On Libya: Who are the rebels? Are they worthy of our support?

On Libya, too many questions

Excerpts:

• The world would be better without Gaddafi. But is that a vital U.S. national interest? If it is, when did it become so? A month ago, no one thought it was
  
• But how is imposing a no-fly zone - the use of military force to further military and political objectives - not military intervention?
  
• The Economist reports Gaddafi has "a huge arsenal of Russian surface-to-air missiles" and that some experts think Libya has SAMs that could threaten U.S. or allies' aircraft. If a pilot is downed and captured, are we ready for the hostage drama?
  
• [Is] it wise for U.S. military force to be engaged simultaneously in three Muslim nations?
  
  
  

Comment: And my question: Who are the rebels? Are they worthy of our support?