Last Year's Libyan Revolution Casualties Lower Than Expected

Libyan Revolution Casualties Lower Than Expected, Says New Government -- The Guardian

Deputy minister of martyrs says 4,700 rebel supporters died and 2,100 are missing, down from 2011's estimate of 25,000.

Libya's new government has drastically reduced its estimate of the number of people who were killed in the revolution against Muammar Gaddafi's regime, concluding that 4,700 rebel supporters died and 2,100 are missing, with unconfirmed similar casualty figures on the opposing side.

Miftah Duwadi, the deputy minister of martyrs and missing persons, told the Libya Herald newspaper that the numbers for revolutionary losses were still being checked but officials did not expect any major changes.

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My Comment: 10,000 killed and missing .... it could have been worse.

U.S.-Approved Arms For Libya Rebels Fell Into Radical Islamist Hands

U.S.-Approved Arms For Libya Rebels Fell Into Jihadis’ Hands -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration secretly gave its blessing to arms shipments to Libyan rebels from Qatar last year, but American officials later grew alarmed as evidence grew that Qatar was turning some of the weapons over to Islamic militants, according to United States officials and foreign diplomats.

No evidence has emerged linking the weapons provided by the Qataris during the uprising against Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi to the attack that killed four Americans at the United States diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, in September.

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My Comment: The New York Times just cannot admit it .... their report uses terms like Jihadists, Islamic militants, and extremist groups .... but they just cannot come out and admit that White House policy may have resulted in U.S. arms actually going to Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda affiliated groups. As to the claim that no evidence has surfaced that any weapons went to Ansar al-Shariah, an extremist group blamed for the Benghazi attack .... the sad fact is that we do not have the boots on the ground to tell us if it did or did not. Bottom line .... we just do not know.

Did France And Syria Plot Together To Betray And Kill Libyan Strongman Muammar Gaddafi?

Bashar al-Assad and Muammar Gaddafi. Atlantic Council

Bashar al-Assad 'Betrayed Col Gaddafi To Save His Syrian Regime' -- The Telegraph

The Assad regime in Syria brought about Muammar Gaddafi's death by providing France with the key intelligence which led to the operation that killed him, sources in Libya have claimed.

French spies operating in Sirte, Gaddafi's last refuge, were able to set a trap for the Libyan dictator after obtaining his satellite telephone number from the Syrian government, they said.

In what would amount to an extraordinary betrayal of one Middle East strongman by another, President Bashar al-Assad sold out his fellow tyrant in an act of self-preservation, a former senior intelligence official in Tripoli told the Daily Telegraph.

With international attention switching from Libya to the mounting horrors in Syria, Mr Assad offered Paris the telephone number in exchange for an easing of French pressure on Damascus, according to Rami El Obeidi.

"In exchange for this information, Assad had obtained a promise of a grace period from the French and less political pressure on the regime – which is what happened," Mr El Obeidi said.

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My Comment: More collaboration will be needed for this story. But as speculation goes .... it is interesting.

New Video Shows Gaddafi's Body After He Was Killed

Shocking New Video Shows Gaddafi's Body 'Being Used By Rebels As Ghoulish Ventriloquist's Doll' -- Daily Mail

A gruesome new video which appears to show Muammar Gaddafi's dead body being abused by rebels has surfaced online.

In the shocking clip, which was posted to YouTube on Monday, high-spirited demonstrators apparently use the Libyan dictator's corpse as a ventriloquist's doll.

The footage came to light after a Syrian activist linked to it on Twitter, aiming a threat at Syria's leader Bashar Al Assad.

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My Comment: This video should be sent to Syria's embattled dictator.

NATO Report: Flaws In Air Campaign Against Qaddafi

Coalition action against Libya (Wikipedia)

Cold Shower Report On Libya War: NATO Can’t Fight Without US -- RT

A classified NATO report on the bombing campaign in Libya shows the alliance is dependent on the US to wage its wars. But, even with Washington’s help, the much-praised Operation Unified Protector had military shortcomings.

­NATO’s air strikes against Muammar Gaddafi’s forces were carried out mostly by Canadian and European air forces. But American troops provided crucial parts of the operation, including collecting intelligence, reconnaissance, planning sorties and refueling aircraft. The problem encompasses both a lack of technical capability and trained personnel for such tasks, says The New York Times, after studying the report. NATO’s reliance on the US during the operation is labeled “disproportionate”.

