What a joke.

China uses violent suppression to put down any dissent within its own borders.

If the world had relied on peaceful dialogue then Gaddafi would have laughed, carried out a slaughter and presented the world with a fait accompli. Any future dialogue with him would just be a stalling tactic until he achieved that same aim.

The allies have been very careful in their attacks to avoid being seen as close air support for the rebels – as their recent retreats have highlighted.