Since the UN resolution re Libya on Wednesday, numerous pro-interventionist diarists and commenters here have turned their gaze to the sky, wondering “OK, now where’s the cavalry?” Mostly, I suspect, because some silly diplomat made the statement that aircraft would be overflying Libya “within days” of said UN resolution.
From my experience in such matters, that’s highly unlikely, for a variety of reasons.
1. Command and Control. Who’s in charge, and what are they in charge of ? Where is this command located (i.e. aboard ship, a neighboring country, continental Europe)? What are the military assets available to them, what are the latter’s capabilities (e.g. range, inflight refueling proficiency, weapons), and where are they based? How will the airspace be allocated among the forces? How will IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) be implemented? What about identification and control of “routine” Mediterranean air and sea traffic?
2. Rules of Engagement. Where do we have overflight rights (both land and sea)? What are valid vs. invalid targets (ground, sea, and air) [for example, is a Libyan C-130 possibly ferrying troops a valid target?]; Must you see a target before you shoot? Are area denial weapons allowed? What constitutes hostile intent? And on and on.
Understand that common sense is not the basis for military rules of engagement.
3. Logistics. Where is the ammunition? What is the compatibility matrix of weapons, communications, spare parts, etc. among the players?
4. Geography. The Gulf of Sidra is a military cul de sac, requiring significant ingress/egress force protection precautions for both naval and air units. By the way, it's slightly ominous to me that Italy has been conspicuous by its absence in the NFZ commentary.
5. Assumptions. It seems some observers have a low opinion of Libyan military prowess. Perhaps they're right. But veterans cemeteries are filled with the victims of such assumptions.
The above merely scratch the surface of planning this endeavor, let alone executing it. To me, a "matter of days" isn't in the cards.