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More News On NATO Report That Outlines Flaws In The Libyan Air Campaign

NATO Sees Flaws in Air Campaign Against Qaddafi -- New York Times
Classified Report On Libya War Says NATO Dependent On US -- Eurasia Review
NYT: Report says NATO power limited in Libya without US -- Jerusalem Post
NATO report dampens possible Syria raids -- UPI

A Shape Of Things To Come In Libya?

Photo: Ali Sallabi, an Islamic scholar and populist orator who was instrumental in leading Libya's mass uprising. Moises Saman for The New York Times

Islamists’ Growing Sway Raises Questions for Libya -- New York Times

TRIPOLI, Libya — In the emerging post-Qaddafi Libya, the most influential politician may well be Ali Sallabi, who has no formal title but commands broad respect as an Islamic scholar and populist orator who was instrumental in leading the mass uprising.

The most powerful military leader is now Abdel Hakim Belhaj, the former leader of a hard-line group once believed to be aligned with Al Qaeda.

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My Comment: It appears that The New York Times is now realizing that their views of democratic pluralism may not conform to what the new leaders of Libya may view and interpret "democratic pluralism" to be. Bottom line .... Libya's leaders are hard-core Islamists .... they have always been and I see no reason why they will change their views now or in the future.

Is Gaddafi Searching For A Way Out?

Battered Libya Sues For Peace -- The Independent

As President Obama vows 'We will not relent until the shadow of tyranny is lifted', Gaddafi's Prime Minister offers Nato a ceasefire, amnesty for rebels, reconciliation, constitutional government – and an exit strategy.

The Libyan regime is preparing to make a fresh overture to the international community, offering concessions designed to end the bloodshed of the three-month-long civil war.

The Independent has obtained a copy of a letter from the country's Prime Minister, Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi, being sent to a number of foreign governments. It proposes an immediate ceasefire to be monitored by the United Nations and the African Union, unconditional talks with the opposition, amnesty for both sides in the conflict, and the drafting of a new constitution.

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Update: Libya: regime negotiates Col Muammar Gaddafi's position for first time -- The Telegraph

My Comment: I am skeptical that someone like Gaddafi is interested in accommodating his opponents. But .... I would not be surprised if there are many in his inner circle who are now concerned that as the war continues, their situation will degrade with time .... and in the end .... through attrition .... they will lose.

Gaddafi Accepts AU's Peace Plan To End Libya's Civil War

Libya: Col Gaddafi 'Accepts Roadmap To Peace' -- SKY News

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has agreed to a peace plan proposed by the African Union aimed at ending the conflict in Libya.

A communique was announced after a five-strong AU delegation led by South African president Jacob Zuma held talks with representatives of the regime in Tripoli.

The plan is due to be presented to rebel leadership in Benghazi today, although the South African leader will not be travelling with other delegates to the stronghold.

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More News on Gaddafi Accepting The AU's Positions For Peace

African Union says Libya accepts cease-fire plan -- Yahoo News/AP
Gaddafi accepts peace plan but rebels say he must go -- Yahoo News/Reuters
African mediators in Libya as NATO hits tanks -- Yahoo News/AFP
Gaddafi accepts African Union peace plan, says Zuma -- BBC
Battles rage as African leaders claim Gaddafi is intent on peace -- The Independent
Gaddafi 'accepts' AU plan to end fighting -- Al Jazeera
S. African Leader: Gadhafi Accepts Cease-Fire Plan -- Voice of America
Gaddafi reportedly accepts peace plan in Libya, South Africa says -- The Australian
Is Negotiating with Gaddafi the Only Way Out? -- Aryn Baker, Time

My Comment: No details on this peace agreement have been released, and there is no news or information on what is Libya's opposition's position to these peace overtures. In short .... I see nothing changing with Gaddafi's support for this peace agreement, and more importantly .... the rebel movement continuing the fight even with "peace talks" being discussed.

Will Libya's Civil War Be A Permanent State Of Affairs?

NATO Fears War Without End In Libya -- Carsten Volkery, Spiegel Online

The front in Libya is barely moving as the country remains split between rebels and Gadhafi's troops. The rebels are complaining of not receiving enough air support, but NATO is hardly in a position to ramp it up after the withdrawal of US fighter jets. The resulting stalemate underscores the lack of a clear strategy for the allies in Libya.

