If it were decided that a no fly zone were a good thing, could we approximate it with some Aegis destroyers stationed just offshore? Those missiles are fairly long ranged, the radars are very good and the main road runs along the coast. How close though I don't know.

The idea would be to give the rebels some visible support, destroyers are easy to see. But at the same time not put any troops ashore and avoiding complications that would come with that. Politically we could be seen as actually doing something concrete to help, which might help us if the rebels win. But by not putting troops ashore, it would still be their victory if they can manage it.

Strategically, the goal would be to topple the dictator, but we would only be willing to put so much into achieving that goal. It would be a limited effort for a big goal. If the dictator won he wouldn't be any more mad at us than he is now.

I don't know much about naval operations but it might be easier logistically than a no fly zone enforced by aircraft flying over the country.

This is just an idea by a forever civilian so please eviscerate it if it has no merit.