Would a strong show of American force in Libya have brought about a quicker result in the struggle to depose dictator Moammar Gadhafi?

Sure, it would have.

However, it more than likely would have made America the enemy once again, bogging us down in yet another long war. Might doesn’t make right. We would have been seen by the populace as an occupying country, rather than one that is helping their struggle.

And it is their struggle — the people of Libya.

By assisting the rebels through NATO and with a light hand, America and the West let the rebels own their victory when the ruler was toppled from power last weekend following a six-month war.

And in the effort to set up a new government, the West would be wise to proceed with a light hand yet again. Indeed, the West is providing funding for a new government (from Gadhafi’s frozen assets) and it is providing guidance. But the West needs to avoid installing a puppet, forcing a set governmental structure or making many of the mistakes it made in other Middle Eastern countries over the past century.

Let the Libyans craft the future of their own country. Respecting their autonomy would be the best way avoid the people of Libya turning their hard-won liberty over to some religion-based dictator.