Libyan Revolution Week 15

[joshcryer]

Links to sites with updates: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/">AJE Live Blog (click link and go to Libya blog) http://blogs.aljazeera.net/twitter-dashboard">AJE Twitter Dashboard http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/libya">The Guardian http://uk.reuters.com/places/libya">Reuters http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/">Telegraph http://feb17.info/">feb17.info http://www.livestream.com/libya17feb?utm_source=lsplayer&utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=footerlinks">Libya Alhurra (live video webcast from Benghazi) http://libya-alhurra.tumblr.com/">Libya Alhurra archives and updates http://www.ustream.tv/channel/benghaziradio">Benghazi Free Radio, in Arabic (may have translators present at times) http://www.tributefm.com/">Tribute FM (English broadcast from Benghazi) http://www.libyafeb17.com/">libyafeb17.com

Twitter links: http://twitter.com/#!/aymanm">Ayman Mohyeldin, with AJE http://twitter.com/#!/bencnn">Ben Wedeman, with CNN http://twitter.com/#!/tripolitanian">tripolitanian, a Libyan from Tripoli http://twitter.com/#!/BaghdadBrian">Brian Conley, reporter in Libya http://twitter.com/#!/freelibyanyouth">FreeLibyanYouth, Libyan advocate http://twitter.com/#!/LibyaFeb17_com">LibyaFeb17.com twitter account http://twitter.com/#!/ChangeInLibya">ChangeInLibya, Libyan advocate https://twitter.com/#!/TheyCallMeSof">Sofyan Amry (arrived in Benghazi recently) http://twitter.com/#!/KiloFoot">KiloFoot (general Arab Spring news aggregation)

Useful links: http://audioboo.fm/feb17voices">feb17voices http://www.google.com/search?q=time+in+libya">Current time in Libya http://www.islamicfinder.org/cityPrayerNew.php?country=libya">Prayer times in Libya

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1146613">Week 14 here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixwx_B38678">Marching On in Libya, for the revolutionaries!

Libyan rebel fighters mourned the death of a comrade at the front line west of Misrata.

Photograph: Rodrigo Adb / AP


Day 93, May 21

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/NATO-Says-Libyas-Leader-is-Hiding--122382754.html">NATO Says Libya's Leader is 'Hiding'
A NATO spokesman says the alliance's air campaign over Libya has effectively forced leader Moammar Gadhafi into hiding.
http://video.ft.com/v/946393675001/Libyan-cash-may-be-hidden-in-desert">Libyan cash may be hidden in desert - video
Farhat Bengdara was, until he defected, at the heart of the Libyan regime as central bank governor.
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,763839,00.html">'I Am No Longer Gadhafi's Ambassador'
Libya's ambassador to Germany has distanced himself from the dictator in a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Gadhafi+hometown+rebels+sights/4821191/story.html">Gadhafi's hometown in rebels' sights
Libyan rebels could be poised to begin the first siege of a town loyal to Col. Moammar Gadhafi as they attempt to cut off the Libyan leader's home city of Sirte.
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,763537,00.html">A Look at the Root Causes of the Arab Revolution
In a SPIEGEL interview, French social scientist Emmanuel Todd discusses the demographic roots of the Arab revolution, which he argues was spurred by rising literacy and rapidly shrinking birth rates.

Day 94, May 22

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/05/21/uk-libya-idUKTRE74E1I420110521">Libya rebels say government shells port city
Libyan government forces shelled residential areas on Saturday outside Misrata, a port city held by rebels fighting to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi, a rebel website said.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/05/21/uk-libya-journalists-idUKTRE74K1I420110521">Libya crowd attacks bus carrying foreign journalists
Libyans armed with guns and a knife stormed a bus carrying foreign journalists on Saturday and a soldier fired volleys of gunfire into the air to disperse the crowd, a Reuters journalist on the bus said.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/05/21/uk-libya-usa-obama-idUKTRE74K08920110521">Obama, on Libya deadline, welcomes Congress support
U.S. President Barack Obama, facing criticism from some lawmakers that U.S. military action against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is about to become illegal, said on Friday the mission would benefit from congressional support.
http://feb17.info/news/more-than-45000-libyan-refugees-in-tataouine/">More than 45,000 Libyan refugees in Tataouine
More than 45,000 Libyan refugees are presently housed in the Tataouine region.
http://www.economist.com/node/18713965">Libya's disputed oil:Better for the rebels
Both sides are failing to pump or sell oil, but the rebels are in better shape
http://www.economist.com/node/18709571">Responsibility to protect: The lessons of Libya
Outsiders had good reason to intervene in Libya. But their cause may suffer from it
http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/16/polands-foreign-minister-on-libyas-future-2/">Poland's foreign minister on Libya's future
This week, I flew to Benghazi to meet Libya’s Transitional National Council (TNC), a visit coordinated with European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton and NATO allies.

Thanks to tabatha for those good editorials! Will read them in depth later.

Day 95, May 23

http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/447183">Libyan refugees arriving in Egypt surpass 122,000
Around 122,000 Libyans fleeing the violence shaking their country have arrived in Egypt to date, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said.
http://www.680news.com/news/world/article/229844--eu-opens-diplomatic-office-in-rebel-city-of-benghazi-promises-support-for-democratic-libya">EU opens diplomatic office in rebel city of Benghazi, promises support for democratic Libya
In a boost to Libya's rebels, the European Union opened a diplomatic office Sunday in their eastern stronghold and pledged support for a democratic Libya where Moammar Gadhafi "will not be in the picture."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43131705/ns/world_news-europe">France, NATO to deploy helicopters in Libya: source
France and other members of the NATO-led coalition plan to deploy attack helicopters in Libya, a French diplomatic source said on Monday, a move aimed at ramping up pressure against Muammar Gaddafi's forces.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13502715">Libya: 'Forced to rape in Misrata'
Was there a systematic campaign of rape by forces loyal to Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi during the battle for Misrata?
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1640934.php/Turkey-recognizes-Libyan-rebels">Turkey recognizes Libyan rebels
Turkey's foreign minister recognized Libya's Interim Transitional National Council (ITNC) as a representative of the Libyan people during a visit to Ankara on Monday by the council's chairman, Mustafa Abdul Jalil.

Day 96, May 24

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-24/nato-slams-tripoli-with-heaviest-strikes-since-start-of-bombing-campaign.html">NATO Strikes Tripoli Vowing to Raise Pressure on Libyan Leader Qaddafi
NATO aircraft struck targets in Tripoli as the coalition intensified its attacks on forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/24/world/africa/24libya.html?_r=1">NATO Bombs Tripoli in Heaviest Strikes Yet
In the heaviest attack yet on the capital since the start of the two-month-old NATO bombing campaign, alliance aircraft struck at least 15 targets in central Tripoli early Tuesday, with most of the airstrikes concentrated on an area around Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi’s command compound.
http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-24/news/29578030_1_rebel-held-city-rebel-capital-rebel-commander">Libyan rebel city at last wins breathing room
With Gadhafi's forces out of range, shops open and checkpoints close in Misrata.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx8lutpA6Yc">Adjabiya, Libya - Use of Mines in Residential Areas - video
This (man points to mine on the table) one was found planted at the entrance of the city of Ajdabiya.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-invites-libyan-rebel-council-to-open-dc-office/2011/05/24/AFbYtTAH_story.html">U.S. invites Libyan rebel council to open D.C. office
A top envoy from the U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that Libya’s rebel government would open an office in Washington, the latest indication that the United States views the rebels as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people.

Day 97, May 25

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/libyans-robbed-our-own-bank-to-fund-uprising/2011/05/24/AFAPZhAH_singlePage.html">Libyans ‘robbed our own bank’ to fund uprising
In the days after Libya’s rebels rose up against Moammar Gaddafi, they faced a vexing challenge: How do you pay for a revolution?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h-loIJ4-HdAfd3BZUYA3fHRK5Frg?docId=ea1bcd413e5b45429c9f43d8e5c5394d">US journalist held in Libya says she was beaten
A journalist from Connecticut detained in Libya for six weeks said Tuesday she was fired upon and then beaten when she was captured but later treated better as she was moved from prison to a luxurious hotel.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2011-05-24-clare-morgana-gillis-libya_n.htm">Reporter: 44 days in captivity in Libya 'insane'
She had been shot at, slugged in the face, tied up and dragged by her hair onto a flatbed truck by Moammar Gadhafi's soldiers, one of whom now sat on her legs. A friend and fellow journalist lay behind in the desert, bleeding to death.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/25/world/africa/25nato.html">Daunting Task for NATO in Libya as Strikes Intensify
Just after midnight on Sunday, an allied Mirage 2000 fighter jet prowling the Libyan coastline attacked a Libyan missile patrol boat that military officials said threatened NATO and humanitarian aid vessels in nearby waters.
http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-25/news/29582686_1_libyan-government-spokesman-libyan-army-libyan-capital">US bolsters standing of Libyan rebels
The Obama administration reached out yesterday to the Libyan rebels and said Moammar Khadafy would “inevitably’’ be forced from power as the US-backed NATO coalition launched a withering bombardment on the Libyan leader’s stronghold of Tripoli.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/we-were-just-told-to-kill-says-libyan-teen-soldier/story-e6frg6so-1226062270303">We were just told to kill, says Libyan teen soldier
THE young Libyan soldier showed almost no emotion as he described how his unit had raped four sisters, the youngest about 16, after breaking into a home in the besieged port of Misratah.

