SMH – Security Council tackles Libya

Imagine a country with political insecurity. Imagine a country where armed groups are engaged in violent conflicts. Imagine a country where civilians are stuck amid this conflict, with nowhere to go, and no effective justice system to turn to.

Most Australians couldn’t tell you where to find Libya. Most Australians couldn’t tell you what has happened in Libya in the past; let alone what is happening at present.

Whether this is because most Australians are apathetic or simply politically unaware is irrelevant, because this weekend, the UN Security Council will meet to discuss Libya, and the Herald will make it all of Australia’s business.

Libya wasn’t always home to conflict. It is debatable how conflict even came about. Was it politics? Was it international intervention? Was it religion? There are plenty of factors that could be listed. The Security Council will hopefully endeavour to address the initial and ongoing causes of conflict, and attempt to remedy the situation in the short and long-term.

No one knows where the debate may head. No one knows what stance countries will take. Will nations barrack for military intervention, or will they promote subtle structural change?

One thing is for sure – things will probably get feisty.