[quote=ocrenter]it was not a “dig.” simply that we are looking at macro strategy, and not military logistics. I’m sure you can go off on the nitty-gritty military related details and quite frankly run circles around me with that.

so the question remains, you have the Libyan rebellion. what do you do?

A. Immediately impose the no-fly-zone unilaterally. in effect we now own this problem. we continue to be the world’s policeman.

B. We use this opportunity to bring in other players and make the Euros and the UN own this issue.[/quote]

OCR: Sorry, I was obviously a bit prickly and took offense when I shouldn’t have.

However, in addition to Scenarios A and B above, you need to add Scenario C: Elimination of Libyan air power without resorting to the imposition of a no-fly zone.

Look at it this way: We know the areas that the rebels control, in terms of where they are geographically. This means we also know, based on the types of aircraft and helicopters that Gaddafi has, which bases they’ll most likely be operating from in order to attack the rebels. Rather than attempt to police a huge area, through a no-fly zone, let’s simply crater those airfields and destroy his logistical ability to deploy his air power.

Gaddafi’s air force is largely composed of old MiG-25s and French Mirage F1s. Rather than taking on the cumbersome and expensive undertaking of imposing a no-fly, let’s just ground his stuff.