No Fly Zone - looking back
There is some historical irony in the discussion on imposing on Libya a No Fly Zone (NFZ) given the role of Italy, as the nearest NATO state and with its somewhat craven policy stance on Libya until recently (Yes, the UK has a few issues too).
During the unification of Italy, notably when Garibaldi with a volunteer army landed in Sicily the Royal Navy (RN) had a presence on the scene to dissuade the capable Neapolitan navy from intervening. A 'No Ship Zone' (NSZ).
Less certain now; was there not a similar role by the RN during the wars of independence in Spanish ruled Latin America? Plus an element of discretion over expertise and more.