Could the Japanese earthquake have doomed the Libyan rebellion?

For a week, the rebellion in Libya was the top news every day.  Then, the earthquake in Japan captured the world's attention.  It took until March 17 to get a UN resolution allowing military action to enforce a no-fly zone in Libya.

Meanwhile, Quaddafi has made significant advances on retaking rebel-held territories.  On March 18, allies promise they will take action "soon."

Would the action on the no-fly-zone have moved more quickly if the story had been above the fold every day on the NYT?