In a 9-2 vote, the Arab League has requested the United Nations enforce a No-Fly zone over Libya.
Two resolutions were passed regarding, Libya, both of interest. Qaddafi's representation on the council was frozen as of February 22nd, leaving eleven member in attendence.
The first resolution passed yesterday, condemning the use of military force in Libya by Qaddafi's regime but also asking that there be no outside military assistance.
The second resolution, requesting a No-Fly Zone nine to two with Syria and Algeria in opposition.
The contradictory nature of the two resolutions is certainly noteworthy, but were interpreted roughly as "no-fly zone, but no ground troops and get out as soon as you're done" on Al Jazeera English.
With this, we may see a unified front. From the LA Times:
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Saturday they had the resources to impose a no-fly zone.
But he added: "The question is whether it's a wise thing to do. That's the discussion that's going on at a political level."
The European Union has also stressed the need for "a clear legal basis and support from the region," reflecting divisions over the political fallout from a foreign military intervention.
But, of course, there are still some reservations:
American officials also said that the Arab League would have to do more than endorse action — it would have to participate in it, too. “That doesn’t mean they have to fly airplanes,” one official said, “but there is much they can do, from providing airfields to gas and maintenance.”
At the Security Council, a diplomat from one member nation said the Arab League decision was “helpful, but there are quite a lot of reservations around the council table still.”
The objections, including some from Russia and China, have centered on questions about whether the need for a no-flight zone has been demonstrated, and whether it has a strong legal basis and clear regional support.