But he repeated that UN backing, though useful, was not necessary.

The use of foreign troops on the ground did not have UN backing.

The targeting of Gaddafi did not have UN backing.

NATO still can't do much without strong UN backing, and you know what a political swamp that is.

The supply of arms to the rebels did not have UN backing.

Regime change did not have UN backing.

Yet rules are rules, and UN backing for military action must not be circumvented on the grounds that a veto is 'unreasonable'.

Popular protest was ignored and UN backing dispensed with.

The solution is thus not to seek a broader coalition or UN backing for the coalition.

Liberal interventionism means clear objectives, an obvious exit strategy, unequivocal UN backing, and regional involvement.