NATO will probably assume command of all Libyan operations Wednesday, although it may take a couple of days for the entire transfer to take place. While NATO was initially responsible for enforcing only the no-fly zone, it is now also permitted to conduct strikes against Qaddafi’s ground troops and enforce an arms embargo on the country.
According to Reuters, NATO expects to lead a 90-day operation and is considering the option of placing a multinational force in the country, similar to the one established for Bosnia in the 1990s. Member nations will probably still be directly engaged in military operations but under the auspices of NATO command.
NATO says it will not arm Libya’s rebels and rejected the notion that it is taking the rebels' side in the conflict.
