Blog #11, More Violence will not solve Libyan crisis

Ryne Purvis
4/8/11
7:00 PM

The United States, the United Kingdom, France and their allies began air strikes on Libya on March 19. This is the largest military intervention in a Middle Eastern country since the invasion of Iraq. There have been many casualties in this strike, including children. Many people thought that Gaddafi's regime was on the border of falling apart and that once the bombing started it would crumble. However, Gaddafi's government has yet to do so. Gaddafi has armed many rebels, including those in his hometown of Sirte. Chinese President Hu Jintao told visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy on March 30, "The U.N. Security Council approved the Libya resolution only for the purpose of stopping violence and protecting civilians. The military operation in Libya could violate the Security Council's original intention if it caused civilian casualties and provoked a bigger humanitarian crisis. China advocates full respect for every country's independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and does not approve of the use of force in international affairs. History has proved that the use of force is not an answer to problems but only makes them more complicated. Only dialogue and other peaceful means are the ultimate solution to problems." Two wars have taken place since the world entered into the new century: the Afghanistan war and the Iraq war. What issues have the two wars addressed? Many Americans even say that these wars have accomplished nothing and fear that America may be getting into a similar situation. Libya is also an Islamic nation and tension there could further distance Christian and Muslim people. This conflict is also drawing attention because of the fact that 65% of the world's oil is found there. This could have a negative impact on the world economy. China's stance generally has four highlights. First, the turmoil in the various countries of West Asia and North Africa are internal affairs. People in Libya should decide matters for themselves. Second, problems brought by the turbulence in these countries should be solved through dialogue. Violence is not advisable. Third, other nations should try to maintain peace and maintain oil prices. Fourth, the League of Arab States and the African Union should play an important role in resolving regional issues. These four ideas would be helpful in promoting cooperation and peace in African nations.