The World Reporter: News Opinion and Analysis

Pro Gaddafi's Forces Captured Bani Walid, 5 NTC Troops Killed, 30 Injured

2012-01-23T23:12:00.000+05:30

In a new development from North Africa, Pro Gaddafi's fighters re-emerged to take small revenge.

Pro Gaddafi Fighters loyal to late Libyan leader clashed with revolutionary forces in the former-regime stronghold of Bani Walid on Monday, after the arrest of one of the Gaddaffi Loyalist. With this, they have successfully gained the control over the city. According to few analysts the country is heading towards another civil war. The head of Libya’s National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, has said the country will find itself in civil war if NTC resigns.

The clashes reportedly came after mass protests in the city of Benghazi happened on the weekend, as well as subsequent resignation of NTC (National Transitional Council) deputy chief, Abdel Hafiz Ghoga, resulting into the death of at least five NTC troops and injury of 30 others.

Sabah al-Mukhtar, President of the Arab Lawyers Association, explained to Russia Today why another civil war is possible in the country.

“Reason number one is that the arms are still in the hands of the various militias in various areas," in addition to competing tribes in those areas, explained.

“At the same time, the political views of the people are in conflict. You have a situation when people want Islam to be a part of the constitution, while you have others, that are liberals, who do not.”

“So you have the conflict on policies as well as the availability of arms,” he concluded.

Sabah al-Mukhtar also says there are dramatic divergences in what the NTC says and what it actually does.

“Many of them are actually from the old regime – including the leader who was a Minister of Justice under Gaddafi – and there are many other people like his deputy, like many others, who were men of Gaddafi and at the same time now they say, 'we will not allow those who benefited from Gaddafi`s regime to stand for elections.'"

The lawyer pointed out that the head of NTC himself served as a Minister of Justice under Gaddafi and turned blind eye to many injustices in the country, as told by RT.

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International Reaction on Gaddaffi's Death

2011-10-23T12:25:00.001+05:30

Image from Guardian.com

The United Nations

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

"This day marks a historic transition for Libya. In the coming days, we will witness scenes of celebration as well as grief for those who lost so much. Now is the time for all Libyans to come together. Libyans can only realise the promise of the future for national unity and reconciliation. Combatants on all sides must lay down their arms in peace. This is the time for healing and rebuilding, for generosity of spirit, not for revenge."

US Reaction

President Barack Obama

"For four decades, the Gaddafi regime ruled the Libyan people with an iron fist. Their human rights were denied. Innocent civilians were detained, beaten and killed. Libya's wealth was squandered and enormous potential of Libyan people was held back and terror was used as a political weapon. Today we can definitively say that the Gaddafi regime has come to an end."

US senator John McCain

"The United States, along with our European allies and Arab partners, must now deepen our support for the Libyan people, as they work to make the next phase of their democratic revolution as successful as the fight to free their country."

Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to the US Congress

"Libyans are safer now after Gaddafi's death and the Arab world is breaking free. But never celebrate death of anyone, even bad people."

The European Union's Reaction

"The death of Gaddafi marks the end of an era of despotism, said Herman Van Rompuy, the bloc's president. That Gaddafi died in a raid in Sirte means an end also to the repression from which the Libyan people have suffered for too long."

UK's Reaction

Prime Minister David Cameron

"People in Libya today have an even greater chance after this news of building themselves a strong and democratic future."

Russia's Reaction

Reaction of Russia’s NATO envoy and the leader of the Congress of Russian Communities, Dmitry Rogozin, First Deputy Chairman of Russia's Communist Party's Central Committee and Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Ivan Melnikov. Russia's Reaction on Gaddaffi's Death, Remarks from US.

Italy's Reaction

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

"Now the war is over."

French Reaction

President Nicolas Sarkozy

"The disappearance of Muammar Gaddafi is a major step forward in the battle fought for more than eight months by the Libyan people to liberate themselves from the dictatorial and violent regime imposed on them for more than 40 years."

Germany's Reaction

Chancellor Angela Merkel

"With this, a bloody war comes to an end, which Gaddafi led against his own people. Libya must now quickly take further resolute steps towards democracy and make the achievments so far of the Arab Spring irreversible."

The African Union's Reaction

"The African Union lifted its suspension of Libya's membership and said in a statement it would authorise the current authorities in Libya to occupy the seat of Libya in the AU and its organs."

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UK to Send Military Officers to Advice Libyan Rebels

2011-04-20T00:17:00.001+05:30

Tripoli
Picture taken by Bryn Pinzgauer

After being involved in already two wars in Afro Asian region, western nations are determined to start a third one against an Islamic country.

