Help for the opposition is risky

If the international alliance starts supplying the Libyan rebels with weapons it will be taking a number of risks, the leftist daily De Volkskrant warns: "It is becoming clear that with their limited materials and inexperience the rebels will not be able to contend with the heavy artillery of Gaddafi's experienced troops. It will take more than the no-fly zone to prevent the rebels from losing the battle. But must they be armed to be able to win the war? This would require a large-scale support operation that includes training in how to use the weapons. And that could suck the coalition much deeper into the Libyan conflict than it already is. Moreover there is the danger that modern weapons could fall into the hands of groups that perhaps later won't be so keen on freedom and democracy. The Americans of all people know very well that not every enemy of the enemy is a friend."

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