As the NFZ was aimed at preventing an outright assault on rebels in the east and Benghazi in particular, this is a smart move on his part. It might also satisfy many in the UN, at least for the time being, if the Resolution has had the desired effect.
We may now have a stand off. Do the rebels really offer a popular and credible alternative Government? Will Libya fragment leaving the Colonel in power in the West and South? Will the West push for regime change?
To proceed with the NFZ as a show of force might stiffen the resolve of the rebels and lead them to move West again. Then what? Do we provide their CAS?