Britain has decided to send its military officers to Libya to advice the rebels on important strategic and fighting tactics. ten officers from UK would be providing logistic and intelligence training to the rebels who are fighting against the 6 decades long rule by their leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Ruling out the direct involvement of the officers in the fight against regime loyal forces, British officers would be providing the vital support to the rebels.

If west succeeds in making Gaddafi step out then they would be achieving Libya's huge Natural Gas reserves, a pro western Islamic government, and a first time success in any war in past two decades or more, but if things go wrong by helping rebels this way, they might be creating another Al Qaeda which they had proudly done during Soviet's invasion of Afghanistan which is now making them struggle.

Former Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Sir Menzies Campbell, warned the authorities in Britain and US to avoid creating another Vietnam. Sending ground troops in foreign countries is not allowed but under UN resolution of 1973 temporarily ground activities can be done for something good. But he reminded all the countries involved in the Libyan uprising, especially Britain to take extra care as Vietnam also began with an American president sending military advisers. Which America lost badly.

The strength which Gaddaffi has shown to the world wasn't expected by many in the world. General people's opinion was that he will bow down early as western forces will strike the land accompanied by the rebels. If Gaddafi would have used this power in something better for his people then he would have never seen these days. Still the war is not a solution. It will destroy the land in Africa as they completely destroyed Iraq and left it nowhere.

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Is There Any End of War in Libya?

2011-04-16T01:37:00.000+05:30

Taken by guigo.eu

The war in Libya is on, and the end doesn't look near. Gaddafi's forces are not showing any signs of loosing and rebels with whatever weapons and arms they are left, are struggling. Nato is bombing, but achieving hardly anything.

A man who has been ruling the nation for decades know his people and his supporters very well. He knows the power of rebellions and he knows what he what mistakes he can do.

Many believe that Gaddafi is on the brink of loosing the war but is not showing to the world. He is staging everything as such that NATO forces and rebels feel he is still very powerful.

The question is where the wars is going?

NATO forces have said that until Gaddaffi doesn't not step down, they will continue bombing Libya. This means that they have clearly declared that they have problems with Gaddaffi. Till now the ineffective air strike by the allied nations hardly have brought any results. Considering from arming the rebels to land on Libya, many new ideas are being constructed by the policy makers as they don't want to lose the war.

UN Security Council resolution 1973 prevents foreign forces from occupying Libya. Though it might allow a limited operation on Libya's soil, but it is clear to all how those limited operations extended to temporary occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile African Union has proposed truce and a temporary end of war so that the matter could be solved through negotiations. African Union is in favour of talks with the Libyan leader and has requested rebels to maintain ceasefire and NATO to stop bombing.

Gaddafi accepted the idea of truce sponsored by African Union, but rebels have rejected and considering only war as an option, though they have promised that they will study the plan and think more on it. According to the rebels, it is very tough to make a man step down politically with talks who has ruled for decades. They feel that they will get nothing but another decade long term of Gaddafi's rule.

After many wars which NATO has already fought, it is clear that war is not the solution in today's era. Hanging Saddam Hussein and then not finding any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, attacking Afghanistan but unable to catch Osama. And now they have opened another front which is Libya.

US and Nato lacks a one point ideology. The kind of response they are showing to the decade long rule of Gaddafi lacked in the case of Egypt because Hosni Mubarak was a supporter of Israel. Similarly they have nothing to say on the decade long rule in Bahrain because it is their key ally in the middle east and also hosts 5th fleet of US Navy.

Nato's decision of attacking Libya somehow looks as if they were searching for an opportunity for so long to eliminate Gaddafi, and when they realized that they can do that using the rebels. They agreed to support them.

The entry of Nato in Libya has made things more complex. Rebels wouldn't have rejected the truce plans and negotiation if Nato weren't with them.

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Who Is Muammar Gaddafi and Why Is He So Difficult to Get Rid of?

2011-04-15T19:43:00.006+05:30

The Libyan revolution, a part of the Jasmine Revolution is a closely followed topic right now. Much has been written about it in the newspapers and much more has been discussed across dinner tables in various homes. But, the question is; Who is Muammar Gaddafi and why is it so very difficult to get rid of him?

Every other country where the Jasmine revolution has taken place, it has been a very quick affair, except for Libya. Only in this particular country has there been so much bloodshed necessitating external intervention.

What is it about this man, that makes him so vile for some citizens but dearer to the rest? Why is it that the whole world is watching with bated breath as to what he will do next?

Muammar Gaddafi,or "The Brother Leader" as he likes to be called is a very shrewd man.This is evident in the way he organized a coup against the first and only king of Libya, King Idris. What came after the coup was sheer strategic brilliance. Gaddafi realized that he needed to prevent a coup against himself. He realized that in order to control the people, he needed to cripple them. So, he prevented them from learning other languages and learning from other countries, effectively trapping them in a snow globe that was Libya. He made them believe that Libya was the only place left for them. Next, he placed laws to instill fear. As a result, the people were hard wired to love him right from the start. Ironic, isn't it?

