Originally Posted by 0497
I think some ground forces might be needed.
I think it might be unwise to put too much confidence in air power alone, depending on the mission and its desired effects. Even an effective and successful NFZ operation including offensive measures against opposing air force and GBAD assets, eventually resulting in air supremacy (more or less), would perhaps be of limited value to the Libyan population given the threats on the ground.
Again I think the experiences from the Balkans and Iraq should be considered if a similar effort is to be made in Libya. I realise that an effectively enforced NFZ
might be a lot better than no action at all, but can we settle with a limited effect against hostile ground forces doing a lot more damage than the air force?