American warplanes had hardly left the skies over Libya when the remonstrations began. "NATO has let us down," said rebel military chief Abdul Fattah Younis. As the rebels retreated in the town of Brega in the face of a heavy onslaught by Gadhafi's troops, there were no NATO planes in sight.

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My Comment: With no leadership, strategy, direction, and enough military supplies to make a difference for the rebel side .... and Gaddafi sufficiently holed up on his side of the country .... NATO's concerns that this stalemate will probably last a long time are justified.

Civil War In Libya -- News Updates March 19, 2011

French Fighter Jets Deployed Over Libya -- CNN

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- French fighters jets soared over Libya on Saturday to counter Moammar Gadhafi's military forces who were intent on destroying the opposition as they pushed into the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

"Our air force will oppose any aggression by Colonel Gadhafi against the population of Benghazi," said French President Nicolas Sarkozy, speaking after an international, top-level meeting in Paris over the Libyan crisis.

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More News On Libya's Civil War

Allied planes fly over Libya as Gaddafi hits Benghazi -- Yahoo News/Reuters
France announces action on Libya -- Al Jazeera
French fighter planes over Benghazi, may target tanks Saturday -- Washington Post
French military jets over Libya -- BBC
French military jets over Libya -- The Independent
French fighter planes over Benghazi -- AP

The moment Gaddafi made a mockery of the West's no-fly zone: Rebel fighter plane shot down over Benghazi -- Daily Mail
Libyan Forces Take Aim on Benghazi as World Leaders Convene -- Voice of America
Libya's Qaddafi defies UN, assaults Benghazi -- Christian Science Monitor
Libya rebels on the defensive as Gaddafi forces enter Benghazi -- The Guardian
Thousands flee as fighting rages around Libya's Benghazi -- Sydney Morning Herald
Thousands Flee Qaddafi's Troops As West Goes Into Action Over Libya -- Radio Free Europe
Benghazi hit by artillery and rocket fire -- Washington Post
Gaddafi defies West, pushes forces into Benghazi -- Reuters
Rebels say Gaddafi troops enter Benghazi -- Reuters
Air strike on Benghazi kills 26 -- RIA Novosti
Libya's Gadhafi blusters about no-fly zone -- UPI
Defying U.N., Gadhafi's forces attack Benghazi -- McClatchy News

Gaddafi forces squeeze rebel-held Misrata: residents -- Reuters
Gaddafi forces attack rebel-held Misrata: residents -- Reuters

World leaders launch military action in Libya -- Yahoo News/AP
International leaders meet on Libya -- CNN
Military buildup for Libya mounts at Italian bases -- AP

In Libyan capital, disappearing signs of rebellion -- Liz Sly, Washington Post
Should Congress Approve No-fly Zone? -- ABC
Libya: One Quagmire Too Far? -- William F. Jasper, New America

Egypt Is Making It Clear On Who They Support In Libya's Civil War

Despite the ceasefire announced by Colonel Gaddafi, jets are to deploy to enforce the no-fly zone. Photograph: Sean Smith

Egypt Said To Arm Libya Rebels -- Wall Street Journal

CAIRO—Egypt's military has begun shipping arms over the border to Libyan rebels with Washington's knowledge, U.S. and Libyan rebel officials said.

The shipments—mostly small arms such as assault rifles and ammunition—appear to be the first confirmed case of an outside government arming the rebel fighters. Those fighters have been losing ground for days in the face of a steady westward advance by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

The Egyptian shipments are the strongest indication to date that some Arab countries are heeding Western calls to take a lead in efforts to intervene on behalf of pro-democracy rebels in their fight against Mr. Gadhafi in Libya. Washington and other Western countries have long voiced frustration with Arab states' unwillingness to help resolve crises in their own region, even as they criticized Western powers for attempting to do so.

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My Comment: Better late than never .... but one can see the hand of the U.S. coupled with Saudi weapons flowing via through Egupt.

Is The West Supporting Al Qaeda In Libya?

A rebel fighter reacts to incoming shells fired by soldiers loyal to Moammar Qaddafi. The rebels started out strong, but appear to be losing territory day-by-day. Photo from Radio Free Europe

Libya: The West And al-Qaeda On The Same Side -- The Telegraph

Statements of support for Libya's revolution by al-Qaeda and leading Islamists have led to fears that military action by the West might be playing into the hands of its ideological enemies.

WikiLeaks cables, independent analysts and reporters have all identified supporters of Islamist causes among the opposition to Col Gaddafi's regime, particularly in the towns of Benghazi and Dernah.