Even now, as planes keep dropping bombs on him, his tone is not of arrogance, but that of mild chiding. He addresses the rebels as misguided children and implores them to see reason. He puts on the perfect facade of a benevolent leader. Thus, he has his own people fighting each other while he relaxes in some safe location.

It is clear by this point that Gaddafi is a tough nut to crack. However, just like every other nut, he too must eventually crack. Its just a matter of time.

Credits:
Image credited to: Rediff.com

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Rebels Captured Key Towns; NATO to Expand Engagement

2011-03-28T21:12:00.000+05:30

Image from flickr

After Successfully Making their way in Ajdabiya and regaining control over the city, Libyan rebels recaptured four more towns of Ras Lanuf, Brega, Uqayla and Bin Jawad as pro-Gaddafi forces withdrew under pressure from allied air strikes. Rebels now in high hope and passion are moving quickly towards Gaddafi's heartland of Sirte.

In a move of expanding engagement in Libya, members of NATO met in Brussels on Sunday evening, also to discuss the engagement rules.

Mohammed Ali el-Atwish, a 42-year-old rebel fighter in Bin Jawad, told AFP news agency, "Gaddafi's forces are now scared rats, they are dropping their weapons and uniforms and dressing as civilians." He further said in confidence, "We are no longer concerned about Gaddafi's forces at all."

Roberts gates, US defence Secretary with Hilary Clinton said, "we have largely accomplished our goals in Col Gaddafi's Libya."

"We have taken out his armour," Mr Gates said, "we would soon relinquishing our leading role in the coalition."

Mrs Clinton said: "We're beginning to see, because of the good work of the coalition, his troops begin to turn back toward the west - and to see the opposition begin to reclaim the ground they had lost."

In another report, France said that its aircraft had destroyed at least five Libyan government jets and two helicopters on Saturday night at a government air base near rebel-held Misrata.

In an official statement by the Libyan government it says that coalition forces have been carrying out air strikes between Ajdabiya and the town of Sirte, as quoted by BBC.

Strikes have killed nearly 100 civilians

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Rebels Regain Hold of Ajdabiya in Libya

2011-03-25T00:00:00.001+05:30

Image from flickr, hover to read description

Ajdabiya a major oil producing town in eastern Libya has come back in the control of the rebels, who have been fighting against the Libyan Leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi. Situated 160 Kilometres south of Benghazi where another struggle between Libyan troops and rebels is going on.The city of Ajdabiya was captured by Gaddafi forces last week. Several hundreds of troops accumulated in he morning before marching in the city.

A rebel told AFP, "They are shooting at us with tanks, artillery and Grad missiles," rebel said returning from the frontline. "We have nothing but light weapons whereas they have heavy ones."

Having lower quality and lighter weapons than the Libyan government troops, these rebels managed to get back the hold on the city just with the help of some Kalashnikov and knives. While tanks were guarding western and northern entrances to the city, rebels entered the city from several fronts and got within one kilometre to the city's eastern entrance, because of huge engagement of regime loyal forces in the northern region of Libya by Western forces.

In Benghazi, rebel military council spokesman Ahmed Omar Bani told AFP: "We are trying to negotiate with these people (Gaddafi troops) in Ajdabiya because we are almost sure that they have lost contact with their headquarters." adding further: "Truthfully some of the Ajdabiya militias have asked to surrender, to be left alone and to go back home. But we cannot leave them to go without interrogation because the answers we get from them will be useful in saving lives." Mr Bani further told the media that the rebels were communicating with the troops through a sheikh in a mosque in the city.

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Gaddafi Attacked Major Rebel Cities

2011-03-24T19:39:00.000+05:30

Image from flickr

Even after imposing the no fly zone in Libya and fifth continuous night of western raid in the country, Gaddafi is still fighting with the rebels in the country fearless.

Several loud explosions were heard in the capital, Tripoli overnight and in the rebel held city of Misrata, Gaddafi's tanks have been shelling the land. Earlier the locals told that the tanks started pulling back fro the position of hold when the western countries launched attack, but soon after the planes had gone back, Gaddafi's tanks resumed shelling in the city.

Meanwhile a French fighter has shot down a Libyan air force jet which was violating the no-fly zone, ABC News has reported. Also their air strikes hit a Libyan air base in the interior of the country in the mid of the night 250km (155 miles) south of the Libyan coast with Mediterranean Sea.

Libyan military sources have confirmed Western air strikes hitting the Tajura district of the capital.

