The Libya intervention goes on, with as many question marks hanging over the operation
as airplanes in the sky. What is the aim? Who will run it? Can the United States, Britain and France keep allies such as Turkey on board?
Behind the scenes, officials are said to be looking at various options, including if and how to support the rebels. But the hand-wringing is now even audible across St James Park.
Realistically, the UK should in the first instance work towards establishing a stalemate between loyalists and rebels. From such a stalemate a political process can then begin, which, though it may take many years and continue during the fighting, can help create the foundations for a new Libya. Ideally, that future would not contain Colonel Gaddafi and his family; but, unless the UK is willing to target him specifically, which seems unlikely, or he is toppled, which also seems unlikely, it is best to work off the assumption that he will play some kind of role.
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