Arab League approves no-fly zone in Libya. But is it too late?

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The United States and United Kingdom expressed their approval of the Arab League's call Saturday for a United Nations no-fly zone over Libya. But despite the League's request, it remains unclear how effective a no-fly zone over Libya might be as Libyan rebels continue to lose key cities and towns to Col. Muammar Qadaffi's forces.

Agence France-Presse reports that Libyan rebels fled the oil town of Brega Sunday, as Colonel Qadaffi's forces continued to advance toward the rebel-held city of Benghazi in the east. AFP notes that the rebels' morale had been bolstered by the Arab League's call for a no-fly zone, which came before the retreat from Brega. (See map.)

The White House called the League's request an "important step" in dealing with the Libyan crisis, reports Reuters.

"The international community is unified in sending a clear message that the violence in Libya must stop, and that the Qaddafi regime must be held accountable," the administration said in a statement.

Britain also welcomed the League's statement.

Reuters writes that British Foreign Secretary William Hague told BBC television that "We've said all along that one of the conditions for a no-fly zone must be broad support in the region."

"Clearly this is one indicator that there is broad support in that region," he said. "It's not the only condition. It's also necessary to have even broader international support and it's also necessary for it to be clearly legal."

Reuters notes that it is still unclear how Russia and China will respond to the Arab League's request. Both countries hold seats on the UN Security Council and are traditionally loath to involve themselves in what they consider other nations' domestic issues.

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