Unlike Libya, which long ago ceased to support terrorism, al-Qaeda continues to thrive in the lawless region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Apart from stabilising Afghanistan, so that it no longer serves as an al-Qaeda safe haven, the success of the mission is vital if we are ever to persuade other failed states, such as Yemen, that the West will deal seriously with any threat to its security posed by Islamist terror groups.
Where Britain's long-term national security interest is concerned, the stakes in Afghanistan are immeasurably higher than they are in Libya. Our politicians would do well to consider this before they commit our forces even deeper into the Libyan mire.
One, Libya stopped supporting terrorism before the West attacked him. So stopping the war before our victory will just lead Khaddafi to resume terrorism to regain leverage with us (and for revenge). So that train left the station as an objection for starting a war. But still, I too noticed that Britain doesn't have a dog in the fight over what happens in Libya (pre-intervention, as I said).
So why is Britain fighting Libya? Two reasons. One, to cement the French-British military integration plan the two have begun. And two, to replace Germany as France's major European ally (all the more important if President Obama kills America's special relationship with Britain for good).
Bigger goals are afoot in Libya, in the long run. Although a future American president who values the special relationship with Britain could make British failure in the Battle for France moot.
