UN Authorizes Emergency Action in Libya; Broken Cease-Fire

The United Nations Security Council has authorized use of force to protect civilians.  NATO forces are prepping their air forces to carry out this intervention.  French jets can reach Libya directly.  Italy has authorized US bases in their country to serve as staging points for Britain and other NATO allies.  Spain is offering air bases as launching points as well.  The United States is providing tactical targeting data.  The Arab League has signed onto the effort, providing logistics for the no-fly zone effort to halt Gadhaffi's military's airstrikes and to prevent Gadhaffi from flying in more mercenaries to supplement his ground forces.  Regional support is important for the Western powers.  The United States does not want military action in Libya to seem as a third American invasion of a Middle Eastern sovereign state.

The American president spoke today, calling on Libyan troops to pull back from several cities.  He delivered what sounded like an ultimatum: that the US is prepared to use military assets to force compliance with the UN resolution.  Obama went on to clarify that no matter the outcome, no American groundtoops would be deployed to Libya.  He also reiterated that this is a multilateral effort: Britain, France, and the Arab League would be the major players with the United States providing support.

"Left unchecked," Obama said, "we have reason to believe that Gadhaffi would commit atrocities against his people: thousands may die."

Obama has invited a bipartisan group of lawmakers to the situation room.  This could be preperation to get congress authorize military action.

There has been violence today in Libya, despite the promises of a cease fire.  The opposition had flat out refused to believe Gadhaffi's  promises.

 The opposition demands that the UN resolution be enforced immediately.  The would like for weapons to be supplied to them.  The rebels only have what they have managed to loot from the few arms depots they've raided over the past few weeks.


Fighting has broken out in Misrata, the third largest city.  There are widespread fires throughout the city and many deaths have occured today.

Opposition forces launched a counterattack on Ajdabiya, which had been taken by the government forces yesterday. The fighting was so fierce that it is said that medics were unable to retrieve those wounded for medical care.

It is unclear when the UN peacekeeping undertaking will begin, but it is speculated by some sources interviewed on CNN to take place within the next 24 hours.