Another mistake in the making?

Are the United States and Great Britain heading towards making the same mistake as they did in Iraq and Afghanistan? Recent statements by David Cameron, British Prime Minister, and Hillary Clinton, the United States Secretary of State show that they are prepared, if need be, to take military action against the Libyan regime.

Military intervention followed by nation-building are endeavours that are costly in time, money, and resources mostly with undesirable consequences. The Iraqi and Afghanistani examples have showed that nation-building requires far more than ousting a dictator or religious fanatics out of power. It requires a population that is educated, a growing economy, and non-corrupt statesmen and administrators. Notwithstanding the resources and money spent by the intervening country. For the time being, nation-building is nothing but a distant possibility. However, if the U.S. or Britain intervene militarily, then, it is almost certain that the relationship between the intervening countries and the host country will not end there.

That is due to the difficult position the intervening country finds itself in. If it withdraws  from intervening in the internal politics that will emerge, then it will not be able to influence or shape it. The volatile environment created in case the United States or Britain withdraws, then the country could descend into chaos or another "Gaddafi" might emerge. Thus, the only viable solution is to do exactly what the Coalition of the Willing is doing in Iraq. Attempt to build a nation on the principles of democracy, human rights, and market-based economy. However, the Coalition has failed in all three areas.

Libya seems to resemble Iraq in that both countries had oppressive dictators for decades and political dissent, democratic institutions, and human rights protections were limited and, at times, non-existent. So, what benefit would a foreign military intervention have? None. Thus, I would advocate the United States use the same tactics as in Afghanistan, where the CIA would supply the Mujahedin stinker missiles and other ammunition to fight off the Russians in the 80's. Such policy would make more sense and it has proven to work.

Given the bad shape the American and British economies are at, it seems improbable that another foreign military entanglement is imminent. However, firm political stance toward the Gaddafi regime is the proper response.