Ahmed Jibril, a former Libyan diplomat now advising anti-government forces, warns of "the edge of catastrophe" in western Libya in the cities of Zawiha and Misrata and calls for urgent action from the international community.

But Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Britain's former UN ambassador and retired naval commander and veteran Pentagon adviser Harlan Ullman say military intervention is problematic following the Iraq war and its unpopularity in the region.

You can watch the full discussion on BBC World News on Thursday 10th March 2011 at 0430, 0930, and 1530 GMT.

Follow Hardtalk on Twitter. to find out who is coming up on the programme.