Later on Thursday, Libyan Media reporter Western military planes hitting the town of Sebha, 750 KM south of Tripoli in southern Libya, which is a stronghold of Gaddafi and a military base.

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Why Russia Didn't Use Veto for Libya?

2011-03-23T19:57:00.002+05:30

Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia (Flickr)

Russia which has a significant interest in Libya kept itself quiet when other countries were voting for passing a resolution to enforce a no-flying zone in Libya.

Just after the west began to use its force in Libya, Russians came up with condemnations and criticizes. At this anyone could get confuse that why Russia didn't prevent the bill from passing. Russia and China both are permanent members of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) both have veto power which means they could block anything what they don't agree.

We can explain veto in simple terms, if members of UNSC decides on something, then that can not be implemented until all the countries having veto powers agree on that. The countries which can do that are US, Russia, China, UK, France. India with few other countries being non permanent member of UNSC doesn't posses veto power.

Authorities in Russia says that they were not made clear on what was going to be done in Libya and what would be the objective of the mission. Russia agreed what is happening in Libya is't good that's why they wanted to do something for civilians but didn't know that west will respond with huge force killing those civilians itself. Serving no purpose. Russia and Germany both agreed on this point that they weren't given enough convincing answers so they decided neither to back out nor to support.

While this is the exact reason which Russia states for not using its veto power, but Russia if it will loose something then will also gain few things with this decision. Knowing that now Gaddafi may eventually fall after this huge operation by western forces, Russia wouldn't like to loose contracts and deals with the new government which will be forming in Libya by helping Gaddafi. Thus, Russia can maintain ties with Libya intact.

In the Image above is the Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin, who has also served as President of Russia for two consecutive terms, is responsible for bringing back the much power and respect today Russia has which it had lost after the collapse of Soviet Union.

After a retreat from Afghanistan and being a victim of Islamic militants of Chechnya, Russia wouldn't like to mess with another Islamic country which could raise general anger among Muslims around the world against Russia. Till now Arab league is also backing western strikes, but now that Gaddafi is calling all Islamic countries to help him fight against west, we don't know who are actually going to help America and who are going to help Gaddafi.

Russia had this opportunity to come again in world decision making and policy setting group, but couldn't do much as it is not ready to take any risk right now when its economy and relations with west are improving. This is true since the fall of Soviet Union, western powers are doing just what they want and attack anyone. Iran, Iraq, Libya, were safe during Soviet Union's period.

Today's Russia is not what Soviet Union was, and it requires to build a platform once again to regain that image which it had that time.

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Gaddafi Asked Islamic Nations for Help; Pledges Victory

2011-03-23T17:56:00.000+05:30

Image from flickr

In an effort to rally his supporters Col Muammar Faddafi made his first public appearance in a week amidst of raids by coalition forces in the nation.

It is believed that in a response to the air strike on his compound on Sunday, Gadafi urged all Islamic armies to join him to fight against the "crusaders" (according to him).

"Long live Islam everywhere. All Islamic armies must take part in the battle, all free [people] must take party in the battle... We will be victorious in the end," he said in a short address carried on state TV. "In the short term, we will beat them. In the long term, we will beat them."

He finished his speech saying: "I do not fear storms that sweep the horizon, nor do I fear the planes that throw black destruction. I am resistant, my house is here in my tent... I am the rightful owner, and the creator of tomorrow. I am here. I am here. I am here."

War is still going on between Col Gaddafi's loyal forces and rebels. Supplies are running low in the rebel-held town of Misrata. "The situation in the local hospital is disastrous," a doctor said, as quoted by BBC.

"The doctors and medical teams are exhausted beyond human physical ability and some of them cannot reach the hospital because of tanks and snipers."

Rebels who are holding eastern parts of Libya are now getting low supplies of arms and weapons, some of them are thinking to ask west for more help while some are happy with their hold on east and believing that other Libyans will also start a revolution seeing the rebel towns in freedom.

The sound of allied strikes is still being heard around Tripoli overnight. More than 162 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired so far.

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US to Hand Over The Command of Military Operation in Libya to UK, France or NATO

2011-03-22T14:47:00.002+05:30

Image from flickr

Robert Gates, defence secretary of US said on Monday, that US is considering handing over the command of the military operations in Libya either directly under French, British or Nato's control in few day.

"I think that there are a couple of possibilities : one is British and French leadership , another is the use of the Nato machinery and I think we just have to work out the command and control that is most accommodating to all of the members of the coalition," Gates said.

BBC reported that The operation of stationing British aircrafts to a base in southern Italy which is being used for missions will almost be done. RAF Typhoon fighters have taken part in their first mission to patrol the zone.

The government of Libya says that strike is killing more civilians than military personnel, and in the third night air and missile strike by coalition forces have killed many civilians.