An al-Qaeda leader of Libyan origin, Abu Yahya al-Libi, released a statement backing the insurrection a week ago, while Yusuf Qaradawi, the Qatar-based, Muslim Brotherhood-linked theologian issued a fatwa authorising Col Gaddafi's military entourage to assassinate him.

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My Comment: This report delivers some disturbing observations on who are some of the 'rebels' in Libya. Read it all.

Update: Libyan rebellion has radical Islamist fervor: Benghazi link to Islamic militancy:U.S. Military Document Reveals -- Asian Tribune

President Obama Threatens Libyan Strongman Qaddafi

Obama to Qaddafi: Compliance Is "Not Negotiable" -- CBS News

President Obama said that Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi must immediately comply with the demands of the international community and stop attacking his own people - and that a failure to comply will be met with military action.

The president said Qaddafi must stop his troops from advancing on Benghazi, pull them back from key areas of the country, allow for humanitarian assistance to reach Libyans, and make sure his people have access to water, gas and electricity.

Read more ....

More News On President Obama's Warning Against Gaddafi's Regime

Obama warns of military action against Kadhafi -- AFP
Obama warns Gaddafi to obey U.N. demands -- Reuters
Obama warns Gaddafi to comply with UN, halt advance -- Reuters
Obama Gives Gadhafi the Ultimatum: Stop Violence or Face International Military Action -- ABC News
Obama to Gadhafi: Honor cease fire or face military force -- USA Today
Obama Says US Won't Deploy Ground Forces To Libya -- Wall Street Journal
Obama Says Qaddafi Must Withdraw From Cities, Allow Aid -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Obama gives Gaddafi tough warning -- Al Jazeera
U.S. warns Libya over possible military action -- Haaretz
Libya's Gaddafi given ultimatum -- BBC
World leaders clarify Libyan military plans -- CNN
No-fly zone could be canceled if Libya pulls back forces -- CNN
Libya: Tripoli on edge as regime enters new phase in fight to survive -- The Telegraph
Libya rebels say coordinating air raids with West -- Livemint
U.S. to deploy more ships to support Libya planning -- Yahoo News
Obama to Confer With Congress on Libya -- Wall Street Journal
UN decision on Libya: End game for Qaddafi? -- Christian Science Monitor
Q&A: revolution in Libya -- Andrew England, Financial Times

My Comment: No direct US aircraft involved .... no U.S. ground troops .... only unmanned drones and refueling operations permitted. When I read this .... it is easy to come to the conclusion that that President Obama's threats are almost empty. If I was the Libyan strongman, I would be more concerned on what countries like Britain and France may do .... and the token Arab participation that will be involved. As to the war itself .... I would intensify the conflict ASAP so that it would end before NATO forces are in a position to have an impact.

Update: No surprise .... Gaddafi's forces have intensified ground operations against rebel positions throughout the country. I guess the opposition's assessment that Gaddafi's declaration of a ceasefire is just a ruse are bearing out.

Civil War In Libya -- News Updates March 18, 2011

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

War With Libya Looms -- Time Magazine

After weeks of warning from the Pentagon about the downsides of launching a no-fly zone over Libya, the U.S. and its major European allies declared war on Muammar Gaddafi and his forces holding on to power in the north African nation. NATO surveillance aircraft have been scouring Libya for potential targets for more than a week. Warplanes from the U.S. and other allies, flying from any of several bases in Italy in the region, could begin taking out Libyan air defense sites and tank formations within hours. But U.S. officers suggested that U.S. action might not be imminent, and that other NATO warplanes might strike first, perhaps aided by U.S. cruise missiles from several of six American warships -- and a submarine -- in the Mediterranean.

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More News On Libya's Civil War

Reuters Live Wire On Libya -- Reuters
Libya live report -- Yahoo News/AFP
Libya Live -- The Telegraph

Security Council votes for no-fly zone -- Financial Times
Gaddafi and son mock UN intervention -- Sydney Morning Herald
Muammar Gaddafi threatens Europe after UN 'injustice' -- The Telegraph
Kadhafi says 'hell' awaits anyone who attacks Libya -- AFP
Factbox: Arabs respond to U.N. resolution on Libya -- Reuters