Day 98, May 26

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gnh0BMDVSY9EJyN35rIDx2eSzqLQ?docId=CNG.6d368e1b8c6c3ad77e8681f96fb6d5ee.ca1">Berlusconi dismisses claim NATO strike killed Kadhafi's son
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Wednesday dismissed a Libyan claim that an April 30 NATO air strike killed one of strongman Moamer Kadhafi's sons, the ANSA news agency reported.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/exclusive-battered-libya-sues-for-peace-2289133.html">Exclusive: Battered Libya sues for peace
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.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8537123/Libya-regime-negotiates-Col-Muammar-Gaddafis-position-for-first-time.html">Libya: regime negotiates Col Muammar Gaddafi's position for first time
Col Muammar Gaddafi might eventually step down as Libya's leader, a senior regime official said as military and diplomatic pressure on Tripoli intensified.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/jan-june11/libya_05-25.html">Journalist Foley Details 6 Weeks of Captivity in Libya: 'I Could Make it' - video
GlobalPost correspondent and producer James Foley was captured and imprisoned for six weeks by Moammar Gadhafi's forces while reporting in Libya. (Describes political persecution / torture.)
http://frenchtribune.com/teneur/115424-qaddafi-eats-libya-s-wealth-fund">Qaddafi Eats up Libya’s Wealth Fund
Banks like HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Société Générale, Goldman Sachs, under the rule of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, held billions of dollars of Libyan State Fund.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/at-odds-over-libya/2011/05/25/AG1WdVBH_story.html">At odds over Libya
Each time he addresses the war in Libya, President Obama seems to contradict himself.

Day 99, May 27

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE74Q0NE20110527">Heavy fighting breaks out in Misrata suburb
Rebels and forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi engaged in fierce fighting on the Western outskirts of the city of Misrata on Friday, a Reuters reporter said.
http://www.asianage.com/international/nato-says-gaddafi-forces-laid-landmines-around-misrata-189">NATO says Gaddafi forces laid landmines around Misrata
NATO on Friday accused forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi of laying landmines around the rebel-held city of Misrata to prevent the population from moving.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/05/27/uk-libya-idUKTRE74E1I420110527">Russia joins Western chorus for Gaddafi to go
Russia joined Western leaders on Friday in urging Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to step down and offered to mediate his departure, in an important boost to NATO powers seeking to end his 41-year rule.
http://www.tnr.com/article/world/89089/qaddafi-libya-tribes-ghanem-united-states">How to Topple Qaddafi
Why the West should focus on getting key tribes to abandon the Libyan leader.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-26/carlyle-group-took-118-million-from-libyan-fund-group-says.html">Carlyle Group Took $118 Million From Libyan Fund, Group Says
Buyout firm Carlyle Group accepted $118 million from the biggest sovereign-wealth fund in Libya, demonstrating the North African nation’s success in courting asset managers and banks after persuading Western politicians that it had dropped ties to terrorism.
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/27/a-towering-perspective-on-libya/">A Towering Perspective on Libya
The first thing people tend to notice about Bryan Denton is that he is tall — very tall. There’s a reason for mentioning this, and we’ll get back to it before long. First, let’s talk about about Bryan and his work, and the year he is having.

Thanks to everyone who contributed this week (in no particular order, al bupp, tabatha, Iterate, pinboy3niner and anyone I missed!)!


http://twitter.com/#!/Libyamap">Click here for updated map


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x594751">A topic on the women of the revolution, dispels myths about the treatment of women in Benghazi.

Videos to bring the Libyan Revolution into context
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0vChMDuNd0">The Battle of Benghazi. BBC Panorama on Libya http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyaPnMnpCAA">Part 1, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMzwQvcx62s">Part 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwWwOeZqz6M">Video of the convoy sent to take Benghazi, taken from a dead soliders cell phone (shows how massive the operation was). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAclhhHv43s&feature=player_embedded">Arab Awakening: Libya: Through the Fire. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD5tu5bJWKc">Tea of Freedom Song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z41kQvx4uKw">Libya: Part 2 - The Uprising http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vNWCGDkdWY">Benghazi - Backbone of the Libyan revolution

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-10-0">March 10 7:28pm Saif al Islam Gaddafi says "the time has come for full-scale military action" against Libyan rebels. He goes on to say that Libyan forces loyal to his family "will never surrender, even if western powers intervene".

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x677397">Text of UN resolution 1973. How will a no fly zone work? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEwehTtK2k">AJE reports.

Belgium: http://www.lesoir.be/actualite/monde/2011-03-21/les-f-16-belges-dans-le-feu-de-l-action-829588.php">Six F-16 Falcon fighter jets of the Belgian Air Component. Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Navy Wielingen class frigate Drazki http://paper.standartnews.com/en/article.php?d=2011-03-23&article=35828">will participate in the naval blockade. Canada: Canadian Forces Air Command has deployed http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/ops/mobile/index-eng.asp">a total 440 military personnel as well as the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown are participating in operations. Denmark: The Royal Danish Air Force http://politiken.dk/newsinenglish/ECE1227910/denmark-to-send-squadron-on-libya-op/">is participating with six F-16AM fighters. France: French Air Force which realizes 25% of NATO's strikes http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/harmattan/libye-debut-des-operations-aeriennes-francaises">is participating in the mission with 51 Mirage and Rafale Aircraft. Greece: The Elli-class frigate Limnos of the Hellenic Navy http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2011/03/20/greek-defence-ministry-no-participation-in-operations-outside-the-nato/">is currently in the waters off Libya as part of the naval blockade. Italy: Four Tornado ECRs of the Italian Air Force http://www.corriere.it/esteri/11_marzo_20/tripoli-bombardamento-chiesta-riunione-onu_2e95d102-52c0-11e0-a725-dbe20f0ba2b5.shtml">participated in SEAD operations. Jordan: Six Royal Jordanian Air Force fighter jets http://www.allheadlinenews.com/briefs/articles/90043651?After%20hesitation%2C%20Jordan%20joins%20in%20Libya%20no-fly%20campaign">landed at a coalition airbase in Europe on 4 April to provide "logistical support." NATO: E-3 airborne early warning and control (AWACS) http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/nordtrondelag/article1606878.ece">aircraft operated by NATO. Netherlands: The Royal Netherlands Air Force http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/dutch-f-16s-operational-over-libya">provides six F-16AM fighters and a KDC-10 refuelling plane. Norway: The Royal Norwegian Air Force has http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/libya/artikkel.php?artid=10091294">deployed six F-16AM fighters to Souda Bay Air Base. Qatar: The Qatar Armed Forces are http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123248695">contributing six Mirage 2000-5EDA fighter jets and two C-17 strategic transport aircraft. Romania: The Romanian Naval Forces http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-8423876-traian-basescu-sustine-declaratie-presa-ora-21-00-dupa-sedinta-csat.htm">will participate in the naval blockade with the frigate Regele Ferdinand. Spain: The Spanish Armed Forces are http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Espana/intervendra/cazas/F-18/fragata/F-100/submarino/avion/vigilancia/maritima/elpepuint/20110319elpepuint_14/Tes">participating with four F-18 fighters. Sweden: The Royal Swedish Air Force will http://www.swedishwire.com/politics/9050-sweden-offers-eight-fighter-jets-for-libya-mission">commit eight JAS 39 Gripen jets for the international air campaign. Turkey: The Turkish Navy http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/03/24/general-libya-diplomacy_8373237.html">will participate with five ships and one submarine in the NATO-led naval blockade to enforce the arms embargo. United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates Air Force http://www.wam.org.ae/servlet/Satellite?c=WamLocEnews&cid=1300255413630&p=1135099400124&pagename=WAM%2FWamLocEnews%2FW-T-LEN-FullNews">sent six F-16 Falcon and six Mirage 2000 fighter jets to join the mission. United Kingdom: The Royal Air Force has http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/TyphoonJoinsTornadoInLibyaGroundAttackOperations.htm">deployed 12 Tornado and 10 Typhoon fighters, surveillance aircraft, and air refuelling tankers. United States: The United States has http://www.webcitation.org/5xJ8qNGGe">deployed a naval force of 11 ships and are using MQ-1 Predator UAVs to strike targets in Libya on 23 April.

