Article

2011-05-22 Africa North

Nato's mission in Libya needs a complete rethink, says former admiral

Nato's military campaign in Libya "defies strategic logic" and needs to be completely rethought before the country descends into anarchy, a former Royal Navy admiral has warned.

Rear Admiral Chris Parry said the conflict was becoming all too reminiscent of the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a "classic example of how to act in haste and repent at leisure".

Writing in the Guardian, Parry says Nato must accept that the UN resolution which allowed coalition forces to protect Libyan civilians will not bring an end to the fighting, and that diplomats should now consider seeking a new mandate.

"What might a decent strategy look like? The Libyan people should, with international assistance, establish and articulate the political ends they require for themselves and their country.

"The UK and its Nato allies could then conduct a campaign that is built around an explicit political purpose, expressed in a single, unambiguous aim (the 'master principle of war').

"That would focus and prioritise military activities. This would also enable a more sensible assessment of whether further authorisation from the UN might be required."

Parry's analysis is understood to be shared by many senior strategists at the Ministry of Defence, who cannot speak out despite growing frustration at the limits of Nato's activity.

Posted by tipper 2011-05-22 20:54|| || Front Page|| [11138 views ] Top

#1 "The UK and its Nato allies could then conduct a campaign that is built around an explicit political purpose"

That would play well at the war college. However, there are politicians involved.

Posted by Pappy 2011-05-22 21:22|| 2011-05-22 21:22|| Front Page Top

#2 Pappy, Perry tends to be realist, although at times he tends to get carried away, as in this article, where he expects politicians to wake up to themselves and do the right thing.

Posted by tipper 2011-05-22 21:38|| 2011-05-22 21:38|| Front Page Top

#3 Remember when the MSM would plaster the media with retired flag officers critical of the operations in Iraq under Bush. Seems a little quiet out there now their agent is in the same seat with an endless and meandering policy.

Posted by Procopius2k 2011-05-22 22:14|| 2011-05-22 22:14|| Front Page Top

#4 #2 Pappy, Perry tends to be realist, although at times he tends to get carried away, as in this article, where he expects politicians to wake up to themselves and do the right thing.
Posted by tipper

Mutually exclusive terms and concepts. My head is exploding!!!

Posted by Besoeker 2011-05-22 22:52|| 2011-05-22 22:52|| Front Page Top

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