Denying that Gaddafi is the target of strikes, explosions by coalition forces and Libya's anti aircraft gun could be heard near Col Muammar Gaddafi's compound in the capital, Tripoli

It is being reported that clashes between loyal forces of Gaddafi and rebels is still going on at various places even after a declaration of Ceasefire by Gaddafi. In the eastern Libya, Gaddafi's troops have halted a rebel advance outside the town of Ajdabiya.

Talking about shifting the command of operation in Libya to another country or group, US said there policy demands them to remove Gaddafi from power, but they are doing military intervention in Libya just to protect the people.

Whether there aim is to remove Gaddafi or protect the people of Libya, there is no doubt that the method which they used has already killed many people.

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Russia on Military Operations in Libya

2011-03-21T22:27:00.001+05:30

While military operations led by US were almost at its peak in Libya, much awaited comment from Russian side arrived criticizing the military action. Linking American military operation with crusades, Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin called the UN Security Council resolution "inadequate and flawed." He further added, "It allows anyone to take all, any action against a sovereign state. It reminds me of a medieval call to crusade when someone is calling someone to go to a particular place and something to exempt."

Russia being a permanent member of UN Security Council didn't use its veto power to block the resolution on attacking Libya, but urged the nations to maintain peace and halt the military operations

Recalling how during the presidency of Bill Clinton US bombed Belgrade, and during the presidency of George HW Bush and George W. Bush, US raided Iraq and Afghanistan, he described the U.S. policy of interfering in other country's internal matter as a sustainable trend, in which there is no conscience, no logic.

Calling his words as his personal views and not of the Russian Government, he said, "though the parameter of the Libyan regime does not fit the criteria of a democratic country, but this does not mean that someone is allowed to interfere in the internal political conflict, raiding it and protecting the another party helping them against the government."

In addition, the President of Russia, Medvedev said that Russia will not participate in any operation against Libya, But Moscow is ready to offer mediation in peace talks in Libya, so far no one has either from Libya or Russia offered any negotiations talk.

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Libya's Nuclear Quest, Can Libya Use Nuclear Weapon?

2011-03-21T22:01:00.001+05:30

Libya could use the Nuclear Weapon if it had, but the question is where is their nuclear weapon?

Excerpts from our previous article (Is Pakistan playing with the world?) :

To give a hard response to India, Pakistan acquired nuclear and missile technology from China and is been accused of giving this technology illegally to North Korea, Libya and Iran. Which is a matter of worry for America and the world.

It is very clear that Libya at many times tried to acquire the nuclear bomb and had succeeded as well upto few stages but was caught by the international intelligence. In October 2003, a US-led international operation to discourage illegal nuclear trade intercepted a German freight bound for Libya containing uranium enrichment components.

According to another report, Gaddafi had sent his deputy, Jallud, to People's Republic of China in an attempt to purchase nuclear weapons to deter Israeli nuclear program, though the visit proved to be unsuccessful.

In a move to achieve a nuclear bomb, Libya had tried to initiate many bilateral negotiations with other countries to create better nuclear research facilities and power plants, since Libya's domestic technology was very weak, many students from the nation belonging to nuclear energy fields went to United States and European universities to pursue advance studies. According to Libya-Argentina nuclear cooperation treaty in 1974, Argentina provided with equipment and technical training.

In an inspection which was done after Gaddafi's December 2003 decision to disarm, it was made confirmed that Libya had actually obtained yellow cake from Niger in 1978.

In 1976, France had agreed to setup a nuclear research plant in Libya to power a water desalination plant. Just after two years of that, Libya and India had agreed to cooperate in the peaceful application of nuclear energy, on par with India's "atoms for peace" policy. Though all these were of little help for Libya, major changes came when there cooperation started with Pakistan. Pakistan had allegedly provided drafts and all technological information to Libya. (Read: Is Pakistan playing with the world?)

But later Gaddafi felt the need of shifting away from weapons and nuclear bomb, which he actually did not require. His only demand was either Israel should drop the nuclear program or all Arab nations must be allowed to carry their program. HE had made his mind that before stepping down and making his son the leader of the country, he would like to get rid of all weapon and military mess. He had declared nuclear disarmament. Though he didn't have any ready bomb, he did possess Biological and Chemical warfare.

Today when west is attacking Libya, they know that Libya doesn't possess nuclear, otherwise things would have been different. Because Gaddafi could have gone to any extent to save him and his cause. But one thing is for sure very true. If Libyans had nuclear bomb west would have thought thrice before attacking. Or might not have attacked at all.

It is good that Libya doesn't have bomb otherwise things would have been disastrous, but it not good that West is raiding Libya this way. Everyone knows West has power, if they would have use this force in making Gaddafi understand the cause of rebels and setting up peace in the region in non military way, then it would have been better. Pity that UN considered raiding Libya as its first option.

