LIBYA (3)

Libya seems to be sinking into the kind of low-level stalemate, that many - myself included - feared might happen.

Neither Colonel Gaddafi's regime nor the rebels have won a decisive victory, and both seem to have solid control over roughly half the country. Civilian casualties from stray NATO bombs have occurred; and there will be more of such mistakes. Senior military men in the U.K. are muttering that the straightened defence budget can't handle a prolonged conflict. Other countries say that they are running out of ammunition.

Some NATO members have "recognised" the rebel regime; though what that means in practice is anyone's guess. Meanwhile, sceptical voices, notably Arab League Chairman Amr Moussa, are beginning to call for a ceasefire.

The Western world is good at getting into wars, but much less good at getting out of them and/or resolving the underlying political issues. Libya is going to be a big test for NATO's non-military skills.

Walter Blotscher