After months of military intervention in Libya, there is now some sense of actual regime change inLibya. It is gratifying and notable that this effort by NATO countries is in accordance with a UN (United Nations) resolution. Although regime change was not a declared objective, it was clear that the military involvement by other countries was facilitating this outcome. It is likely that many people will welcome the end of the government led by Colonel Gaddafi. As always, the big question is what new government will replace the one that has left the stage. If the likely answer proves to be a concern, this reinforces the need to be careful what we wish for.
The whole of this period of British involvement inLibyahighlights another significant achievement. This is the ability of our armed forces to adapt to changing situations. As much as any part of the public sector, our service personnel are expected to do more with less. Libyawas added to significant worldwide commitments, including the South Atlantic andAfghanistan, at a time when military resources were being drastically cut back. It is a great credit to our armed forces that they have been able to respond with such distinction to the directives of their political masters.
Britain cannot be involved everywhere but it is good to be a force for good in the world where we can. The question has sometimes been put that if it was right to fight over the Falkland Islands, why was it wrong not to stand up toChinaover those parts of the mainland ceded to Britain in perpetuity. One very good answer, from a reasonable selection, is that we would have lost.
Because of our limited resources, and the need for pragmatic consideration, our interventions in world affairs need to be selective. There is a lot of room for subtlety in making these decisions, and having unequivocal UN backing is desirable to put in mildly. All sorts of problems arise if this requirement is not in place.
British involvement in the Middle East has not always been so creditworthy or sensible. As recently as 1956, we contrived an invasion ofEgyptto seize theSuez Canal. Incredibly our government of the time thought that nobody would notice our collusion with France and Israel to create a pretext for our troops to land on Egyptian soil. This adventure had no UN sanction and was almost universally condemned.
In Britain, we fortunately learn from our history.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of Crawley Borough Council
23rd August 2011