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Latest update: 17/03/2011
- Libya - Muammar Gaddafi - Popular revolt - unrest
Leaders dither as Gaddafi hails final showdown
Muammar Gaddafi's forces are pushing towards the rebel stronghold of Benghazi and predict they will suppress the rebel uprising within days, even as world leaders continue to dither on imposing a no-fly zone over the country.
By News Wires (text)
REUTERS - Muammar Gaddafi's forces pushed towards the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi on Wednesday and his government predicted victory within days while world powers debated imposing a no-fly zone to help stop him.
Foreign powers condemn the crackdown but show little appetite for action to support an uprising that was inspired by pro-democracy rebellions that toppled the Egyptian and Tunisian presidents. A Gaddafi victory and a crackdown on protests in Bahrain could turn the tide in the region against pro-democracy movements.
Supporters of a no-fly zone to halt Libyan government air strikes on rebels circulated a draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that would authorise one, but other states said questions remained.
The draft was distributed at a closed-door meeting by Britain and Lebanon after the Arab League called on the council on Saturday to set up a no-fly zone as Gaddafi's troops advanced against the rebels based in the east.
German Ambassador Peter Wittig told reporters after the meeting his country still had queries.
"We raised questions we felt are still not fully answered, as to the Arab participation in such a measure, as to whether the implementation of such a zone would run counter to the intention of the Arab League itself, the Arab League having pointed out that there should be no foreign intervention," Wittig said.
Veto powers Russia, China and the United States, along with Portugal, Germany and South Africa are among the members that have doubts about the wisdom of a no-fly zone for Libya.
A senior Libyan foreign ministry official said the government hoped to regain control over all rebel-held territories soon.
"We hope (it will be done) as soon as possible. I hope it will be in a matter of days," Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim told Reuters in Tripoli.
In a televised speech, Gaddafi taunted Western countries that have backed the imposition of a no-fly zone to come and get him.
"France now raises its head and says that it will strike Libya," he told a gathering of supporters at his Bab al-Azizia fortified compound in central Tripoli.
"Strike Libya?" he asked. "We'll be the one who strikes you! We struck you in Algeria, in Vietnam. You want to strike us? Come and give it a try."
At an evening rally in a huge tent in Tripoli, Gaddafi condemned the rebels as rats, dogs, hypocrites and traitors. As he spoke, thousands gathered in a square in the rebel stronghold Benghazi denouncing him as a tyrant and throwing shoes and other objects at his image projected upside down on a wall.
The rebels' position looked highly vulnerable after government troops took control of the junction at Ajdabiyah, opening the way to Benghazi.
"The town of Ajdabiyah has been cleansed of mercenaries and terrorists linked to the al Qaeda organisation," state TV said, referring to the rebels fighting to end Gaddafi's 41 years of absolute power.
Looking ahead with confidence to future business deals in a Gaddafi-led Libya, deputy foreign minister Kaim said Libya will honour existing contracts with Western oil companies and that the crisis may influence future cooperation with them.
Road to Benghazi
Earlier on Tuesday, jets fired rockets at a rebel checkpoint at the western entrance to Ajdabiyah, then unleashed a rolling artillery barrage on the town and a nearby arms dump, following the same pattern of attack that has pushed back rebels more than 100 miles (160 km) in a week-long counter-offensive.
As well as the coastal road to Benghazi, there is also a 400 km (250 mile) desert road straight to Tobruk, near the Egyptian border, that would cut off Benghazi. But it was not clear whether Gaddafi's forces were strong enough to open a second front and if they could operate with such long supply lines.
The mood in Benghazi was defiant but shaky.
Mohamed Yasiri, unemployed and 55, said: "We are all afraid, to be honest."
Diplomacy drags on
NATO has set three conditions for it to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya: regional support, proof its help is needed and a Security Council resolution.
An Arab League call for a no-fly zone satisfies the first condition, but with access to most of Libya barred by Gaddafi's security forces, hard evidence that NATO intervention is needed to avert atrocities or a humanitarian disaster is scarce.
Growing numbers of Libyans are now crossing into Egypt fleeing Gaddafi's advance, the U.N. refugee agency said.
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Comments (108)
Gaddafi ,the game is over
Gaddafi ,the game is over ,Get out now!
libya
united states & euro
countries should not intervene internal problems of arab countries
if not like vietnam/iraq/afghanistan/libya they lost everything just for oil.
Another Oil Mission
Let the U.N, the U.S or NATO stay out of Libya. They are just going there for Oil.
Libyan situation #2
This is all about the oil.
Libyan situation
With regard to this no-fly-zone situation in Libya....please tell me when there will be a NFZ over YEMEN, or BAHRAIN ??!!
Intervention
The need for military in 48 hrs will be over. It is sadly transparent, the US was not going to intervene to begin with. He can give thanks for Japan's nuclear catastrophe and skillful diplomacy to achieve nothing. The weird man in robes can now really go to work slaughtering his people.
Even Sadder Day to be an American
The US is involved in two completely immoral wars, yet we can't seem to support the brave freedom fighters of Libya. The next time I hear Obama or any US president blather on about supporting people yearning to be free I'll think of Libya.
