McCain: No-Fly Zone Isn't That Hard, and Is Good Deterrent

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said that a no-fly zone over Libya would be difficult, requiring airstrikes before the zone is implemented. But that hasn’t stopped Sens. John McCain and Joe Lieberman from urging the establishment of such a zone or the arming of opposition groups, The Hill reports.

Sen. John McCain

Just signaling our intention to create a no-fly zone would serve as a "strategic deterrent" that could prevent Libyan military pilots from following orders to kill their own people, McCain said during an Armed Services Committee hearing.

McCain scoffed at the contention that a no-fly zone would be too difficult, pointing out that the United States led a no-fly zone over southern Iraq for years. Experience shows "it's not hard to do," the Arizona Republican said.