The West's dilemma

France and the UK's plans to deploy helicopter gunships in Libya prompt the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung to warn of the risks involved: "Such aircraft are easier to shoot down than fighter jets. And if they are shot down, the Western alliance could become even more deeply involved in the conflict than it already is. That's Nato's basic dilemma in Libya. It's clear to everyone that the rebels can't topple the regime on their own and that the uprising would be on its last legs without the Nato allies. However if Nato toppled the regime it would delegitimise the revolution, which can only be legitimate if the people themselves oust their own leader. Nato continues to attempt a balancing act with its huge arsenal: bombarding Gaddafi's fortress until it's ready to be stormed without stealing victory from the rebels. Time will tell whether this can be achieved."

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