In Libya, It’s Time.

It is clear that the United States just does not listen. Despite increased worldwide support for a no-fly zone in Libya, the U.S. remains hesitant. They are not listening to their allies. The right decision is obvious. A no fly-zone must be implemented, and the U.S. must support the action.

While Colonel (Col.) Gaddafi and his supporters continue to massacre Libyan rebels via aircraft, the U.S. has sat on its proverbial hands. The rebels are begging for a no-fly zone so they can have a fair chance to oust Gaddafi. Gaddafi has been denounced by every country in the West and by most countries around the world. The U.S. has condemned Gaddafi, demanding he give up power, but the U.S. has taken no action to this happen.

As Gaddafi began to lose control over Libya, he started to use fighter planes and attack helicopters against rebel forces. Rebel forces are not afforded the luxury of being able to fight in the air. Gaddafi continues make a bloody situation bloodier.

It is clear by now that a majority of the international community, which includes the U.S., believe it is possible for Gaddafi to stay in power. A no-fly zone must be put into action to give rebels a chance. And while many countries support the use of such a strategy, it will not happen without the support of the most influential country in the world, the United States.

As the world’s only superpower, the U.S. has a responsibility to protect citizens who are unfairly abused, and punish the “leaders” who abuse their power and promote violence. The U.S. is not doing it in Libya, even as rebels beg for some kind of no-fly zone.

The restraint that the U.S. has shown is understandable; They do not want to lead the operation, they do not want to find themselves in a situation similar to Iraq and Afghanistan, and they most definitely do not want opposition (Gaddafi, Iran) to twist their intentions and claim that the uprising was created by the West for commodities like oil.

The time has come to show no hesitation. Everyday that the U.S. waits to support a no-fly zone in Libya, the more people die. And everyday the U.S. waits, the sooner Gaddafi will defeat rebel forces. What happens then? The U.S. cannot allow him to keep power after his complete disregard for the entire international community.

Despite U.S. concerns, they do not need to worry about leading the charge. They would be part of a greater coalition, granted an influential piece of the puzzle. But consider that the Arab League, voted to support a no-fly zone. The UK and France are pushing the no-fly zone and are trying to convince other European nations. Other countries are taking control, but they need U.S. support in order lead a successful operation.

Gaddafi and others will attempt to twist the intentions of all those involved with a no fly-zone—that the Western powers started the uprisings for the sole purpose of oil. Who cares! Leaders who denounce these actions are the same leaders who denounce everything that the U.S. and the rest of the West do. These kinds of statements have never stopped the U.S. in the past, and it should not stop them now—especially since support around the world is growing.

Ultimately, all the reasons the U.S. is hesitant to support a no fly-zone has nothing to do with rebel forces in Libya. Lets ttop being selfish and think about the underlying goal of a no fly-zone—to protect rebels from being killed and aid them in the struggle to overthrow Col. Gaddafi.  The U.S. should be relieved that for once, this truly is an organic uprising, and others want to do the fighting.