as the average Arab man and woman on the street.

European hopes for global cover are almost certain to be shattered by vetoes from Moscow and

Beijing.

My Wish

As a European, I still dream of a strong and united Europe that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with

the U.S. to demonstrate that Western democracy is more than an esoteric concept. I long for a

day when the transatlantic partners stand behind their words and put into deeds their commitment

and dedication to freedom and human rights for all.

But let’s face facts: The partnership looks like it works best on economic issues. So if the U.S.

makes a move in Libya, it’s likely to do so, again, essentially alone.

There are many valid reasons for the Barack Obama administration to approach Libya warily.

But as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted in recent testimony before the Senate Foreign

Relations Committee, the U.S. is in worldwide competition with emerging powers. That

competition transcends economic and financial strength. It’s also a contest about political

systems.

With the Middle East and North Africa in the throes of revolt, now is the time for a full-throated

support of democracy. Some regimes have already been overthrown; others are likely to follow.

The U.S. should unequivocally champion those long oppressed who now struggle to eject their

oppressors. This moral clarity would go a long way toward restoring America’s image.

Europe’s Gaze

The U.S. doesn’t err in standing up again for the principles for which it has often fought in the

past. Its desire for a broad international consensus on Libya while considering action is

understandable. But events on the ground are outpacing the ability to forge any international

mandate.

Europe may be undergoing another round of dithering self- reflection on its role and influence in

the world, and others may view any U.S. move with distrust and enmity. That can’t and

shouldn’t stop America from acting.

(Annette Heuser is executive director of the Bertelsmann Foundation in Washington. The

opinions expressed are her own.)

To contact the writer of this column: Annette Heuser at info@bertelsmann-foundation.org

To contact the editor responsible for this column: James Greiff at jgreiff@bloomberg.net

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