Why a No-Fly Zone Could Undermine the Opposition in Libya

The Takeaway

As protests in Libya advance to wrestle power away from Moammar Gadhafi, attacks on demonstrators from helicopters and planes also continue. This has the international community left pondering what it can do. Many lawmakers are calling for a no-fly zone to be declared in Libya, but that may be easier said then done. To help us learn what exactly is a “no-fly zone,” and if it actually works, is Joshua Keating, associate editor for Foreign Policy. Benjamin Barber is a senior fellow at Demos in New York and author of “Strong Democracy” and “Jihad vs. McWorld.” He argues that a no-fly zone would be a detrimental move, which would undermine the movement.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!