I recall one very close, wise observer of Libya, who a day before Western intervention did not think Washington would act. So who knows whether the USA will surprise itself and the world again?

The strident R2P lobby has had a "whacking" of late, including by the SWJ Editor;see the links and summary on:http://zenpundit.com/?p=6108

I am puzzled, especially for Europe as it was rather too close, that few mention the parallels in the break-up of Yugoslavia and the years of slaughter in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

FP Blog has a timely reminder how effective media reporting can be limited, if not made deadly, by drawing upon the Russian approach in Chechen War:http://www.foreignpolicy.com/article..._the_messenger

My media watching is limited, but I've yet to see signs of the Arab public in mass protests. IIRC there have been some protests at Syrian embassies.