Roughly a week ago rumors spread that Muammar Gaddafi initiated a proposal that would end in him stepping down from power but leaving with pocketfuls of money, security for his family, and the right to not be persecuted. Rumors also speculate that these terms were rejected as Libyan rebels did not want an honorable resignation for an dishonorable man. But put to scale, Gaddafi is almost a 21st century Hitler of Libya, and when he has no concern for his people, and when he's slaughtering them at the slightest sign of resistance, this option may present itself as viable.
The actual terms of this proposal are very speculative; the proposal itself is only alleged. But if it were true, obviously the rebels wouldn't want their tyrannic leader who may have massacred their close friends and family to walk away with so much as a scratch. I would have the same opinion if I were in their positions.
But let's take the side of the major foreign nations trying to intervene in this. Sure, Gaddafi doesn't deserve justice. But I'm sure Gaddafi is scared out of his mind right now, with all these major foreign nations (U.S., France, Britain, Germany, Canada, etc.) demanding that he stand down. Saddam Hussein was executed after all. We have him in control. If we push for this deal, and persuade the rebels that this would be the best decision for their country, maybe the pros would outweigh the cons.
Gaddafi is still killing, and it's not going to stop anytime soon. If I asked someone if they could save the lives of a 1,000 people by letting one criminal go free, I'm sure they would answer yes in the blink of an eye. What does one life really matter to us? If he's abdicating his power, it will ensure an atrocity like this never happens again. We may be giving him free money (as part of the agreement), but think about all the money being dumped into international assistance. And now isn't exactly the greatest time for the U.S. be spending money in foreign countries. We have our own economy and our own people to worry about, wouldn't letting Gaddafi go free be the most judicious action?
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