"One month ago (Western countries) were sooo nice, so nice like pussycats," Saif says in a contemptuous sing-song tone."Now they want to be really aggressive like tigers. (But) soon they will come back, and cut oil deals, contracts. We know this game." - http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2058389,00.html">Saif Gaddafi

(Yeah, Saif, as if you weren't "cutting oil deals, contracts" with western states. Who are the 'tigers' now? Bombing your own people.)

http://english.libya.tv/2011/04/25/eastern-libyans-believe-in-national-unity-distrust-au-and-turkish-mediation-survey-reveals/">The first free public opinion poll ever conducted in Libya reveals clues to Eastern Libyan sentiments
* 98 percent of the respondents do not support the division of Libya as a part of the political solution for the current conflict with the Gaddafi regime. Around 95 percent also don’t see any role for Gaddafi or his sons in a transitional period, and think it is impossible to implement any political reform in Libya if Gaddafi or one of his sons stays in power

* Around 96 percent of those polled, believe that the 17th of February revolution can consolidate the national unity of Libya and support the model of a democratic Libya based on a constitution which respects human rights

* Al-Qaeda has not played any role in the 17th of February revolution, say 94 percent of the Eastern Libyans, and 91 percent thinks it’s impossible for Al-Qaeda to play any political role in the new Libya

* The National Transitional Council is seen by 92 percent of those surveyed as “expressing the views and wishes of Libyans for change”

This is equivalent to 17% the entire population of Libya, doing the numbers very conservatively.

http://jenkinsear.com/2011/03/19/a-legal-war-the-united-nations-participation-act-and-libya/">A Legal War: The United Nations Participation Act and Libya
The above link is to an overview of why Obama's implementation of the NFZ and R2P is perfectly legal under the law. I will not post it entirely here, however, all objections come down to the misinformed position that Obama, by using forces in Libya, was invoking Article 43 of the United Nations. This is wrong. Obama invoked Article 42, which does not require congressional approval to implement. Proof of this is that Article 43 has http://www.un.org/en/sc/repertoire/actions.shtml#rel5">never been used.

It goes like this: The US law (Title 22, Chap. 7, Subchap. XIV § 287d) grants the President the right to invoke UN Article 42 http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/uscode22/usc_sec_22_00000287---d000-.html">without authorization, the War Powers Act (Title 50, Chap. 33 § 1541) grants the President permission to act without authorization under http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/50/1541–1548.html">"specific statutory authorization" which, by definition, is what 287d does. § 1543 of the War Powers Act requires the President to report to Congress, http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/obama_explains_libya_mission_to_congress/2011/03/03/ABU9377_blog.html">which he did. One can argue all day and night about the legality of the War Powers Act, doesn't change the fact that under the law as it is written, the President acted within the law.

Editorials worth reading.
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2011/03/2011328194855872276.html">Libyan Karzai? Chalabi? Forget it, http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2011/04/04/110404taco_talk_anderson#ixzz1HvS7iW22">Who Are the Rebels?, http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/29/vision-democratic-libya-interim-national-council">A vision of a democratic Libya, http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/is-qaddafi-an-anti-racist/">Is Qaddafi an anti-racist?, http://www.workersliberty.org/story/2011/04/20/left-slipping-towards-qaddafi">The left: slipping towards Gaddafi?, http://www.workersliberty.org/story/2011/04/27/once-again-“stop-bombing”">Once again on "stop the bombing", http://www.juancole.com/2011/03/an-open-letter-to-the-left-on-libya.html">An Open Letter to the Left on Libya, http://www.juancole.com/2011/03/top-ten-ways-that-libya-2011-is-not-iraq-2003.html">Top Ten Ways that Libya 2011 is Not Iraq 2003, http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/05/09/110509fa_fact_anderson">Sons of the Revolution

Mohammed Nabbous, killed by Gaddafi's forces while trying to report on the massacre in Benghazi

"I'm not afraid to die, I'm afraid to lose the battle" -Mohammed Nabbous, a month ago when all this began

I'm struggling to come up with something to say about this man. I was not aware of the Libyan uprising until I saw Mo's first report, begging for help, posted here on DU. I was stricken. Here was a man giving everything he had to explain a situation that clearly terrified him, I would not call him a coward in that moment, but you could see the fear in his eyes, and desperation in his voice. For 30 days Nabbous would spend many hours covering the uprising in Benghazi. For many nights I would go to sleep with the webcast of Benghazi live on my computer screen, looking to it occasionally to be sure it was still 'there.' Mo treated the chat room as if we were his friends, and in some way, we were. I never signed up to LiveStream to thank him for all his work and it seems somewhat shallow to do so now, given that I was a lurker for so long. Ever since I took over posting these threads "Libya Alhurra" has been linked as a source of information. It wasn't until last night, when I posted, and twitter posted on Mo's adventures out into Benghazi to try to determine the truth of the situation, that Mo's webchannel became a hit, over 2000 people were watching him stream live. This was curious to him because he'd done many reports like this in the past but he appeared somewhat bemused that the view count exploded as it did. Last night Mo became a star. This is a man who first started out with a webcast replete with fear and desperation finally overcoming that aspect of himself and losing that fear, to become someone who was a fighter for the resistance just as much as those who held the guns. Reporting on the front lines of Benghazi became his final act, and for that he should never, ever be forgotten. I'm so sorry Mo that I never got to know you better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAclhhHv43s&feature=player_ded">Arab Awakening: Libya: Through the Fire is a documentary about Mo's last days, please watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38EXALI60hg">Mo's first report, which many of you may remember, begging for help.

Mo leaves behind a wife who is with child, she had http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/03/23/a_bright_voice_from_libyas_darkness">this to say about the No Fly Zone and R2P UN resolution:

We started this in a pure way, but he turned it bloody. Thousands of our men, women, and children have died. We just wanted our freedom, that's all we wanted, we didn't want power. Before, we could not do a single thing if it was not the way he wanted it. All we wanted was freedom. All we wanted was to be free. We have paid with our blood, with our families, with our men, and we're not going to give up. We are still going to do that no matter what it takes, but we need help. We want to do this ourselves, but we don't have the weapons, the technology, the things we need. I don't want anyone to say that Libya got liberated by anybody else. If NATO didn't start moving when they did, I assure you, I assure you, half of Benghazi if not more would have been killed. If they stop helping us, we are going to be all killed because he has no mercy anymore.

[joshcryer]

1. Libyan Revolution Day 100 updates below, current time in Libya, 7:02pm Saturday, May 28

My brother leaves Tuesday so I'll be back to posting more frequently on Wednesday. Heading out to "Territory Days" in Old Colorado City... should be fun!

[meow mix]

2. K&R

go rebels

[tabatha]

3. The Smallest Victims, Defiant rebels, Waning support for Gadhafi, Two-pronged blitz

The Smallest Victims
The war in Libya has taken a shocking, wrenching toll on the children of Misrata and Benghazi.
BY RUTH SHERLOCK | MAY 27, 2011
MISRATA, Libya — "If we die we are martyrs and we will go to heaven." Standing in a pleated gray dress and flowery sandals, her curly brown hair swinging in pigtails, 8-year-old Aisha's words are hauntingly austere for someone so young.

Aisha is a child of the revolution: one of the thousands of Libyan youth who in the last three months have seen more violence, instability, destruction, and death than most adults across the world witness in a lifetime.

The February uprising against Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi quickly escalated into a civil war that has left no corner of the country untouched. Thousands have been killed, wounded, or displaced in the fighting. For months in the west Libyan city of Misrata, the battle raged in and around civilian homes. Heavy artillery, rockets, and cluster bombs fired by Qaddafi's troops rocked the besieged city. There was no safe haven in which families could shelter.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/05/27/the_smallest_victims

Libya: Defiant rebels shrug off mortar attacks and insist they will prevail
Published Date: 28 May 2011
By Ruth Sherlock
Gradually, they said, they intended to crush the loyalists' morale. "We feel that the Gaddafi forces are at their lowest level. We keep capturing them."

The sentiment was echoed by world leaders at the G8 summit in the French seaside town of Deauville yesterday. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev joined the calls for Gaddafi to go, bringing a unanimous verdict among the G8 leaders on the crumbled legitimacy of the dictator's regime.

"The situation is much better now, we have more weapons, more men and we are advancing. Every day is better than the day before," said Omar Hussein, who has spent more than two months on the front line. "He had enough to crush an uprising - he never thought there was going to be a war."
http://news.scotsman.com/world/Libya-Defiant-rebels-shrug-off.6775693.jp

Small signs suggest waning support for Gadhafi
By Diaa Hadid - Associated Press

TRIPOLI, Libya — Young men waved their assault rifles in the air, spraying celebratory gunfire. Others let off fireworks. Drivers honked and leaned out of their cars waving green flags and chanting in support of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

The shaking cacophony of bangs and bullets one recent evening all served to camouflage the thin turnout at a pro-Gadhafi demonstration in his stronghold, the capital of Tripoli. Only several hundred showed up, and many seemed more interested in having fun than in showing solidarity with the regime.
http://www.hutchnews.com/World/Small-signs-suggest-waning-support-for-Gadhafi

Libya: Coalition forces prepare two-pronged blitz to finish off Gaddafi
The first daytime bombing raid on the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday morning heralded a new stage in the military campaign against the Gaddafi regime.

