Is it possible that in this case at least, the Beijing government version of the middle way is best for Libya? This editorial from China’s state-run Global Times lays out a convincing case for why it’s time for laying down weapons and launching talks, leading to a safe exit for Qaddafi and a process that puts Libyans on a track toward genuine nationhood.
The Global Times editorial says in part:
Qaddafi has resisted more than ten days of air raids and recaptured two cities, setting back Western plans to rapidly subdue him. Some cities have repeatedly changed hands, indicating that neither Qaddafi nor the forces that oppose him have what it takes to quickly dispatch the other. Taking down Qaddafi is proving much more difficult than the West had anticipated.
It is time for all sides to confront reality and seriously consider the possibility of a complete cease-fire. It is now unlikely that Qaddafi will regain a complete hold over the country, and continued Western military intervention, which in any case doesn’t comply with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, will result in a more serious splintering of the global community, including among Western countries.
All factions in Libya should understand that if the fighting continues, Libya will become very similar to Afghanistan, and possibly worse.
If the fighting continues, the weight of the additional bombs dropped by the West will bring a decreasing rate of return. Whatever benefit they may have resulted in has already been reaped. Following this course any further and hoping for progress will be like trying to wring the last drops of water out of a damp towel and it will be even more difficult for the “New Libya” to emerge from its chaotic state.
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