A time

to act

At the time of writing there is to be a meeting in Paris attended by Hilary Clinton, Nicolas Sarkozy and David Cameron.

It follows the UN's decision to back a Libyan no-fly zone. The meeting will address the practicalities.

For many there will be the apprehension that this resonates with the decisions to go into Iraq and Afghanistan. My view is the former was wrong — the latter right — but that every international situation is unique and Libya no exception.

I believe that intervention is justified, given the conditions met. Firstly, the humanitarian need to halt Gaddafi's repression; secondly, the backing of the UN and Arab League; thirdly, the clear statement that this action will not involve boots on the ground; fourthly, it being in our national interest, and finally, it having a realistic chance of achieving a significantly more positive outcome than doing nothing.

The stakes are high of course. Gaddafi might attack civilian aircraft or shipping in the Med. He might still assault Benghazi from within from where no-fly zones may be ineffective.

Gaddafi may be able to portray his opponents as America's puppets. There is the risk of civilian casualties and of course being sucked into a greater conflict where Colin Powell's observation on the eve of the Iraq war would then come ominously into play: 'It's china house rules — if you break it you own it.'

But the opportunity is that we degrade Gaddafi's military, embolden his foes and increase humanitarian aid. Critically we may tip the balance towards something better than the re-emergence of a pariah state on the shores of the Med, led by the Gaddafi of old, the man of Lockerbie and of the murder of PC Yvonne Fletcher. Our country has taken a lead — we should commend that.