It hit a military storage base in the centre of Tripoli that has been subject of repeated raids all week.

But a military spokesman said a separate mission the night before had taken out watchtowers on the leadership's Bab al-Azizia compound and threatened to begin opening up its miles of bleak green-painted concrete walls up by precision bombing.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8543882/Libya-Coalition-forces-prepare-two-pronged-blitz-to-finish-off-Gaddafi.html

[joshcryer]

5. That child has such a great smile!

:cry: :hug:

[Iterate]

4. G8 ‘Marshall Plan’ for Arab Spring Nations Falls Short

G8 ‘Marshall Plan’ for Arab Spring Nations Falls Short
Posted on 05/28/2011 by Juan Cole

The 8 wealthiest industrial countries, meeting at the G-8, urged that the world give Egypt, Tunisia and liberated Libya (‘emerging democracies in the Arab world’) some $40 billion in aid. The sum will make headlines but there is less to it than meets the eye.

The G8 is only ponying up $10 billion itself, and that is only in the form of relatively vague promises of a sort that have often not been completely followed through on in the past. It is urging that the Gulf oil states to give $10 billion, though some of them, like Saudi Arabia, were not actually very happy about Hosni Mubarak being overthrown and it is not clear that they will want to help grassroots democratization succeed. That $10 bn. may or may not come through, and if it did it might have strings attached that would actually be undemocratic. Saudi Arabia is very afraid of the outbreak of press freedom in Egypt, which could end its stranglehold over Arabophone journalism and open its authoritarian system to critique. What price would it extract from Cairo for its billions in aid?
...

Egypt’s transition to democracy is going to be rocky enough without the albatross of Hosni Mubarak’s debts hanging around its neck. The world community needs to be far more generous and pro-active if Egyptians are going to feel rewarded rather than punished for their remarkable achievement in moving toward popular sovereignty and a rule of law. The same holds true for Tunisia. But Egypt is a fourth of the Arab world and an opinion leader, and its success really would resonate widely in the Arab world and Africa.
...

One good thing about the likely victory of the Free Libya forces is that that country’s oil wealth ($26 bn a year) could be used in part to support the new democracies in its neighborhood, while Qaddafi would have tried to undermine them.

Complete...http://www.juancole.com/

Thanks to pampango for the find: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=1185708&mesg_id=1188514

Though most of the article concerns Tunisia and Egypt, it has its implications for Libya as well. The use of debt to manipulate the politics and economies of developing nations has long been established as one of the more sinister tools of super-power domination. Creative solutions have been few and far between. Cole argues that simple debt forgiveness for newly won democracies is the most effective way to sustain the Arab Spring.

While the topic is the Arab Spring, I think I'll repost this from late in the previous thread:

Video: BAFTA: Arab Springs – A Broadcasting Revolution

Hosted by Broadcaster Jon Snow, a panel and cast of interviewees discuss the challenges facing conflict news reporting and the rise of social media’s citizen journalist.

This video discusses the challenge of reporting from the ground, the importance of freelancers and their safety, as well as the impact of social media and how reporting on conflict is changing.

http://bcove.me/tr0ka6ld

or http://www.libyafeb17.com /

[backscatter712]

6. GO REBELS!!!

K&R

[joshcryer]

7. Libyan Revolution Day 101 updates below, current time in Libya, 1:40am Sunday, May 29

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/28/gaddafi-nato-apache-attack-libya">Gaddafi to be told to stand down or face Apache attack
Nato has only one question as it prepares to unleash Apache helicopters against the forces of Muammar Gaddafi this week, and Captain Ali Mohammed, one of the defenders of the besieged rebel city of Misrata, can supply the answer.

If, as most pundits predict, tomorrow's peace mission to Tripoli by South African president Jacob Zuma fails, Nato will hit the Libyan leader harder than it has ever hit him before.

British Apaches, together with French Tiger attack helicopters, will launch surgical strikes on Gaddafi's forces besieging Misrata. They have the ability to destroy individual gun positions in the town of Zlitan, west of Misrata, with less risk to the civilian population kept there as human shields.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/28/raf-jets-strike-gaddafi-compound">British jets make daytime raid on Gaddafi compound
British RAF jets have taken part in a rare daytime strike by Nato aircraft on the Libyan capital, destroying the guard towers at Muammar Gaddafi's compound in Tripoli.

The Libyan dictator was not a target and there was no way of knowing whether he was there at the time, the military alliance said.

Followed a fifth straight night of attacks, British Typhoons were among the aircraft that used precision bombs early Saturday to bring down guard towers along the walls of the Bab al-Aziziyah complex.

The British chief of defence staff's spokesman, Major General John Lorimer, said: "For decades Colonel Gaddafi has hidden from the Libyan people behind these walls, spreading terror and crushing opposition.

[Iterate]

8. Nafusa News

Update from Yefren, Kikla and Al Qalaa

May 28, 2011, 10.15 pm : update on the current situation in Yefren, Kikla and Al Qalaa, recorded live on Libya Alhurra.
Call in report (ed. this one is clear, with a good connection)

http://libya-alhurra.tumblr.com/
or http://youtu.be/vUPIID-45C0 Part 1
and http://youtu.be/d14wBDVMgsA for Part 2

Amazigh_Libya AmazighLibya
May 28: #Gaddafi forces attacked #Jadu & #ArRujban last night using cluster bombs. Shelling on Jadu focused on civilian areas.
The reports of using cluster bombs in #Nafusa isn't anything new. #Gaddafi used them in #Nalut & other areas early April.

#Gaddafi troops are hiding in civilian homes in the city of #Arryayna, NE of #Zintan.
#Zintan is surrounded by #Gaddafi troops to the east, blocking the road to besieged #Yefren.
30-40% of families from #Zintan refused to flee to #Tunisia.

20 Grad rockets hit #Jadu today, seriously injuring many civilians & destroyed houses
Hospital in #Jadu & #Zintan running on generators, but not for long due to gas shortage.
#Zintan and #Jadu without electricity for 3 days. #Yefren without electricity for 56 days.
vor 17 Minuten

ShababLibya LibyanYouthMovement
Nafusa update: FFs from Kikla, Gal’a & Yefren have freed Kikla. Fighting continued yesterday
Nafusa update: between from 5 am in the morning to approximately 11 pm at night. 6 Gaddafi forces were killed, (cont)
Nafusa update: 1 of them is thought to be a commander. 8 were wounded and 30 were taken hostages, some with high military ranks
Nafusa update: FFs managed to take 10 vehicles belonging to Gaddafi forces, including vehicles, lorries, people carriers (cont)
Nafusa update: and military vehicle(s) fixed with an anti aircraft missile launcher and ammunition
Nafusa update: Three people from Kikla were killed and five injured with a number of them in a critical state.
Nafusa update There is currently ongoing shelling from Rumiya and Jafara North of Kikla on Al-Kikla, Gal’a and Yefren (cont)
Nafusa update: (cont) despite the fact that NATO Jets are in the sky now.
Nafusa Update: Jadu and Ar-Rujban: Gaddafi forces attacked both Jadu and Ar-Rujban last night using (banned) cluster bombs
Nafusa Update: Shelling on Jadu was focused on civilian areas. However, there were no losses of life. Although many buildings were destroyed

Amazigh_Libya AmazighLibya
Today, #Gaddafi forces intentionally destroyed the ancient #Takut Palace in #Nalut pictured here http://goo.gl/K9S4K #Libya #Feb17
vor 48 Minuten

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/24814278

[tabatha]

9. Shouts of Thanks, Gaddafi deception, Libya is not..., Algeria-backed Polisario, TRIPOLI UPDATE

In Libyan Rebel Capital, Shouts of Thanks to America and the West
BENGHAZI, Libya — Frustrated by the gridlocked traffic, the young man in fatigues was leaning on the horn of his old Chevrolet Impala, the one with the front and rear windshields shot out. The shrillness of the pointless noise made a foreigner in the car next to him wince.

Then came one of those Free Libya moments.

“Sorry, sorry,” the horn-blower called apologetically, in English. The young man riding shotgun, also in fatigues and carrying a Kalashnikov, grinned sheepishly and apologized as well. Then he saluted, bringing his wounded right hand into view, a giant mitten of a bandage on it, blood soaking through in places.

