In an effort to assist the cause of Libyan rebels seeking revolution against their ruler, Moammar Gaddafi, the United States has performed a number of military actions in Libya this week.

Stealth bombers have dropped bombs, missiles have been fired and ships have been moved into position near the country’s coast. While the United States hasn’t employed full military force in Libya, these strategic strikes, aimed at crippling Gaddafi’s air defenses, are still military actions by our national armed forces.

The initial cost of these operations has been estimated from $400 million to $800 million, with a likely continuing weekly cost of $30 million to $100 million. President Barack Obama has stated that the U.S. plans to be done with operations in Libya within days, leaving other countries to perform any further operations. If the operations were to end today, however, the estimated cost is still $400 million.

It is clear that the Libyan rebels are fighting for a cause of freedom and revolution. It is also true that Gaddafi is viewed as a harsh ruler. Also, this is not the first time that the United States has taken military action against Gaddafi. Similar tactics were employed by the U.S. against Gaddafi’s regime in 1986.

My worry, however, is if this military conflict is something that America can feasibly be involved with. These operations cost money. And our country is still in the midst of a weaker economy than we would like to have. On top of that, we are already involved in two wars that each cost much more than strategic bombings and missile strikes.

While it seems that Gaddafi has a very small amount of support, evidenced by resignations of top tier officials within his own regime and defections in his military, the U.S. must be careful to not get sucked into a conflict that is too large. Not to directly compare the situations, but shades of Iraq before the U.S. invasion can be seen in Libya.

It is clear that Gaddafi is an unjust and unethical ruler. It is also clear that it is fair for America to support the motives of the rebels in Libya. The United Nations has stated that it supports actions to aid the revolution, and multiple countries have come to the aid of the rebels.

I hope that Obama and the officials monitoring U.S. actions in Libya hold to their word that we will be out of the conflict soon. I think it is acceptable and fair for us to help the rebels. And we have. Now it is our turn to return to our ongoing military conflicts and leave the Libyan situation to the U.N. and other fully capable countries.

With two other wars, a down economy and no need for our involvement, maybe it’s best if we patiently watch this situation before getting in too deep.