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Libya Declares Ceasefire; West Raided Fortified Residence

2011-03-21T16:57:00.003+05:30

Image from flickr (hover on the image for description and credits

Gaddafi's army has announced a new ceasefire on Sunday, saying it was a response to an African Union call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Whereas civilian supporters of Gaddafi will now make a peace march from Tripoli to the rebel city of Benghazi raising banners against rebels and raids by west.

Meanwhile, the United States has challenged that such a ceasefire exist.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a quick response: "I sincerely hope and urge the Libyan authorities to keep their word. "They have been continuing to attack on the rebels. This (offer) has to be verified and tested," he said.

As Allied forces launched fresh air strikes to halt Muammar Gaddafi's attacks on civilians, with a missile attack destroying a building in the leader's heavily-fortified residence.

Libyan spokesman Moussa Ibrahim told journalists, who were taken to the site by bus, "the building was hit by a missile" The attack was about 50 metres (165 feet) from the place where Gaddafi meets his guests generally. "This was a barbaric bombing which could have hit hundreds of civilians gathered at the residence of Muammar Gaddafi about 400 metres away from the building which was hit," Ibrahim said.

He further added the contradicting the Western discourses, saying: "Western countries say they want to protect civilians while they bomb the residence knowing there are civilians inside."

Meanwhile a group of foreign journalists were taken by bus on a visit inside Col Muammar Gaddafi's compound through number of concrete barracks, fortified walls and barbed wire designed to keep away the rebels. Hundreds of Gaddafi's civilian supporters offered themselves as his human shield, cheering to newly created rocking song in praise of him. "House by house, alley by alley," this is how the catching song was, quoting a Gaddafi speech. "Disinfect the germs from each house and each room." The crowd comprised of many women and children, who said if they want to kill our great leader, they will have to kill us first.

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Gaddafi Attacked City of Misrata; US to Bomb More

2011-03-20T22:08:00.002+05:30

Estimates of Libya's Arsenal

Pro-Gaddafi forces bombard Misrata city using tanks, artillery and cannons, while International coalition air operations continued in Libya, informs CNN . It all began on Saturday, when a series of French military aircraft Rafale and Mirage 2000 were spotted over the territory of Libya, attacking tanks and armored Gaddafi's forces.

According to Chief of Staff U.S. inter arm, Michael Mullen, the coalition will attack the supply lines of Gaddafi's forces, to limit the capacity to fight, informs AFP .

In a television channel broadcast of ABC, Mullen said the first phase of air strikes conducted against Libya is "successful" by allowing the establishment of an aviation ban areas.

Forces loyal to the Libyan leader began bombing the city Misrata at around 15.00 , using tanks and guns, but the rebels have retaliated in the city.

According to a spokesman of the rebels in Misrata, quoted by BBC News Online, the situation in town is "appalling", downtown being destroyed almost completely.

It is being said that many casualties by Gaddafi's tanks were civilians after the force entered the city center. 40 people were wounded and another 10 killed .

At around 14.30, 19 military aircraft, including three stealth B2 bombers, invisible to radar, attacked several military targets in Libya, including air defense systems.

Air raids were led by "three U.S. Air Force B2, and F-15 and F-16 Air Force and AV8-B plane of the Navy," said the spokesperson of the U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart. No aircraft of U.S. forces has been aimed by Gaddafi's forces.

Four F-18 aircraft of the Spanish Air Force arrived on Saturday night in Torrejon in Group 47.

Aircraft movements took place on Saturday in several air bases in northern and southern Italy. Three radar planes with AWACs (Airborne Warning and Control System) have been stationed in Trapani, west of Sicily, where not only Tornado ECR Italian planes, specialized in destroying of air-defence systems and radars, have been brought , but also Tornado IDS planes. Attack and fighter aircraft Eurofighter will be coming from Grossetto.

In addition, six Danish F-16 aircraft arrived on Saturday at the Sigonella (south-eastern Sicily), whereas American planes have been stationed at the base of Aviano (Venice, North). Eight Canadian aircrafts are also now stationed at the Sicilian Trapani.

On the other hand, Turkey has announced that it offers "contribution" to resolving the Libyan crisis, with "respect for the Libyan people's security," in a statement broadcast on Saturday night.

Dozens of Muammar Gaddafi's tanks were destroyed in air strikes Sunday morning west of Benghazi, according to rebels and journalists.

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Italian Ship Captured in Libya, Gaddafi Called West Barbarians; Full Speech

2011-03-20T15:40:00.002+05:30

Image From flickr

Recently in the port of Tripoli, Libya an Italian ship comprising of crew members from Italy (8), Indian (2) and Ukraine (1), was detained by the armed men as Jets belonging to the US-led war alliance have carried out airstrikes against the nations.

