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Former State Department Spokesperson Jamie Rubin speaks to NBC News in an attempt to talk sense into the Obama administration. He suggested many effective engagements of the Libyan crisis, and displayed a sober analysis that proves he has a firm grasp on the gravity of the situation. (msnbc.com)

The many excuses for inaction that are being promulgated by the White House and its military advisors - who claim that a no-fly zone is a difficult and complicated operation - are simply not legitimate.

The fact is that a no-fly zone, imposed over Libya, would need a basic intelligence network for contacting friendlies, a nearby air base (which is currently in Italy), and a show of military presence. This strategy would be a largely efficient statement of support due to the fact that the majority of Libyan air space is over areas controlled by anti-Gadhafi forces, whom (edit: I meant to say "which") are supported by (edit: I do not intend to infer that Gadhafi's forces are supported by "democratically minded citizens, leaders and policy makers", just that the areas he is bombing are populated and supported by them), and largely comprised of, a growing number of democratically minded citizens, leaders and policy makers.

A no-fly zone would also be extremely effective over a region where Mohamar Gadhafi's grasp on power and influence in Libya is tentative at best. There are quite obviously very few people in that country whom support the dictator.

The only factor now allowing him to remain a threat is that a significant number of his obsequious denizens are still reticent, unwilling to oppose him for fear of reprisal should Gadhafi somehow prevail over this majority push to remove him.

Evan a majority of the pro-Gadhafi forces are likely only fighting for him because they are afraid to defect and be branded traitors and outlaws if the rebellion is defeated.

A no-fly zone, and even small amounts of support for the opposition, would almost guarantee further defections among the military, and would also take the pressure off of those who will remain non-violent during the conflict, and whom could play a pivotal role in the victory of the rebels, should they be guaranteed protection.

It is almost certain that there was already an assassination attempt on Gadhafi, and his inner circle is crumbling or he would not be escalating the air strikes in defiance of international pressures demanding he stand down.

The pilots that are currently bombing the rebels are essentially being ordered to "shoot fish in a barrel". To deploy even a small amount of military opposition - preventing their ability to fly unopposed - would either ground most of the fighter jets, or cause the majority of them to defect.

It is no secret that the United States has at times shown support for a legitimate rebellion against a brutal dictator and then pulled out at the last moment, thus essentially aiding and abetting the all out carnage that ensued. The rebellion against Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq during the early 1990s is a prime example. (Wikipedia.org)

Rubin called on the White House to immediately engage Gadhafi by giving air support to the rebels, provide them intelligence, either arm or train the rebels - truthfully all they need is equipment comparable to that being deployed by Gadhafi - and show clear and demonstrable diplomatic support.

Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, is proving to be far too calculated, to the point of procrastination and self preservation. It is time to make the difficult decision and prove she is worthy of the title she holds. The situation has devolved to a point that it clearly warrants quick and decisive action by a collective American effort.

This would be a military action that is not a pre-emptive engagement or invasive meddling. The Libyan people are requesting support, and as well they have every right to, since it was Brittan and the United States whom armed Gadhafi to the point that he could foment this type of military assault against his own people.

It has been long established that Gadhafi is a deranged individual whom cannot be trusted to engage any situation with equitable analysis or laudable action, and has severely destabilized a country that many other nation's rely upon to supply them with resources.

The fact of the matter is that the country of Libya is not Gadhafi's country, it is the people's country. To have ever supported his despotic rule was a mistake, and it is high time that the United States takes responsibility for enabling him these many decades.

Righting an egregious and nearsighted error of this nature will likely not prove an enjoyable action to engage, as few of these are. However, it is no less a logical and honorable one.

The majority of the Libyan people are begging for outside forces to intervene, and primarily calling for assistance in leveling the battle field. It is certain that if the White House simply stands idly by, it will bode poorly for an administration that is already suffering from a lackadaisical approach to crisis, which proves this government's endemic indecisiveness; a clear result of a dearth of credible insight.

Rubin has made the point that it has been the international community and the international criminal courts which have given Gadhafi no way out. Since he has no place to go if he were to decide to just flee Libya.

While this was an honorable position to take - in response to Gadhafi's crimes against humanity - it has interjected upon the crisis in such a way that it must be backed by action.

Rubin makes the point that this is not a situation that can be seen as the U.S. versus Libya, since the people of Libya are fighting Libya's leader. Furthermore, the international community has already weighed-in on the matter, and have collectively agreed to impose history making sanctions and asset seizures, and are currently geared up and ready to engage the crisis militarily.

It is time for the United States to act, even if that action is such that this nation must lead the way into battle. The Italians have said they are ready. Great Brittan has voiced its support, as have many other nations.

War is a despicable thing to create. However, it is the most honorable thing to engage once it has become inevitable.

It is time to protect the Libyan people in their time of need, and the entire nation should see fit to stand behind this honorable action.

History is being made daily in the Middle East, and the clock is ticking. It is time for Hillary Clinton to show her mettle and work to get this nation off of the sidelines in the Libya crisis.

References:

Jamie Rubin Interview; NBC. @ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42030547/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa

1991 Iraq Rebellion. @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_uprisings_in_Iraq