Kerry op-ed on Libya in the Washington Post

[karynnj]

The op-ed is completely in keeping with his comments on Face the Nation, but he strengthens his comments on getting international backing.

The most important imprimatur should come from the United Nations, where debate should begin immediately over a resolution authorizing a no-fly zone. China and Russia have expressed reservations. If the Security Council fails to authorize action, those of us determined to protect Libyan civilians will face a more difficult choice should the violence escalate.

So our diplomatic efforts must extend beyond the United Nations. The support of NATO and the African Union are important. To avoid the perception of NATO or the United States attacking another Muslim country, we need the backing of the Arab world.
<snip>

The one option that should not be on the table is American ground troops; no one wants to see U.S. forces bogged down in another war, especially in another Muslim country. And, as President Obama has said, we must not deprive the Libyan people of full ownership of their struggle for freedom or give Gaddafi a useful foil and scapegoat.

Perhaps the mere threat of a no-fly zone will keep Gaddafi's pilots from using their helicopters and fighter jets to kill their own people. If it does not, we should be crystal-clear that we will lead the free world to avoid the senseless slaughter of any more Libyan citizens by a mad man bent on maintaining power. We should also make clear that the United States - just as we did in Bosnia and Kosovo - is taking a stand against a thug who is killing Muslims.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/10/AR2011031004684.html

(The comments by the way are atrocious.)

Here is the National Journal article - http://www.nationaljournal.com/nationalsecurity/kerry-calls-for-muslim-backing-of-no-fly-zone-intervention-in-libya-20110311