reports from Zawiya all sound bad

It sounds as though Qaddafi may finally win that battle, crushing the stronghold of rebellion west of the capital.

It’s a tragedy for those massacred there. But maybe it will provide a new sense of urgency in doing something to help the forces in the east, whatever it is they want. The French are now sounding more bellicose, for example.

None of the Libyans seem to want any ground troops, and I completely agree with them there. Ultimately, I think it ought to be the Libyans’ call as to what they want, and I’m increasingly inclined to give them whatever that is. All fears of imperial taint aside, just imagine what it will feel like if the entire rebellion is crushed and brutal reprisals begin.