“Thank you, thank you,” he said. “America No. 1.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/world/africa/29benghazi.html

Tweets
mijami2‎ RT @RRowleyTucson: Report: #Gaddafi plans to bomb a #Tripoli school (They will be filled b/c of exams) & will blame #NATO - via Defected Regime Officer #Libya

Libya is not...
(Old article, had not seen it, worth linking)
This is not a civil war. That term is thrown around in news and in print with such certainty that it seems almost fact ...
This is not a military coup. It seems redundant to state that but it should be obvious from the new reports and images coming out of the country...
This is not Afghanistan, or even Iraq. There is another post by Khaled M on this site that goes in to much greater detail than I ...

There are those who feel that foreign or United States’ involvement in Libya will just lead to another quagmire like many others we have gotten ourselves stuck in. They claim that the US is after Libya’s resources and is seeking to serve its own self-interest. What they fail to realize is that, as I mentioned earlier, the Libyan people begged for foreign involvement but only to level the playing field. The Libyans don’t need outside help to build a government and there will be no Halliburton-like entity swooping in to monopolize contracts for rebuilding infrastructure or maintaining oil wells. There has been a level of ingenuity and organization in this revolution that stands in direct contrast to the stereotypical African or Middle-Eastern coup. There is no radical religious element or greed for natural resources that powers this engine of freedom. It is powered by the blood of a people who have been marginalized, oppressed, and brutalized for 42 years by a man who claims to “live in their hearts”. It is powered by the sweat of a people living in one of the richest countries Africa but experiencing a 30% unemployment rate because that money only flows in to one man’s pockets. And it is powered by the tears of mothers and children who will never see their fathers and sons because they all desire to simply be free. Pray for Libya, pray for a swift victory, and pray for the people to experience the peace and freedom that we take for granted every day.
http://newlibya.com/?p=118

As Libya Toll Mounts, U.S. Congress Urged to Scrutinize Gadhafi's Recruitment of Mercenaries from Algeria-backed Polisario to fight NATO, Rebels
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As international concern grows over the mounting toll of fighting in Libya, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) is urging his colleagues in Congress to give "serious attention" to increasing evidence that members of the Algeria-backed Polisario Front are among those "being recruited and participating as mercenaries in Col. Gadhafi's murderous campaign against the Libyan people." Earlier this month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Libyan leaders, calling their mercenary recruiting a "crime against humanity."

In a letter to fellow members, Diaz-Balart wrote, "I believe these charges, received from Libyan opposition leaders and reported to both NATO and the press against the Polisario, merit our serious attention in Congress." Diaz-Balart, who serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies, added that, "Those who take up arms against the U.S. and its allies must be made to pay the consequences for their choices."
http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/05/27/3103920/as-libya-toll-mounts-us-congress.html

TRIPOLI UPDATE - 28th MAY 2011
Widespread, unarmed protests in the district of soug al jomaa yesterday. High security response using live ammunition. Protesters began throwing rocks at the security. As a result we witnessed a very high level of security today to oppress further notions of dissent. This, combined with previous flare up in Ben Ashour, shows continued increasing momentum of dissent

Recently arrested individuals quote interrogator from the Internal Security apparatus as saying 'Katiba in Tripoli are now fighting a losing battle'.

Meeting with other activist groups today. Many groups preparing hundreds of independence flags and banners and loud speakers in anticipation for the final push in Tripoli.

Pamphlets and leaflets litter the streets of Tripoli showing morale raising slogans and independence flags.

Many previously loyal gaddafi supporters now openly talking of frustration of the lies on State TV. Most of the gadaffi loyalists our group spoke to wont switch loyalties but are very disheartened and disillusioned. They are unlikely to put up a fight for the regime. It appears the regime is losing its legitimacy even with its own loyalists.
http://www.twitlonger.com/show/aoj84a

[Mojorabbit]

10. Thanks so much for putting this together! nt

[Yosarian71]

11. Coalition forces prepare two-pronged blitz to finish off Gaddafi

I sense a little bit of frustration by NATO about what is essentially now a stalemate, as much as I hate to use that term, for the last month.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8543882/Libya-Coalition-forces-prepare-two-pronged-blitz-to-finish-off-Gaddafi.html

My concern has always been the rebels inability to project their power more than a few miles from their homes. On their own turf, they have been very effective. When they need to attack more than two dozen miles, they have proven to be pretty ineffective.

[tabatha]

12. The rebels do not have close to any

weaponry that can go against Gaddafi - who bought the biggest supply of weapons in Africa, and is prepared to use all sorts of dirty tricks, such as using mercenaries against his own people, and blatant lies. Even NATO with all of its fire power has not managed to evict Gaddafi in 3 months? All the cards were in Gaddafi's hands - money and weapons, and utter butality. That is why NATO had to intervene.

I also think that possibly "on their own turf" means equally matched in weapons. Where they have to go up against grads defending other turf, it is not that easy --- although they have done it in small areas.

[Yosarian71]

21. Fair points

But the rebels have the most sophisticated air force in human history and overwhelming popular support, and they can not dislodge Gadhafi's troops in Brega, Zliten or the Western Mountain. Even south of Misurata, the rebels seem to have slowed down on their march to Sirte. Gadhafi can't advance either, but as some had predicted before, the rebels have a heck of a time operating as an effective military force more than a few miles from their home. They don't have the organization, leadership or logistics to project their power very effectively.

Gadhafi's troops morale is terrible, they have not had a successful offensive engagement in something like 6 weeks, but the rebels can not shake them loose on the three fronts.

[tabatha]

22. I think the Brega situation

is intentional by NATO It is in effect, as Heinz said, a large POW camp. They are not fighting, and they cannot move. Better for them to be there not causing problems elsewhere.

[CJvR]

39. Perhaps...

...but it is also a very effective roadblock on any movement westwards, cant go to Sirte with such a threat left in the rear.

[tabatha]

24. Libya's Misrata rebels face tough new fight

Fighting on their home turf, Misrata's rebels overcame the heavier firepower of Moammar Gadhafi's forces in punishing street battles that expelled them from the western Libyan city. They now face what could prove a far tougher task — defeating a better-armed military in open terrain.

Opposition forces have expanded the territory under their control over the past month, pushing the front lines 15 miles (25 kilometers) in a sweeping arc around the port city and putting Misrata out of range of Gadhafi's heavy weapons.

But the rebels face new challenges as they shift from street battles to fighting in the olive groves, wheat fields and sandy desert that surround the city.

"It is a different scenario. Now it's more difficult," said Salaheldin Badi, a senior rebel commander. "It demands more equipment. Supplies, logistics and communications are an issue."... "We have more people than weapons," al-Shibli said. He estimated that the rebels have only 30 percent of the arms they need. "Heavy weapons are the most important."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43210673/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/

[CJvR]

38. A few...

...companies for NATO troops on the ground would probably have ended the war by now. But the rebels were quite clear that they didn't want any and NATO didn't want to send any anyway. Limited to aerial recon and intel there is only so much airpower alone can do. It can take out bases and heavy assets in the field but in the cities and more irregular units can only be IDed on the ground - and there have been no way for the rebs to relay that intel or illuminate targets with lasers like NATO ground troops could have done. Sure NATO could have leveled Brega in an afternoon but I doubt that is something we would like to see, Gaddafi would be extatic though. Im a bit surprised he have not placed bombs in civilian areas around major military bases to set off during an air raid to get a civilian body count going, it would be hard for NATO to prove it wasn't a bomb overshooting its target.

[joshcryer]

13. We are all Hamza Ali El-Khatib, Syria’s Khalid Said Extremely Graphic

http://egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/we-are-all-hamza-ali-el-khatib-syrias.html">We are all Hamza Ali El-Khatib , Syria’s Khalid Said “Extremely Graphic”
I was not planning to write anything tonight except the coverage of #May27 but the face of Hamza and his smile makes me obliged as a human , as an Arab , as a Muslim and as an Egyptian to speak about him.

Hamza is a 13 years old boy from Syria , he lived with his parents in a village called “Al Jeezah” or “Al Giza” in Daraa governorate. His tragedy started when he marched along his family in a rally to break the siege of the city of Daraa. He was detained among hundreds of Syrian during the massacre of Siada , I remember this massacre from couple of weeks ago and how horrible it was. According to my knowledge the detainees were hundreds and they were detained in schools and even football playgrounds.

Now after weeks of absence Hamza returned to his family as a dead body. He returned as dead body of full of tortures marks with his genitals. Yes his body was full of torture marks and bullets !! They cut his genitals then they killed , yes according to his autopsy he was shot down after cutting his genitals.
Here is a video showing Hamza as a dead little tortured boy , I think he was being washed for the burial. This is extremely , extremely graphic video , I mean it. The genitals part was being pixelated.

WARNING EXTREMELY GRAPHIC VIDEO. :cry:

[Distant Observer]

16. Syria security has a long history of torture - in partnership with the CIA

[tabatha]

31. Yes, you are correct.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraordinary_rendition_by_the_United_States

Obama has taken steps to reverse many of Bush's policies - but has not gone far enough. I hope that happens in his 2nd term.

