Freddie doesn't understand how I can applaud the rebel victories when I've "voiced many arguments [against the Libyan War] that have nothing whatsoever to do with who wins". He asks:
Can someone, pretty please, articulate any argument-- any argument at all-- that Oakeshottean or Burkean conservatism could ever support the Libyan war? I am truly straining to imagine any space whatsoever for such support.
Those arguments stand. I would not have initiated this war at this time in this way for these reasons. But it is perfectly possible to take that position, yet realize it's now a fait accompli and be glad that Qaddafi is no longer able to massacre thousands by brute force.
Or to put it another way: If one has failed to help prevent a war, that does not commit you henceforth to hoping for its failure, or not being relieved when it temporarily prevents mass murder.