New Voices - 2011

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propagate the supremacy of Western ideals. Globally, multilateral action in Libya should be perceived as a method to successfully expedite stability in a country that desperately needs help. Lessening the chaos in Libya would decrease the risk of a power vacuum occurring there, which would ultimately result in more security for Libyans and their neighbors. This, however, can only be achieved through multilateral cooperation. Acting collectively against Muammar Al-Qadhafi would be an example to all tyrannical dictators who serve to oppress the autonomy of their people. Muammar Al-Qadhafi officially came into power on September 8, 1969 (Simon 179). The insurrections in Libya prove that Libyans desire security and autonomy like all rational beings on Earth. With the assistance of the UN and the US, it is highly probable that the dreams of the Libyan people will morph into a more democratic civil society. However, intergovernmental organizations, like the UN, must not remain idle this time. This is an opportunity for the United Nations and the US to show the world that they will no longer accept the status quo. The killing of innocent men and women, and the slaughtering of helpless children, will not be ignored. This is an opportunity for world leaders, not just the US, to show that morality will champion over so-called crucial interests. If being human is to possess a life and life itself is inherently priceless, then the costs associated with significant intervention are minimal in comparison to a human life. Political leaders need to gain the political will to commit seriously to ending the suppression of people‟s civil liberties worldwide. Through cooperation, the United Nations and the United States will not abandon Libya and other nation-states who seek their assistance; rather, they both will be welcoming new, autonomous states as their friends. Works Cited “Ban Discusses Libya with Obama; Urges Punishment of Those Responsible for Violence.” UN News Centre. The U.N. 2011. Web. 10 Mar 2011. “Massacres in Libya: The International Community Must Respond Urgently.” International Federation for Human Rights 21 Feb 2011. Web. 11 Mar 2011. Reuters, Thomas. “Hillary Clinton: Libya No-Fly Zone Must Have International Support, Not Be U.S. Led.” Huffington Post 9 March 2011. Web. 10 Mar 2011. Simon, Geoffrey. Libya: The Struggle for Power. New York: St. Martin's P, 1993. Print. “World Factbook.” Central Intelligence Agency. 2011. Web. 11 Mar 2011.

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