Libya orders ceasefire after U.N. resolution -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Libya declares cease-fire after UN vote -- Yahoo News/AP
Libya announces immediate ceasefire -- Yahoo News/AFP
UN backs Libya air strikes, Kadhafi defiant -- Yahoo News/AFP
Libya Calls Ceasefire after U.N. Resolution -- Time
Libya 'to halt military action' -- BBC
Libya announces cease-fire as military intervention looms -- L.A. Times
Libya Declares Cease-Fire After UN Resolution -- Radio Free Europe
Libya: ceasefire declared in wake of UN resolution -- The Telegraph
Libya Declares Immediate Ceasefire -- Spiegel Online
Libya declares-cease fire after U.N. approves intervention -- Washington Post
Libya no-fly zone prompts Moammar Khadafy to announce ceasefire with rebel forces -- New York Daily News
As Libya announces cease-fire, violence reported in Misrata -- CNN

Clinton: Qaddafi must pull back forces, step down -- CBS News
Clinton: U.N. resolution on Libya only one step -- Reuters
US tells Gadhafi to pull back from east Libya -- AP
Clinton unimpressed by Libyan ceasefire announcement -- M&C
Clinton to Libya: U.S. not 'impressed by words' -- MSNBC

Qaddafi's Forces Attack Last Rebel-Held Western City -- FOX News
Reports of violence raging despite Libya cease-fire -- CNN
Gaddafi forces shell west Libya's Misrata, 25 dead -- Reuters
Libya declares immediate ceasefire... but bombing goes on as British fighter jets move in for air attack -- Daily Mail
Libya shuts air space in face of strikes -- Yahoo News/AFP

NATO nearly ready to implement UN resolution on Libya -- RIA Novosti
NATO Says Conditions Met for Military Action - -Wall Street Journal
Libya declares cease-fire as EU leaders plan military strikes -- Christian Science Monitor
Libya Calls Cease-Fire After Britain and France Vow Action ‘Soon’ -- New York Times
Amid uncertainty, allies prepare for no-fly zone -- AP
France: Ceasefire does not change threat in Libya -- Jerusalem Post/Reuters
Libya Intervention May Start in 'Several Hours,' France Says -- SFGate/Bloomberg
West moves to enforce no-fly zone -- BBC
Air Force Chief Says No-Fly Zone May Take Week to Impose -- Bloomberg
Canadian fighter jets heading to Libya -- Toronto Sun
Denmark: 4 F-16s readied to defend Libyan people -- Copenhagen Post

In Libya's east, Gaddafi seen at "end of line" -- Reuters
Libya declares ceasefire that rebels call bluff -- Yahoo News/AFP
Libya's Rebels Celebrate the U.N. Resolution -- Time
Libya regime defiant as rebels celebrate UN action -- Yahoo News/AFP

FACTBOX-Military assets in play in Libya crisis -- Reuters
Q+A - How would a no-fly zone work over Libya? -- Reuters
Questions Remain Concerning No-Fly Zone Over Libya -- Voice of America
What planet does the Libyan Foreign Minister live on? -- Rick Moran, American Thinker
No-fly zone in Libya: Will it work? -- The Economist
Is it too late for a no-fly zone over Libya? -- Al Jazeera
Libya: All Necessary Measures? -- Philip Gourevitch, New Yorker
What the UN resolution means -- CNN
After all the dithering, it may still be too late to turn the brutal tide -- Paul McGeough, Sydney Morning Herald
Into the unknown with military action on Libya -- Peter Apps, Reuters
By Declaring 'Ceasefire', Gaddafi Muddies the Waters on Libya -- Tony Karon, Time
Libya May Give The F-22 Its First Wartime Test -- The Danger Room

Libya Threatens Retaliation Attacks Against Western Interests In View Of Recent UN Resolutions That Calls For The Protection Of Innocent Civilians.

Libya Threatens Retaliation as U.S. Seeks UN Resolution Authorizing Strikes -- FOX News

Libya's defense ministry warned Thursday that any military action against the African nation resulting from a possible U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing airstrikes and other measures will be met with retaliatory strikes on air and sea traffic in the Mediterranean region.

Reuters reported that a statement by the regime of Muammar al-Qaddafi broadcast on Libyan television warned that "the Mediterranean basin will face danger not just in the short-term, but also in the long term."

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Update: Libya: We will hit civilian targets in response to foreign attack -- Haaretz

My Comment: I doubt that Gadaffi would order air strikes against targets in Europe or elsewhere (retaliation would be swift and overwhelming ... but what he is doing against his opponents (right now) is psychological warfare, and it appears that he is good at it.

Civil War In Libya -- News Updates March 17, 2011

Specter of Rebel Rout Helps Shift U.S. Policy on Libya -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — The prospect of a deadly siege of the rebel stronghold in Benghazi, Libya, has produced a striking shift in tone from the Obama administration, which is now pushing for the United Nations to authorize aerial bombing of Libyan tanks and heavy artillery to try to halt the advance of forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi.

The administration, which remains deeply reluctant to be drawn into an armed conflict in yet another Muslim country, is nevertheless backing a resolution in the Security Council that would give countries a broad range of options for aiding the Libyan rebels, including military steps that go well beyond a no-flight zone.

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More News On Libya's Civil War

Reuters Live Wire On Libya -- Reuters

Libya: US urges tough United Nations resolution -- BBC
UN Libya draft calls for all necessary measures: UK -- Reuters
U.S. pushing for air strikes, no-fly zone in Libya -- Reuters
Obama administration seeks more U.N. authority to intervene in Libya -- Washington Post
U.S. Seeks Range of Strikes on Libya at U.N. -- Wall Street Journal
Gaddafi forces push forward as U.S. mulls air strikes -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Nothing holding U.S. back on Libya no-fly zone-UK -- Reuters
West should 'go beyond' no-fly zone, US says -- The Telegraph
Obama Makes Quick Turn on Libya -- FOX News

Libya: Gaddafi forces bomb rebel-held Benghazi -- BBC
Moammar Kadafi's forces bomb Benghazi -- L.A. Times
Gadhafi Forces Bomb Rebels' Capital -- Wall Street Journal
Gadhafi forces bomb airport at rebel stronghold -- Yahoo News/AP
Kadafi forces poised to rout rebels in eastern cities -- L.A. Times
Qaddafi Forces Mass Outside Rebels’ Western Stronghold -- New York Times
Libya rebels say planes downed, loyalists boast gains -- Yahoo News/AFP
Rebels under fire as pro-Gaddafi forces advance -- The Telegraph
Rebels Battle to Hold City Under Gadhafi Siege -- New York Times/AP
Libya's rebel-held Misrata on alert for new attack -- Reuters
Libya revolt: Gaddafi targets Ajdabiya and Misrata -- BBC
Libya's Gaddafi says set to take Misrata, Benghazi -- Reuters
Heavy bombardment on Ajdabiyah in east Libya -- Reuters
Libya army to give rebels chance to surrender-TV -- Reuters
Libya rebels say shoot down Gaddafi's warplanes -- Reuters
Paranoia reigns as rebels count cost of losses to loyalist forces -- The Australian
On Libya's front line, determination and fear -- L.A. Times
Outside aid for Libya rebels hinges on aims, will -- Reuters

Libya’s Opposition Tries to Define Itself to Gain Western Support -- Voice of America
Gaddafi-controlled media wages propaganda war -- The Guardian
US official says Gadhafi getting upper hand -- AP
As Tide Turns, Rebels' Dream Of 'Free Libya' Dims -- NPR
Egypt braces for Libya refugee exodus -- AFP

Muammar Gaddafi slaughter looms in Libya as UN fiddles -- The Australian
The fatally flawed logic of a no-fly zone -- Michael Williams, The Guardian
World's inaction could radicalize Libya's rebels -- CNN
Daily View: Is Obama dithering over Libya? -- James Morgan, BBC
Barack Obama’s paralysed presidency: the White House looks incapable of leading at home and abroad -- Niles Gardiner, The Telegraph

Would Several Arab States Aid A Libyan Military Operation?

The Libyan government has been maximising efforts to display popular support for Gaddafi. Photograph: Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters

Several Arab States Would Aid Libya Military Op: France -- Space War/AFP

Several Arab nations are prepared to take part in a military operation in Libya to stop the advance of leader Moamer Kadhafi's forces, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe wrote on his blog on Wednesday.

"Only the threat of force can stop Kadhafi. It is by bombarding, with the few dozen planes and helicopters he really has, his opponents' positions that the Libyan dictator has turned the balance.

"We can/could neutralise his airborne means by targeted strikes.

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My Comment: I am very skeptical that this is true. Who in the Arab world would support such a military operation? From my vantage point, the entire Arab world is experiencing revolution .... the last thing that these Arab states want to find themselves in is a war against another Arab state.

Who Are Gaddafi's Allies?