UN
So much for the worthless UN and Nato forces.
we have a President that's so wrapped up in basketball and golf, while Rome is burning, he is out of it and the lib media keeps covering for him on not only domestic problems here but international as well welcome back Jimmy Carter
OBAMA IS ALL TALK ABOUT EVERYTHING!
Why bother saying anything about removing Gaddafi and give false hope to those whom you encourage if you plan to do nothing in seeing it through?
That is the Obama way. His heart seems to be in little except basketball, political fund-raising and traveling on vacation. He cheered from the sidelines, egging-on the rebels, and then he leaves like he never urged overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya.
The "Bay of Pigs" was a disaster for John Kennedy. But at least he intended to do something - even if he lost confidence in the plan (but obtained a degree of redemption in his actions during the "Cuban Missile Crisis"). But Obama is a complete joke and incompetent. Gaddafi will win because he has the military. And the rebels will be tortured and killed. But Obama will go on vacation.
If the president of the United Sates opens his mouth to say something, he should mean it. Obama is a sorry excuse for a man, never mind a president.
Time for Europe to step up
If the french and British want to see something done, they better do it themselves.
This is why people of the
This is why people of the Middle East do not trust West and their hate for said countries will increase in future. Western countries under leadership of the U.S. have proven to be self serving and dictator loving governments.
democracy
I wish these stupid reporters would get over the idea that "democracy" is what is at stake. The press has fallen for equivocation wherein the Western definition of democracy has been co-opted by radicals who have no desire whatsoever for it. For them it is a buzz word guaranteed to get the support of Western morons who are totally sans clue.
The West is a failed state of
The West is a failed state of mind.
France
I think the rest of the world should follow France's lead, the French are tougher than the other countries and the know far better what to do in their own region.
Libya.
It makes me sick that the free People of this world can not act in a timely manor to help there fellows in Libya. Foot dragging in the un. Gaddafi is pleased to have the extra time to kill as many free people as he can. Come on USA you have a mandate from the Arab league to act with a no fly zone just do it, o and could you send in a few Wardhogs as well. Thanks, a concerned free man.
There is no good side to
There is no good side to protect. Both sides of this conflict would be an enemy to the US. You know the cliche... The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Whoever we support .. the other side will send suicide bombers. What do we have to win? Forget the crap about humanity. This is the middle east ... there is no humanity.
Rebels
I hear the opposition team called 'Rebels' I thought they are military defectors helping the citizens overthrow the Tyrants. Then I see Gaddafi calling them al - Qaeda. Seems to me he is hiring al - Qaeda to come and kill his people. ??? It seems life will get a whole lot worse if Gaddafi succeeds here. I think France should take him up on his invitation, go in and pummel that Tyrant to rubble for good. Letting him get away with this murdering will just embolden the Tyrants and delay what everyone knows needs to be done. ( At the expence of innocent lives ) Down With Tyrants Everywhere ( Including the US )
Money wins every time
Civilians have long been sacrificed for oil or other resources, in spite of rhetoric about freedom and democracy. Sadly, money always wins.
Where is President Obama?
Japan is facing the worst nuclear threat in history, and Libya's demcoratic movement is about to be crushed by a tyrant. And what is the President of the United States doing? Giving radio addresses on education policy and planning a vacation to Rio. The man is worse than useless, and to tell the truth to a candid world, I told you so.
Democracy in the Middle East?
"an uprising that was inspired by pro-democracy rebellions" Bull $hit! Those uprisings have radical Islam written all over them and Iran is behind it. The only democracy in the Middle East is Israel.
Gaddafi
Reagan shut this jerk up with a reminder, right in his chimney.
SEE WHAT HAPPENS AMERICA....
WHEN YOU ELECT a lowlife SCUMBAG as your presdent...PEOPLE ARE SLAUTERED...first the IRANIAN STUDENTS, then THE LYBIAN FREEDOM FIGHTERS and guess WHO is GONNA BE NEXT? THAT'S RIGHT - YOU AND YOUR NEIGHBORS...FOOLS VOTING FOR A FRAUD!
re: United Nations created to opposing tyranny - shackled
You are incorrect on the founding purpose of the United Nations. In fact it is prohibited by teh charter from getting involved in the internal affairs of a country.
Obama has slowly responded
Obama has slowly responded while he protects his friend Gaddafi. If the American press or any press were doing their jobs they would show Gaddafi's link to Rev. Wright (Gaddafi's loan to the Rev.) and the US Nation of Islam which are closely aligned with Obama
So Proud
So the rebels will be crushed and the madman Gaddafi will remain in power to brutalize Libya's citizens. The U.N. did nothing. The Obama did nothing. The Clinton did nothing. So much to be proud of.
not our fight
It's not our country. No more wars for special interests.
Lybia
Please France give them a chance!!!!!!!!!!
Now the whole world knows the
Now the whole world knows the meaning of the English word "Feckless" ...
What are they thinking?
