Count us as highly dubious on a no-fly zone over Libya.

There are simply too many unanswered questions on its value — militarily, diplomatically and as a matter of national interest for a country already engaged in wars in Muslim countries. It should not lightly enter another.

Col. Moammar Gadhafi is indeed slaughtering his people. But even grounding the dictator's air forces will not stop the killing on the ground. And while the technology exists to target jets and planes that depart from Libyan air bases, it is virtually ineffective in detecting helicopters or halting artillery barrages.

No-fly zones are complicated undertakings, involving AWACs aircraft, other detection resources and military aircraft necessarily at the ready from nearby aircraft carriers or bases.

Our concern is that what is occurring in Libya is shaping up to be a civil war, not the relatively quick toppling of regimes such as occurred in Tunisia and Egypt. That means the duration of such a no-fly zone operation is unclear.

Arab League foreign ministers Saturday endorsed a no-fly zone. But, if this is undertaken, more support than an endorsement will be necessary. Will allied aircraft be permitted to operate from their countries? Will oil-rich countries supply the fuel? Will their own air forces be used? There are limits to even a superpowers' resources. To that end, would Britain, France and Italy, which have aircraft carriers, carry their weight?

The United States and NATO have taken necessary initial steps and the Obama administration has launched a five-point effort that stops short of military assistance. The temptation to intervene militarily increases as Gadhafi's advantage in firepower over rebels threatens to overwhelm. It's too doubtful, however, that a no-fly zone would be significant enough aid to turn the tide. And it might invite escalation, miring the U.S. in yet another war.

Yes, help topple Gadhafi, but we are unconvinced that the U.S. military should be the hammer.

REPRINTED FROM THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL.