Libya

I have been surprised at the turn of events in Libya. Firstly, although Gadaffi was better prepared against insurrection than his counterparts in Tunisia and Egypt, I had not expected it to last 6 months (it started in mid-February). Second, I had expected the Gadaffi clan to go down like Saddam Hussein's, with guns in their hands, but the sons have apparently allowed themselves to be captured.

Once Gadaffi is taken or killed, and it seems likely to be sooner rather than later, we and the French and the rest must pull out. This is not our war and we have stretched the UN Security Council mandate to its limit: it was 'to protect civilians' which should also include Gaddaffi's civilian supporters (Gaddafi himself holds military rank and therefore doesn't count). Instead we have clearly taken sides, without really knowing what 'our' side is like. The French have even been supplying the rebels with armaments, it is said, manifestly against the UN-imposed ban.

Now, this week probably, is the time to return our planes to their original bases and pull out the 'advisers' and go home. Then, as we should do after every military involvement, we should have a debate in Parliament as to whether it was a good idea. In my view it wasn't.