Who do these so-called 'rebels' think is going to feed them if they succeed in their anti-social aims of bringing down a functioning, stable government?
Who is going to feed the Egyptians, who produce only 20% of the food they consume?
Libiya
Gadoofus had better watch out! Soon as Bro Barry finishes the 69th hole with Geithner hes coming to get you!
tragic
this is what happens when the U.S.A. becomes like Europe.
No leadership .
Hope the America haters like this.
If you don't you can shove it up your ....
Slug it out
Evil people fighting evil people...LOL..good. We need to stay out of Libya and let them chew each other up, one side is no better then the other side.
Foreign intervention
If the Arab League says NO to foreign intervention, then let it be so. If they are content to allow Qaddafi(sp)to remain in power and continue to display his distaste for democracy, then let it rest on their shoulders and be a part of their legacy.
Gaddafi Hails Showdown....
Europe deserves an angry Gaddafi because Europe gave Obama the needed boost in popularity early in his campaign. I bet Europe misses Bush's leadership now.
jesus christ...give these
jesus christ...give these people a damn no fly zone now!
Gaddafi
Really!? Really!? It would only take ONE well place piece of guided ordinance to end this mad mans reign and no one will do it? I guess barry is too busy picking winners in some pointless sports pool. Good job oh SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD! Oh HALTER OF THE RISING OCEANS! OH PHONY FLIM FLAM MAN!
Disappointed in Nato
When Gaddafi slaughters the rebels and their families, and all residents of Eastern and Western Libya wholesale, will that be enough to convince NATO that their help is "needed"?
We will forever have to live with the reality that Gaddafi was rejected by his people and on his way out ... and we stood by and did nothing.
It's the European Bay of Pigs. Enjoy your neighbor to the south.
after the defeat of the
after the defeat of the rebels... will there be another UBL to come about since he will blame the West for their defeat?
Obama Blunders Again
You really set these rebels up, Obama! They actually believed you would be their "savior" and commit America to yet another "sandbox" war. So why do you and Hillary lead these muslims and the NYT reporters astray?
history of dithering
Ask the Hungarians from 1956 about the 'free world's dithering" while they pleaded for help and took on Russian tanks barehanded. We dithered and condemned them to another 40 years of slavery to Russian tyranny.
Michener told their story in; The Bridge at Andau
Why R we always the World police
Tough break people... Don't have a revolution if you can't back it up.... No One likes us yet everyone wants us to be the worlds policeman....
The problem was that the
The problem was that the revolt started just as the weather in Washington DC started to turn nice, and Obama had golf and parties on his mind.
At least we got the important
At least we got the important job done today. Picking basketball brackets and getting them in to ESPN before leaving for a few days having fun in RIO was stressful.
oil politics and uselessness of the UN
Two thoughts: One, there's no unilateral action from countries within Europe because everyone is hedging their bets that Ghaddafi will reamin in power and they're still going to want to buy oil for them. UK could have imposed a no-fly zone by itself but is too worried about BP contracts. It's sad when morality takes a back seat to profits.
Second thought about the UN: The UN is pretty much becomming a useless agency for real-time relief. Whether is Libya, Rwanda, Congo, Darfur -- getting the UN to act on anything takes weeks if not years and by then the attrocities are over. In the age of the internet, the UN moves at snail speed and is completely ineffective.
Way to go Owebama
Where is Mr. Obama, the so-called leader of the free world?
Obama = Failed Leadership.
Gaddafi
President Obama is heading to Rio this weekend to take in some relaxing time. Maybe when he gets back he will have something to say on Lybia.
BETRAYEL
>> Leaders dither as Gaddafi prepares for final showdown <<
That's the way is usually goes for the arrogant slugs who claim leadership. People die trying to gain some measure of freedom while these suit&tie numb-nutz 'Leaders' sit around enjoying power lunches and discuss what they should do....someday..maybe.
....world leaders dither???
....world leaders dither??? Not the almighty Obama, he has picked his NCAA tournament teams and is taking the family to Rio.....he is above all of this......hey, worlds on fire? people killing each other?, nuclear exposure dangers?, economic catastrophe? people being taken to the cleaners by the IRS?, government waste/fraud?, union thugs threatening people who refuse to give in to their threats/theft (oh, ya, the "O" does support these crooks)....what you gonna do now big "O"......bet your taking the family to Disney world.
This is the end result of
This is the end result of what happens when the united states won't take the lead and that is Nothing. France are you kidding me. The UN all they want to do is eat and drink and party like rock stars on other peoples money. From the surface the water looks clear but just a few inches from top the water is murky as Hell
No Fly Zone
Why do we constantly hear about a no-fly zone when most of the action Gaddafi is taking is via GROUND FORCES?! C'Mon people, even the rebels report of TANKS and ground forces not jets re-taking the cities. At the same time, most of these rebels are Muslims - Young Muslims who will turn on us in the future just like the Albanian Muslim who murdered 2 un-armed Airmen on a bus in Frankfurt yelling Allah Akbar. Well, didn't the USA help these Albanians via Air Force fight the Christian Serbs? So go ahead and moronically make history repeat itself.
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