That is one line reasoning I haven't felt the need to invoke too heavily, given that the claims of racism are not properly backed up; though I'm sure ethnic differences could help polishing the final result.

But of course, what really matters here is the abolition of a dictatorship. Sure, many people will become victims of war and either perish or be maimed for life; but everday life in a dictatorship is also war - a war between the government and the people. People will suddenly disappear to never come back, or they will come back as crushed individuals. What would take the greatest toll of four decades of Gaddafi's dictatorship, and a potential four new under his son(s) - and this war - is not so clear. If the numbers provided here of the 'Abu Salim prison massacre' is correct, I think the dictatorship would win, if numbers was all that mattered (but is it?).

So, give the people their freedom; then give them more thorough advice on how be just while excercising their said freedom. Roughly speaking.