The Italian Ship ASSO 22, belongs to Augusta Off Shore Society, was sending staffs of the ENI Petroleum Co. to Libya. it arrived in Tripoli on Saturday afternoon after the staff departed, the crew was held up by the armed personnel of the port.

Excerpts of Gaddafi's latest speech on 20th March, 2011, translated from Arabic:

We will fight against you,
If you continue pressurizing us
We will fight back
We won't allow u to conquer this land
We are on the land god gave us
We are victims now and victims always win
You have proved you are, some other time you will follow.
People are revolting all over the world
We are the leaders of this rebellion
It was predicted by the green book which says that the people should take over
The Libyan people should be taken example by others
You can't attack our people
Who gave you this right?
Who are you anyways?
You are Barbarians, wanting to disturb in our internal matters
This is an aggression without justification against our people
We fill fight to keep our country
We won't allow u to enter Benghazi
The green flag will be held up high
If situation arise, our women, men and kids are prepared to fight today
We will be victorious
And you will lose
This is a great moment for us
The most important people are with me
And encouraging the assault against you
We will give weapons to all Libyans
British, French and US traitors will be punished
And those who are with them as well
It has became a confrontation between Libyans and neo-nazi
We will punish
All international important nations are supporting Libya
supporting us
And contest this abominable aggression
We are on our land
We are not worried and we don't fear
You can't scare us with your bombs and attacks.

French warplanes fired the at the Libyan military forces in the eastern city of Benghazi. After few hours, American and British warships and submarines fired missiles at targets mainly their air defence equipments along the northern coast of Libya

Libyan state television says 48 people were killed and 150 wounded in the strikes, including civilians.

It is reported by BBC that Canada is also sending warplanes to the region, China, Russia , India and the African Union have condemned the military effort. Gaddafi has promised retaliation, saying he will open arms depots to people to fight the allied forces.

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US Launches Missile Strike in Libya

2011-03-20T01:59:00.002+05:30

Recent developments coming now is that US has launched missile strikes in Libya in a move to destroy their air defence guns and missiles, clearing the way for European (read French) fighter aircrafts to enforce a no-fly zone to limit Gaddafi's actions against the rebels.

For now US has plans of plundering all air defence equipments of Libya along the Mediterranean coast to allow the entrance of European aircrafts in the nation. When asked, US officials denied commenting on their future plans on this missions which Pentagon calls "Operation Odyssey Dawn". But they told that for now they are only concentrating on providing support to French Air Force.

The officials said Libya's air defence sites on the Mediterranean coast was attacked by Tomahawk sea launched cruise missile by US Navy. They further told that they also have an option of using Naval electronic war planes to attack their strategic sites.

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French Planes Seen Over Libya; Gaddafi Calls Injustice

2011-03-20T00:53:00.002+05:30

Image from flickr

French reconnaissance planes, used to survey and obtain information by visual observation, flew over Libya on Saturday, which is a first step usually before doing any air strike. It helps in making plans and strategy. Thus it is a first sign that international air strikes may happen in a while. On the other hand Muammar Gaddafi's forces tried to push into the rebel-held city of Benghazi.

The advance by Gaddafi's troops into Libya's second city of 670,000 people appeared to be an attempt to seize Western air strikes.

Residents in the besieged western city of Misrata, said government forces shelled the rebel town again on Saturday and they were facing a humanitarian crisis as water supplies had been cut off for a third day.

Meanwhile Gaddafi said Western powers had no right to intervene, and called it injustice and clear aggression. In a letter to France, Britain and the UN, he said, "You will regret if you take a step towards interfering in our internal affairs."

The Libyan government blamed the rebels, whom are said to be members of al Qaeda, for breaking the ceasefire around Benghazi.

In another letter he called President of US, Barrack Obama, as his son and said even if Obama decides to fight against him in his country his image will still remain like his son. He appealed the international bodies to understand that the rebels who are fighting against him are mostly Al Qaeda members. If he is so sure, then the western power should check with that before doing any military interference in the nation. These countries have already received bad name, criticizes, and human right violation warning in Iraq and Afghanistan, initiating another war in Libya might cost very hard.

See the list of nations opposing and backing interference in Libya: Nations Oppose Military Intervention in Libya

This is the time when most of the European countries are coming out of recession, then why going to war is required now? Few of them, like Greece, are still having trouble with their economy. America, promoter of democracy, is against Libya as recently their view points with Gaddafi, who is a dictator, didn't match. If America were serious about their role in promoting democracy, then they should do the same thing in other Arab countries too, but it has never taken any such steps as they maintain peaceful relations.

