Why is action being taken by the West in Libya, specifically? Out of altruism only? I doubt that. There must be a number of serious pragmatic reasons for doing so, I would think. I don't call that a "conspiracy", I call it Realpolitik, as always. Countries make moves that they think will be of benefit to themselves in the long run. Various objectives are being sought. One of them might be just to get rid of Gadhafi, because he's a loose cannon and a problem for just about everyone. I could understand the West having such an objective...but that's not altruism. That's practical politics with an objective that makes sense.

Why did the West choose to side with the Libyan rebels? Altruism? Well, that's why the general populace in the West (including me and Ron Davies) sympathizes with the rebels...but I very much doubt that it's the reason why several western powers are intervening in the crisis. I think they see an opportunity...but for what, I couldn't say.

I have no theories to propound about it..."conspiracy" or otherwise. I just think it's another round of power politics, that's all. Gadhafi appears to have worn out his welcome with his former friends in the West, so he'll probably be replaced in awhile by someone else.