Intervention

U.N. Security Council Nears Libya Vote

Military action "could start within several hours," source says.

The U.N. Security Council could authorize a military intervention in Libya as soon as Thursday, a French diplomatic source told Reuters. A military move, potentially involving France, Britain, and the U.S., could begin soon after U.N. approval. “We are convinced we have the nine votes," an anonymous source told reporters. "Once the resolution is voted, an operation could start within several hours." France has been pushing for a no-fly zone, and the French foreign minister is at the U.N. for a final push. Debate about a no-fly zone or other military action has occupied the global community in past weeks as Libya has descended into civil war, and it has taken a more urgent tone in the past few days as President Obama has wanted the U.N. to authorize military strikes.