[kenny blankenship]

67. Fucking Assad has signed his own death warrant now

Gaddafi has much better long term prospects for personal survival, and his chances aren't good at all.

Syria will tear Assad limb from limb for this.

[Iterate]

14. Cruise ship of hope sails for Misurata

Cruise ship of hope sails for Misurata
A commercial ferry carries residents, medical supplies and food to the besieged Libyan city.
Ruth Sherlock Last Modified: 28 May 2011 19:08

Hundreds of families gathered at Benghazi dock, pushing and jostling their way onto the cruise ship bound for war. A prominent business man has chartered the passenger ferry to open a commercial line between Benghazi and the besieged west Libya town of Misurata.

Limping and waving crutches, injured fighters joined throngs of women and children on the first commercial ferry to travel to the city since the war began.

"I was looking for a way to take injured Misuratans who were treated in Benghazi back to their homes," said Libyan business tycoon Mohammed Raied, who chartered the ship. "By law the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) boat that brought the injured out, cannot take people to Misurata. So it would travel to the city loaded only with aid."
...

Reports that the heavy bombardments that for weeks wracked Misurata's residential areas are lessening, have prompted hundreds of stranded Misuratans to return to their homes. "I miss everything in Misurata. My friends, my cousins, my pillow, my bed," said Noha Obeid, 19, holding her sister's three-year-old daughter in her arms. The family of nine paid more than $800 to buy ferry tickets home.

more... http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/05/2011528144520326964.html

[Iterate]

15. Brendan Simms: Road to Libya runs through Srebrenica

Brendan Simms: Road to Libya runs through Srebrenica
Conservative 'realist' policy decisions handed the Bosnian Serbs an advantage that led to the Sebrenica massacre
Sunday, 29 May 2011

The arrest last week of the former Bosnian Serb supreme commander Ratko Mladic, and his likely extradition to face trial for war crimes at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in the Hague, is cause for grim satisfaction throughout the western Balkans. It is also an uncomfortable reminder of a particularly terrible moment in British foreign policy. We should never forget that the killings at Srebrenica were the culmination of a three-year campaign of ethnic cleansing, which began in the spring of 1992.

During that period, the Conservative administration of John Major played a pivotal role in persuading the international community not to intervene and in preventing the US from coming to the aid of the legitimate government of Bosnia Herzegovina. The foreign secretary, Douglas Hurd refused to lift the international arms embargo on the former Yugoslavia, arguing in a notorious phrase that this would simply create a "level killing field".

This policy – fully supported by the defence secretary Malcolm Rifkind – disadvantaged lightly-armed Bosnians against the already well-equipped Serbs, and ensured that the victims would have no chance to defend themselves. It was driven not by personal callousness or Islamophobia, but by a "realist" belief that the prevention of ethnic cleansing was not in Britain's national interest.

One way or the other, the policy led directly to the events at Srebrenica in July 1995, when Bosnian Serb tanks overran militias armed largely with shotguns and massacred some 7,000 unarmed Muslim men and boys.

more... http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/brendan-simms-road-to-libya-runs-through-srebrenica-2290326.html

[Iterate]

17. Libya's Explosive Music Revolution

Libya's Explosive Music Revolution

by Khaled Mattawa May 28, 2011 | 7:29pm

The years Gaddafi took power were also the years the music died. Now, songs are coming out from everywhere, and fast. Plus, a video gallery of the hottest new songs and the old classics. By Khaled Mattawa

At a Libyan pro-revolution rally in the midday heat of Doha last week, the protesters needed help. They sang the independence anthem, laughed through a spoof of a song by Muhammad Hassan, Muammar Gaddafi's chosen singer, then chanted "the blood of the martyrs will not go in vain."

Then, just as the several-hundred-strong crowd was running out of steam, someone remembered a line from a new pro-revolution song. Magically, a minivan sound system blared a remixed version into the surrounding blocks. Kids broke into dance, adults of all ages rocked to the song, and everyone joined the catchy chorus when it sounded.

The new song is a full-on celebration. A litany of praise that lists all Libya's cities and regions, the song blasts Gaddafi for his decades of violent misrule and his very bad hair. Since February, when the revolt really took hold, rebels and Gaddafi's forces have been at war. But the rebels are using music as fuel.

more music... http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-28/libyas-explosive-music-revolution-ibn-thait-and-more/#

and don't miss the Libyan Pop Music Media Gallery
http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2950/1/

Yikes, our resident music critic isn't around right now, so I'll post this and hope for her blessing later. My only qualification is a new obsession with Tribute FM.

[tabatha]

20. Bookmarked Libyan videos

I thought I'd share the videos I have "favorited", while on topic.

Many are revolutionary. The first two are variants on the first video in the "Libyan Pop Music Media Gallery" --- thanks for that, awesome.
The last video is of the old Libyan anthem, and there are a few Berber songs as well.

http://youtu.be/mvfEhk-6Jeg
http://youtu.be/hgylYv2a-ks

http://youtu.be/SpscRG0_dR8
http://youtu.be/2nrMkq62Vz4
http://youtu.be/cXoE5omODlY
http://youtu.be/ZKHf9FKKfbI

http://youtu.be/vuVFJXjuU8c
http://youtu.be/fgUpSJh8U7U
http://youtu.be/5BcGgEzlZvI
http://youtu.be/3h47hYb5W_M

http://youtu.be/3zOKWT_bZkg
http://youtu.be/128qA-lQ0Tc
http://youtu.be/oywktDgO4Y0
http://youtu.be/JbRaIXkqf5I

http://youtu.be/rupCjGlr1KI
http://youtu.be/nWRSu1zV1gk
http://youtu.be/bdC32Spgl_4

[pinboy3niner]

18. K&R!

From Bishop, CA, 200+ miles from home. Hotel dial-up is sloooowww.

[Iterate]

19. OK, I'll save the gigabyte panorama spread

and offer a few byte-sized tweets:

@RRowleyTucson: 20 #Gaddafi soldiers including a colonel & several officers from #Misrata, defect, land in #Ketf near #BenGuerdane #Tunisia.

@AlmanaraMedia Today. A unit of 30 #Libya n soldiers surrendered to #Tunisia n army in #Benguerdène http://tinyurl.com/3jx4het

elpasolibre: LPC #Yefren: Rebels expect the surrender of a #Gaddafi forces' leader after cornering him during clashes in Kikklah today. #Libya

[pinboy3niner]

54. Thanks for the short version--very interesting

And much appreciated, Cuz.

It's a bit weird for a news junkie to be out of the loop, but it's a godsend to have the thread to come back to to catch up. Kudos to you for the work you're doing here, and to Tabatha. And wonderful to see new contributors pitching in to take up the slack.

[catchnrelease]

32. Are you there for Mule Days??

The Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley are some of my very favorite places to visit. It's heaven to me. Enjoy your time there. (oh, and a not so subtle kick for the thread while it's shortish.):hi:

[pinboy3niner]

36. Actually for Memorial Day, but it is Mule Days here

We are displaying a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here for a week over Memorial Day.

Today this relatively-new (18 months old) replica got its baptism of snow and hail. Mule Days are a bit chillier than usual this year.

I posted about the trip to Bishop here:

BISHOP, CA: Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall on display May 27-June 2
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=141x39965


It is beautiful country, and the Wall has a gorgeous setting on the grassy outfield of a ballfield in Bishop Park, surrounded by trees and plants provided by a local nursery. The local sponsor, Bishop VFW Post 8988, has done a wonderful job bringing the community together to suppport the event.


:hi:

[tabatha]

23. NPR foreign correspondent Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

Excellent interview.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/jan-june11/navarro_05-24.html

RRowleyTucson
#Nalut: Reports that a humanitarian shipment arrived in city yesterday from Islamic Relief. #Libya #feb17
Only a moving front line will create real pressure. There is no real pressure on the #Gaddafi regime right now. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Reports that in past few minutes a huge explosion was heard near the Rixos Hotel. #Libya #feb17
VIDEO: To the gates of Mordor ( #BabAlAziziyah) http://youtu.be/5PFKBoeF1S4 #Tripoli #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Sky news is VERY slow in reporting. #NATO bombed almost half an hour ago. #Libya #feb17

VIDEO: #Misrata: #Tawarga is now in the hands of #Freedomfighters. http://youtu.be/2IjCkOO0tLo #Libya #feb17
http://twitter.com/#!/RRowleyTucson

Libyan rebels continue to struggle
http://youtu.be/7On6uKaabKw

Activities held in Tripoli Street - Misurata these days
http://youtu.be/1Znz8M-IFAg
(a difference from grad rockets)

[Iterate]

25. Richard Engel from Tripoli- Gaddafi losing loyalty among Libyans

Richard Engel from Tripoli- Gaddafi losing loyalty among Libyans - MSNBC
http://youtu.be/82UL7so91CA

This is about as "open" as any Rixos reporter has been, and that in itself is telling.

