What is the point of the “no fly zone” over Libya?

[David__77]

Several points have been put forward. Is the point to “equalize” the strategic military position of the government and the rebels? If so, then wouldn’t strategic equilibrium actually prolong the conflict, and possibly lead to de facto partition of the country?

Is the point to prevent military movements and offensives that would harm civilian non-combatants? Again, if so, would this not “freeze” the existing situation? It sounds like an enforced ceasefire on both sides.

Way back on February 28, some opposition figures were calling for “no fly zone” because they thought it would allow them to win: "We want logistical foreign intervention, air embargoes, bombardments of air bases, communication centers and supervision of the coasts," said Muftah Queidir, a lawyer close to Benghazi's governing coalition. "Otherwise, the battle will take too long, and it will never end, and more people will die, and there will be a big question mark over the future of Libya." But on what basis could it be assumed that this would shorten, and not prolong the conflict? Any "no fly" or "no drive" zone applies to all.

I am not saying that ceasefire, or limiting the theater of government-opposition military conflict to peripheral areas is a bad thing – but I do think it will over the longer term hinder resolution of the conflict, unless a negotiated settlement between Gaddafi and the opposition can be agreed to. Maybe the intervention will facilitate that happening.

Curious to hear anyone's thoughts...