On Thursday evening the U.N. Security Council hit the right target when it authorized a no-fly zone over Libya, as well as “all necessary measures” against loyalist forces of Moammar Gadhafi. With the tide recently turning against the rebellion, the no-fly zone and airstrikes against advancing armor and troops are needed more than ever to protect millions of Libyan civilians and help deter the atrocities certain to follow any victory or further brutal attacks by Gadhafi’s soldiers and mercenaries.

The debate over whether to deny Gadhafi the use of his warplanes and helicopters, which delayed action for weeks, centered on how to ensure that such an initiative ultimately would help defeat Gadhafi.

Cynics have argued that a ground intervention would be required to finish the task. That would mean full-scale warfare, which raises alarm bells in the wake of Iraq and Afghanistan. In any event, it was not authorized by the Security Council. Optimists believe a no-fly zone may help turn the tide against Gadhafi and empower the opposition to prevail, or at least hold onto some territory.

There is little doubt that, in light of his 41-year tyranny and what he has said and done to repress and kill his opponents during the uprising, Gadhafi will commit atrocities against a large portion of the Libyan population if he prevails. His recent pledge to grant amnesty to rebels who disarm is laughable. The same is true if his regime merely survives, crippled but in control of much of Libya.

Crimes against humanity, such as extermination, torture, mass rape, enforced disappearances, persecution and other inhumane treatment, probably await the rebels and their families who fall under Gadhafi’s power. We may even witness a genocidal assault against a “differentiated” national group, namely the thousands of Libyan nationals who joined the opposition, as well as their families. War crimes, such as the shelling of non-military targets, including civilians, may also be revealed in the weeks ahead.

The Security Council’s earlier referral of Libya to the International Criminal Court for investigation and prosecution of such crimes, and the U.N. Human Rights Council’s independent commission researching Gadhafi’s abusive treatment of his people, already signaled the need to at least try to prevent further atrocities.

The no-fly zone and airstrikes against the most imminent threats should slow Gadhafi’s military campaign, giving the opposition fighters enough time to move their families out of harm’s way. If the no-fly zone helps achieve a stalemate on the ground, Gadhafi’s air force would be prevented from terrorizing the millions who live in rebel territory.

Were Gadhafi ultimately to defeat the opposition in their far western and eastern strongholds, a no-fly zone and the military actions authorized by the Security Council would make it more difficult, though not impossible, for him to unleash atrocities on the civilian population. In mass atrocities of the last 30 years in other nations, unchecked air power has been an effective means to maintain a regime’s killing machine and enhance the power of a tyrant over pockets of resistance. Gadhafi’s occupying force in disloyal regions of Libya, deprived of its military advantage from the skies, would be far more isolated when surrounded by the vast majority of the population deeply opposed to its control.

So the objective of the no-fly zone must not be framed in military terms alone. It must be seen as a potent weapon, joined with the Security Council’s other measures, to avert mass atrocities. A no-fly zone also can be used as leverage on Gadhafi. Even if he does not care about world opinion, at least he would have to ponder whether he wants the permanent grounding of all of his air assets.

There are additional options, some of greater risk, which may need to be considered to protect lives.

The Security Council could authorize creation of havens in western and eastern Libya, guarded by peacekeeping forces and a no-fly zone, to shelter significant numbers of the opposition. The technological and telecommunications eyes of the world should be focused around the clock on every move Gadhafi’s forces take, with data flowing to the International Criminal Court for evidence at future trials. The Security Council could request well-crafted covert arrest operations by key governments to capture any Libyan indicted for atrocities.

A global pledge was forged in 2005 at the United Nations that there is a responsibility to protect civilian populations at risk of atrocities. A no-fly zone will help thwart the worst possible outcome in Libya.

By David Scheffer

David Scheffer was the U.S. ambassador at large for war-crimes issues from 1997 to 2001. ― Ed.

(Los Angeles Times)

(McClatchy-Tribune Information Services)