Dr. Fathi Abu-Zakhar "our families were not afraid of dying, they were afraid of rape"
with translation.
von 10libyan am 29.05.2011

Nato Attack on #Gaddafi's Weapon Depots North East #Sabha
von 10libyan am 28.05.2011
http://youtu.be/6dI7b9fCGsU

Wow. There have been very, very few reports from Sabha, as it has one of the main military bases and weapons storage areas for the regime. It's one of only four towns where I have no reports of mass protest in February and March.

The military bases and weapons stores are not necessarily super secret -you can spot them on google earth. Weapons from these stockpiles are driven north to the Nafusa and to Misrata. Sabha has even been considered as a possible escape path for Gaddafi & sons.

The explosions seen are not from the initial attack (which was probably over by the time the camera was switched on), they are from the explosions of the stored weapons.

On edit:
As long as I'm on the subject of towns not often heard from, there are two in particular that did have mass protests in February and March, but have the bad luck to be located at key road junctions on the supply road to Tripoli, Nafusa, and Zaiwiya -Garyan and Bani Waled.

The repression in these two was particularly overwhelming and neither had the resources or geography necessary for fighting back. There have however been a few reports filtering out of Bani Waled recently, mostly statements from heavily disguised residents:

von PatrioticLibyan
Dis is a video of demo n centre of #Benwalid which is d main residence of #werfalla tribe.youtu.be/FGA4uQoOic4 Several in video r of d dead
vor 23 Stunden

PatrioticLibyan Aiman Amer
Confrontations in Bani Walid today after failing to hand over the bodies of yesterday's martyrs & the kidnapping of some of their relatives.
#Nato air strikes on Bani Waleed's military airport this afternoon

#Gaddafi loyalists killed at least 18 freedom fighters from #Libya's largest tribe; Warfalla, in Bani Walid yesterday.

These freedom fighters were surrounded by #Gaddafi forces in a school in Bani Walid. Tribal elders intervened and negotiated their surrender
However, #Gaddafi forces opened fire and killed more than a dozen FFs after they had dropped their weapons.
Today, more reinforcements of #Gaddafi forces have arrived in Bani Walid in anticipation of further unrest after alienating the Warfallas.
In addition, more than 100 members of the Warfalla tribe met with the Libyan NTC in #Istanbul today to call for #Gaddafi's departure.

It's worth noting that Bani Walid is of both geographic and demopolitical importance. The city lies between FF-held Misrata and Mount Nafusa

The last thing #Gaddafi would want to do is allocate more resources to Bani Walid and away from his current western front lines.
This could also have an impact on other neighbouring towns like #Tarhuna, Al Khums and Gherian, currently suppressed by #Gaddafi forces.
#Gaddafi forces are already locking up relatives of those involved in yesterday's events in Bani Walid, inflaming the residents even more.
Sympathetic towards their neighbours in #Misrata, and angry about the killing of their own, Warfalla are now rising.

Bani Walid will undoubtedly become another epicentre in this revolution. #Feb17 #Libya #GaddafisNightmareHasComeTrue
PatrioticLibyan Aiman Amer
vor 3 Stunden

@LibyaInMe: Bani Walid: During funeral proceedings, Gaddafi forces forcibly took bodies of martyrs from yesterday's events to Tripoli.

@LibyaNewMedia They're now embarrassed traitors. They lead a large tribe and can read the signs like Russia did. They know its their move.

@Iman17feb Once Bani Walid kicks off, Tarhuni will catch up.

[Iterate]

26. Tripoli Update Sunday 29th May 2011

Thanku4theAnger THANKU4THEANGER
@tributefm Comprehensive update on Tunisia’s Refugee camps, Nafousa & Tripoli - Sunday 29th May 2011#feb17 #Libya http://twitdoc.com/8U8
vor 18 Minuten

Source: Tripoli resident who arrived in Tunisia Thursday 26 May 2011

- My source bought 20 litres for 80 dinars which was a bargain in relative terms. Normally it would cost over 100 dinars. It has even reached 160 dinars for 20 litres at one point. You can no longer find foreign imported food. Prices have shot up, for example, a litre of oil was 2.75 and now is double that price. Another example of shortages is in medicines, panadol is unavailable.

- School week has been extended to include Saturday and the school year has been extended to end in July. This is in order to use the school children in pro Gaddafi rallies. Furthermore this prevents families of school children from leaving Tripoli after the scholl year ends.

- It is now very difficult to leave via Ras Jideer. You require permission from the ministry your job relates to. For example, if you work in tourism you require a permit from the ministry of tourism. Also you require proof of completed military service. There are around 40 check points from Tripoli to Tunisia’s border which is 190km journey. On average a checkpoint every 5kms.

- On government buildings notices requiring all men aged between 18 & 40 years old to submit themselves for military reserve conscription. This has not been enforced yet.

- Zuwara’s main high street was completely destroyed by Gaddafi forces in 2 to 3 days. You can not pass by it when heading to Tunisia. However, you can pass by Zawiya. The destruction in Zawiya is very evident.

- The source confirms 2 weeks ago two protesters were killed in Arada following an attempt to protest by the local residents of the area.

- Most of the Gaddafi supporters that appear in Bab AlAzizia are family members of Katiba officers. Many of whom live in the Busleem area which is very close to Bab AlAzizia. At the beginning of the revolution you would get paid 250 dinars just to show up, children playgrounds, musical groups, drugs and alcohol to encourage participation. However, the numbers have dwindled to almost nothing progressively as the financial and other incentives was halted.


- The people of Tripoli to date have not heard of a single civilian casualty from NATO bombings.

- You can hear gunshots all the time. You can often find empty bullet shells in your garden in the morning from the antiaircraft bullets. These have caused property damage such as broken windows.

- In AlHadba about 10 days to 2 weeks tents of Haras Alshaabi ( Katiba Forces) were burnt down.

- The way they raised the flag on Mitiga, they froze the flag with the green part showing on the outside and asked the security forces to rasie the flag on the base. After the sun hit and melted the flag the independence flag in its colours appear.

- Specifically in Soug AlJuma there was writing on the wall saying Soug Aljuma has not used force yet.

- Many people have been killed in Gas station incidents by gun fire from Haras AlShaabi ( katiba forces). One such incident occurred in Alhany gas station. This station was dedicated to women only. 2people were killed and the gas station was subsequently completely shut down. Another incident occurred at the gas station in albeefy where the 2 sons of the gas station owner were killed by Gaddafi forces. One of the sons died en route to Tunisia.

- One Thursday there was a buzz in the city about potential mass protests. However the katibas did not allow people to exit from their houses with Katiba forces roaming every street to enforce this. The people in Tripoli are awaiting for cities nearby to fall and for NATO to help loosen the squeeze by the Katibas.

[Iterate]

27. Update on Nafousa - Sunday 29th May 2011

Thanku4theAnger THANKU4THEANGER
@tributefm Comprehensive update on Tunisia’s Refugee camps, Nafousa & Tripoli - Sunday 29th May 2011#feb17 #Libya http://twitdoc.com/8U8
vor 22 Minuten

Update from Nafousa - Sunday 29th May 2011
Source: Nalut residents now based in Dehiba near the Wazin border crossing and long term Relief workers in Tunisia
- As widely reported, my Nalut sources confirmed that the martyr Sheikh AlMadani the leader of Zintan was betrayed & killed by Gaddafi forces pretending to surrender. He was ex- military and was always the first at the frontline. Whilst others crouched when they fought, he always fought fearlessly standing straight. Gaddafi forces shot him in the foot, then shoulder then in the head. The Gaddafi battalion, that betrayed Sheikh Madani who offered the battalion amnesty if they surrendered, was composed of 150 soldiers. The entire battalion was wiped out by the Freedom fighters.

- The Nalut sources confirmed a number of stories that recently emerged. The Freedom fighters once found a Gaddafi soldier tied with a chain to an antiaircraft gun to prevent his escape from the field of battle. They also once found a car loaded with stolen gold & jewellery from the families of Nafousa. One episode that particularly irked my source was a mobile video they found of Gaddafi soldiers calling sheep they stole & slaughtered as the property of the rats. Gaddafi in one of his speeches called those who opposed him rats. My source also relates a story where a Gaddafi soldier was on the verge of death & was reminded to recite the shahada ,“There is No God but Allah” as advised in Islamic tradition when a Muslim nears his death. However, the soldier just said, “Gaddafi & Gaddafi only” to my source’s disbelief.


- At the beginning of the revolution Gaddafi asked Zintan to quell any rebellion amongst the Amazigh Nalut. The relationship before the revolution was lukewarm at best between the two cities ever since the Italian occupation in the early part of the 20th century and was made worse with Gaddafi’s concerted marginalisation of the Amazigh and their culture. However, the Sheikhs of Zintan refused Gaddafi’s request. Early on in the revolution Zintan, as the town revolted, ended up being surrounded by Gaddafi forces, Zintan requested urgent food supplies from Nalut. Nalut sent 3 trucks of food in support of Zintan. Ever since then they have literally become brothers in arms fighting together.

