'We Are Now Reaching a Point of Decision, Very Clearly, On What Happens Next'

Of course "what happens next" will likely be the convening of a focus group to examine what to do next. That or they'll send a strongly-worded letter warning of dire consequences if the opinion of the world community isn't adhered to.

Here in America, what happens next is our fearless leader fills out his NCAA brackets before hitting the links again. The rest of the world, meanwhile, dithers and worry about the fine print.

Maybe they're just afraid of offending someone.

William Hague today said the international community is approaching a 'point of decision' on military intervention in Libya.

The Foreign Secretary, who is meeting fellow G8 foreign ministers in Paris tonight, also hinted the Government may consider arming rebels.

'We are now reaching a point of decision, very clearly, on what happens next,' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

'Clearly a no-fly zone is one of the leading propositions. It isn't the answer to everything but it has been called for by the Arab League and is something which the international community must now consider.'

Mr Hague made clear that although a UN resolution backing a no-fly zone would be the simplest option, nations could still act under international law without one.

'In cases of great, overwhelming humanitarian need, then nations are able to act under international law, even without a resolution of the Security Council,' he said.

His comments came after former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind for an 'open and urgent' supply of weapons to the rebels, to avoid repeating the 'mistake' of the Bosnian war in the 1990s.

Sir Malcolm said: 'Having been defence secretary at the time I have, in retrospect, felt that (the arms embargo) was the most serious mistake made by the UN.'

Mr Hague said all arms exports to Libya - including to the rebels - are subject to a UN embargo, although he suggested that that could change.

'I wouldn't exclude various possibilities on this score,' he said. 'I think Malcolm Rifkind makes a very good case. Again, this is the kind of subject which has to be discussed with our international partners.'

By the time they rush to make a decision, Khadafy's forces will be in mop-up mode.

Analysts believe there is a very real possibility that Gaddafi's forces will have already secured victory by the time any global response is agreed.

Our Secretary of State is scheduled to talk some more today. She's great at talking. Making decisions, that's the tough part.

Thanks to Hot Air for the link.