Déjà vu: Libyan Situation Reminds of Saddam Hussein

It’s time for another weekend of golf in Washington. Moammar Gadhafi has decided to defy the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by calling the resolution passed just days ago invalid. Of course, that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Why wouldn’t he? It worked for Saddam Hussein for years. Twelve years, to be exact.

It’s hard to be awed or intimidated by a body that allowed the former Iraqi dictator to thumb his nose at sixteen consecutive sanctions before anyone moved to punish him. While the UNSC waffled for another six months after Hussein laughed at UNSC Resolution (UNSCR) 1441, he quietly moved all Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to Syria with the help of Russia (who wanted all traces of their involvement removed before agreeing to the use of force).

Of course, Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), a bona fide loser who failed more than once to become his party’s choice for Presidential candidate, popped off on the House floor in 2003 with the following:

"...[W]hat the American people need to know is that the U.N. Charter, and we participate in the United Nations, we helped form the United Nations, we helped set up this international framework of law that is represented by the United Nations, that the United Nations Charter forbids all Member nations, including the United States, from unilaterally enforcing U.N. resolutions.”

It seems Mr. Kucinich forgot that the UNSC authorized the use of unilateral force in this instance, so the United States was completely within its rights to attack Iraq.

Now, back to Mr. Gadhafi. With this precedent to follow, he can take all the time he wants to comply with, or ignore, the UNSCR concerning Libya. Yes, planes were immediately sent to Italy. Yes, they are now flying over Libya. But, two or three golf outings may have to take place before any real action takes place. Take your time, Moammar. You probably have plenty.