Fliers urging support for Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi of Libya make the rounds in Bamako, Mali. Olivier Laban Mattei for The New York Times

Libyan Oil Buys Allies For Qaddafi -- New York Times

BAMAKO, Mali — Elhadj Maiga is a Qaddafi recruiter and a proud one at that, scrambling to assemble a pipeline of young men from Mali to go and fight for The Great Leader.

At this stage, without cash for guns or transport, Mr. Maiga’s group of about 200 young men is more of a fan club than a militia. But like other pro-Qaddafi groups that have sprung up here since the rebellion in Libya began, what it lacks in logistics it makes up in loyalty.

“We’re all ready to die for him,” Mr. Maiga said. “He’s done so much for us, after all.”

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My Comment: At a time when many Libyans are in revolt against Gaddafi, many African countries are providing the manpower for him to continue his reign of terror. While I believe that Gaddafi will win this battle, I have my doubts that he will be successful when he is confronted by the insurgency that will probably be the eventual result of this war.

Civil War In Libya -- News Updates March 16, 2011

Gadhafi Closes In On Rebels -- Wall Street Journal

AJDABIYA, Libya — Col. Moammar Gadhafi's forces seized the last town standing between them and the rebel capital, raising the specter that, even if the U.S. and Europe decide to intervene on the rebels' behalf, their help may come too late.

In a devastating development for the rebel cause, Col. Gadhafi's fighter jets bombed the center of the town of Ajdabiya, and his troops outmaneuvered rebel forces there, clearing a path to the rebel capital of Benghazi, in eastern Libya.

Read more ....

More News On The Civil War In Libya

Reuters Live Wire On Libya -- Reuters

Libyan forces bombard rebels in the east and west -- Yahoo News/AP
Gaddafi advances, no-fly diplomacy falters -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Libyan rebel city comes under Kadhafi assault -- Yahoo News/AFP

Retreat to Benghazi: Gaddafi threatens to crush 'Mad Max' rebel army as it flees to last stronghold -- Daily Mail
Moammar Kadafi's forces bomb Benghazi -- L.A. Times
Opposition: Gadhafi 'bombing his way into' rebel-held city -- CNN
Gadhafi Forces Shell Rebel-Held City -- Wall Street Journal
Kadhafi forces enter western rebel stronghold -- RFI
Libyan Forces Advance on Benghazi, Fight for Control of Rebel-Held Cities -- Bloomberg
Gaddafi forces pound rebel-held city -- Al Jazeera
Gaddafi's forces close in on rebels' capital -- The Independent
Libyan Rebels Preparing For Last Stand -- SKY News
Rebels on run as Gaddafi outflanks UN -- Sydney Morning Herald
Kadhafi 'determined to crush' rebellion -- AFP

Qaddafi son sees end of revolt, tells France to return money -- Arab News
Gadhafi's Son Says Regime Will Take Back Key City With 48 Hours -- NPR
Gaddafi's forces to capture Benghazi soon, says son -- Sify News
Pro-Gadhafi Forces Said to Be Weak on Manpower -- Voice of America
Libyan Oil Buys Allies for Qaddafi -- New York Times

Libya: Britain and France in last ditch effort to secure no-fly zone -- The Telegraph
Gadhafi vows to crush rebellion as hopes for no-fly zone fade -- Edmonton Journal/AFP
As UN debates Libya, Kadhafi vows to crush rebels -- AFP

Stunned by Gaddafi assault, Libyans give up on change -- Reuters
Libyans will pay the price -- The Australian editorial
Why Gaddafi Has Survived Libya's Rebellion -- Vivienne Walt, Time Magazine

Meet The 'Mad Max' Rebels In Libya

Photo: Peace: 'Mad' Max fights against oil-stealing gangleader Toecutter, who, like Colonel Gaddafi, terrorises their country

The 'Mad Max' Rebels: Libyan Fighters Zoom Across Desert In Battered Cars Loaded With Grenade Launchers -- The Daily Mail

Racing across the scorched earth in their battered cars, loaded with heavy artillery, these rebels are fighting for their lives in a lawless society.

It may sound like a scene from the film classic Mad Max but this is war-torn Libya - and the fighters are on the frontline of Ajdabiya in their struggle against Colonel Gaddafi.

One of them holds a powerful grenade launcher, while draped over the bonnet of the white car badly damaged by gunfire is the former Libyan national flag which has become a symbol of the rebellion.

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My Comment: Life imitating the movies .... or is it Hollywood imitating life. Either way .... the photo collection is interesting.