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Nations Oppose Military Intervention in Libya

2011-03-19T00:33:00.007+05:30

Libyan Uprise: Image from Flickr

As the tension in Libya escalates, on Thursday Gadaffi said he will show no mercy and pity on rebels who want him down. Rebels, who are weaker compared to Libyan loyal military, have now asked for foreign aid to tackle any assault by the Military, loyal to Gadaffi.

While American warships have already reached near Libya, most of the nations are against any military intervention or imposing a no-fly zone there. BRIC and G4 nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have clearly opposed any foreign military action in Libya and are blocking any resolution in UN, which could grant give green chit to military intervention. India is a non permanent member of security council whereas Russia and China has veto power. If All three are not influenced then such resolution can not pass.

At the EU summit on 11 March Romanian President Traian Băsescu said, "Among the arguments I want to bring in order to support our position is that this mission of initiating a no-fly zone is a mission that only NATO can have and not the EU. We also consider it is not the moment for a military solution in Libya". Romania is a member of both NATO and EU. Both Romania and Bulgaria opposed the idea of international intervention in Libya. According to EU observer electronic publication, during the European Council it took the intervention of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to calm things down between French President and Romania, Bulgaria.

The only countries which back no-flying zone and possible military interventions in Libya are US, UK and France. Italy is supporting a no-flying zone in Libya as UN has also declared it. Groups like NATO and Arab League also supports no-flying zone immediately. Canada, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Qatar, UAE, Spain have expressed their desire to help NATO and UN for any military intervention, whereas Poland and Lithuania will only support by providing humanitarian aid and evacuation of Libyan people. No flying zone has been declared but implication has not been done yet.

Most of the country are only thinking of whether to go for military intervention or not, none of them has taken any actual military action against Libya so far. The countries which have directly or indirectly supported Libyan rebels are Tunisia, Egypt and Qatar (Tunisia and Egypt are the possible inspiration for the Egypt Rebels)

The countries which have reportedly helped current Libyan government are Syria and Algeria, by supplying men and weapons to Colonel Moammar Gaddafi. It is believed that Syrian pilots are flying Libyan Mig 23 and Mig 25. A Belorussian Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft left a military base near the Belarussian city of Baranovichi and landed at the Libyan desert airport of Sebha on 15 February sending military equipment, (Source: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). Zimbabwe is also sending mercenaries to support Gaddaffi.

Gaddafi has been ruling Libya since 1969, overthrowing the monarchy. Following the retirement of Fidel Castro in 2008 and the death of Omar Bongo in 2009, Gaddafi is the world's longest-ruling head of the state. Though the standard of living and literacy rate is considered good in Libya, corruption, investing more than what is necessary in military and arms import and suspected promotion of terror around the world cause him lose popularity and faith of others.

Some of the major reasons of opposing military intervention in Libya is the fear of another Iraq, as the war never ended there and the situation became even worse. Western power became so unpopular and the world criticized them. The increasing interference by US and allies in Muslim countries might provoke some extremists group even more and might become a threat to the world.

Supporters of the military intervention, specially US, which is a promoter of democracy, believe that an end of dictatorship in Libya is necessary. West can gain a lot if a pro western government is setup in the nation, Libya being an oil and gas rich nation.

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Al Qaeda Fighting with Rebels in Libya?

2011-03-13T14:13:00.001+05:30

Libya Unrest: Image from flickR

As the turmoil in Libya taking a more dangerous shape, today the Libyan government is killing its own people by directing their military against them. Gaddaffi who has been ruling in Libya for years is using his last but very unwise option to control the anger of public.

But the tragic turn in the news is that Libyan authorities says while capturing and killing some rebels they have found some of them were Al Qaeda operatives, both domestic and international fighters, newly recruited and experienced.

Al Jazeera quoted Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister as, "what you can tell from the way they [captured rebels] dress – the beard, the turban, the trousers – for us [Libyan Government] it’s clear, they are really part of al-Qaeda. Some of them I’m sure are not al-Qaeda members. But the core of these attacks are the al-Qaeda elements."

Everyone though expect a peaceful talks between government and the people would be a better choice, some experts feel it is good that Al Qaeda is helping the rebels to fight against the government. We believe that way even if they successfully end the fight but after results might be dangerous. If Al Qaeda and rebels win the war then Libya will become another Pakistan and Afghanistan. Meanwhile western countries and European Council has declared that they are not interested in any military intervention, but there is a possiblity that to end a never ending war in Afghanistan and Pakistan against Taliban and Al Qaeda western powers might support Al Qaeda in Libya and leave from Afghanistan forming a secret treaty.

Meanwhile Arab States have backed no flying zone in Libya in a fear that Libyan skies are populated with military aircrafts which are continuously bombing their land to wipe out the rebels.

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