- My source also confirms that many of those who have escaped from Zuwara are fighting in Nafousa.

- So called Fifth column elements in the border area with Tunisia attempt to spread fear and discord by spreading malicious and false rumours such as falsely claiming the Wazin border being occupied by Gaddafi forces or there being discord between Nalut’s and Zintan’s freedom fighters. However, their key danger lies in the fact that they inform Gaddafi forces based in Ghazaya of the movements of aid convoys from Tunisia to Nafousa. Gaddafi forces then act on this information by shelling the crossing to interrupt these convoys.

- There are 2 roads leading out of the border crossing in Wazin; one that heads East to the towns of Nafousa mountain, whilst the other heads North hugging the border with Tunisia. The road leading North cuts in between two mountains near the Wazin crossing. Freedom fighters are based on these mountains, whilst the Gaddafi forces are based in Ghazaya which lies on the road North and just North beyond these 2 mountains on low ground.

- The problem the freedom fighters face is that Ghazaya has around 200 innocent families. Each household has on average 3 Gaddafi vehicles parked outside i.e. the number of Gaddafi forces does not allow the people of Ghazaya to fight back without the risk of a massacre.

Latest News
- Wazin border crossing was shelled earlier today. Last night was the first time anti aircraft was not used after sunset. Gaddafi forces often haphazardly use antiaircraft guns out of paranoia.

- Last night Tiji was targeted by Nato . Gaddafi forces moved their weaponry from Zintan to Tiji after Zintan revolted. In Tiji the weaponry is placed and stored in the Market السوق العام and Hospital.

- My source confirms Kikla has been liberated & confirms electricity was cut in Rujban and Zintan on Friday & Saturday

- It has been confirmed that over 30 Libyan army officers have defected and arrived in Tunisia this weekend.

[Iterate]

28. Update from Tunisia’s Refugee camps - Sunday 29th May 2011

Thanku4theAnger THANKU4THEANGER
@tributefm Comprehensive update on Tunisia’s Refugee camps, Nafousa & Tripoli - Sunday 29th May 2011#feb17 #Libya http://twitdoc.com/8U8
vor 36 Minuten

Source: Nalut residents now based in Dehiba near the Wazin border crossing and long term Relief workers in Tunisia

Refugee situation
- It is estimated between 35,000 to 50,000 have left Jabal Nafousa to Tunisia. For example, only around 2% of Zintan is women & children.

- According to our calculation there 2,224 in total in the 3 refugee camps. Only a small percentage of around 4-6% are in the refugee camps. The remainder are housed by Tunisians. There are many other thousands of Libyans in Tunisia who have fled from Zuwara, Zawiya and Tripoli.

- The generosity of Tunisians towards the Libyan refugees has been extraordinary. For example, my Nalut sources themselves are currently living in the houses of Tunisians. Some Tunisian families have even vacated their own homes and moved into the houses of other Tunisians to make their entire house available to the Libyan refugees. Some Tunisians who have vacated their houses for Libyan families also supply the families with food.

- However, it has become more difficult for Tunisians to support their Libyan guests. As a result Aid organisations are creating databases of Tunisians households supporting Libyan families to pay for the food, rent & utilities. The pressing issue at the moment is the upcoming tourism summer high season which involves a significant rise in rents of up to 100 to 120%.

- Also some Libyan families are running out of money. Two to three families have moved from the houses of Tunisians back to the refugee camp in Dehiba to take advantage of free food and shelter.

- More refugees are arriving from Zintan and Rujban due to the bombardment by Gaddafi forces.

- Very few Tunisians ask for rent from the Libyan refugees. Some ask for help in paying utility bills such as electricity and water which are particularly expensive.

- There are currently 3 refugee camps in Tunisia for Libya refugees from Nafousa :

1. Camp in Dehiba run by the government of the UAE which is the closest camp to Wazin Border crossing. It currently has only 147 families with a total of 694 persons. Although the camp housed 1700 families at the beginning of the exodus from Nafousa, many left due to shelling by Gaddafi forces. This camp is the well run and resourced.

2. Camp in Ramada, which was the first camp established in Tunisia, is run by United Nations. The UN outsources services to local aid organisations such as the Tunisian Cooperation association جمعية التعاون . This camp lies 45km North of Dehiba and caters 850 persons in total. The situation in this camp is dire and requires urgent attention. The washrooms & toilets are in extremely poor condition with a lack of cold water. The quality of the tents and their assembly is poor and they become extremely hot during the day. The food quality is very bad and there is no night lighting. As result manyy of the refugees trip over tent cords. Furthermore, there have been numerous incidents of snake and scorpion bites. However, there are a children programmes run by Islamic relief. And they are planning to start a local school in the camp.

3. Camp in Tatouine run by the Qatari Government. This camp lies around 127km from the Wazin border. The camp opened only last Friday 20th of May. Currently houses 700 persons with a capacity to cater for up to 1600 persons. The camp is run by around 20 Qatari volunteers. The camp lies in the Tatouine football stadium complex. There is a children playground, medical facilities, a mosque, toilets in good condition as well as extensive security provided by the Tunisian army. There also cultural activities run for women, children as well as regular football matches. In conclusion, this camp is in very well run and resourced.

[Iterate]

29. Libya defections rise: 8 officers flee to Europe

Libya defections rise: 8 officers flee to Europe
Libya's Qaddafi faces intense bombing campaign from NATO jets; More than a dozen key defections show a dictator in decline

(CBS News) Eight high-ranking Libyan military officers, including four generals, are now out of Libya and traveling to a European capital from where they plan to officially announce their defection Monday afternoon, CBS News has learned.

Their defection comes as the Libyan capital Tripoli has seen an intensified NATO bombing campaign there, as well as an expansion of NATO's military force, as both France and the U.K. have announced they are sending attack helicopters to join the fight. The defections and the increased NATO military campaign are just more signals that Qaddafi is losing his 42-year-long grip on control in Libya.

At the outset of hostilities in February, Libya's own U.N. ambassadors called for Qaddafi to step down. Libya's ambassador to India, Ali al-Essawi, resigned his post and accused the government of unleashing foreign mercenaries against the protesters. A senior Libyan diplomat posted to China resigned in a live interview with Arabic satellite channel Al Jazeera, and Abdel Elhuni, Libya's ambassador to the Arab League, also stepped down in protest of his own government's actions.

A month later, two former Libyan foreign ministers, Moussa Koussa and Ali Abdessalam Treki, also a former U.N. General Assembly president, defected. By April, Qaddafi watched as five Libyan army officers, as well as a colonel, a captain and another officer in the internal security forces turned up in Tunisia, announced their intent to quit their leader's service.

more... http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/29/501364/main20067223.shtml

Plus - Update from Brega:

Press Solidarity: Around 30 Gaddafi forces Vehicles today morning tried to come forward to the 40 area gates, west of Ajdabiyah city, but the freedom fighters confronted them and forced them to retreat after damaging 5 of Gaddafi forces vehicles and our sources say they saw smoke rise from Gaddafi Forces location
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=213783448661716&set=a.179455612094500.38351.179449562095105&type=1&comments

[Iterate]

30. Libyan Revolution Day 102 updates below, current time in Libya, 2:38 am Monday, May 30

[tabatha]

33. Wikipedia - Libya Alhurra TV and Alhurra

Wikipedia has fixed their entry for Libya Alhurra TV. It now states correctly:

Not to be confused with Alhurra, a United States-based satellite channel in the Middle East.

Libya Alhurra TV, meaning Free Libya TV, is an internet television channel founded by Mohammed Nabbous on 17 February 2011 at the start of the Libyan civil war. It was the first private television station in Benghazi, in the east of the country.

The channel's purpose is to provide the world with news and exclusive on-ground footage from Benghazi during the civil war.

Libya Alhurra TV was the only TV broadcast from Benghazi when Muammar Gaddafi shut down internet lines as the war began.<1> (A rebel-controlled radio station, Voice of Free Libya, was also broadcasting from Benghazi at that time.) Alhurra TV was able to bypass government blocks on the internet in order to broadcast live images from Benghazi across the world.

On March 19, 2011, Nabbous was killed by pro-Gaddafi troops during the Second Battle of Benghazi. His wife Perdita, announcing his death on the same day, vowed to continue with the channel in his stead, and requested original contributions of raw footage from pro-opposition individuals both inside and outside the country.<2>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libya_Alhurra_TV
That is Mo Nabbous was not a US stooge, as one poster (I don't remember) stated.

One of the links in the Wikipedia page is to:
A Courthouse in Benghazi
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,749227-2,00.html

[classysassy]

34. Intervention in Arab/Muslim countries

When will the western powers intervene in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and save the lives of untold civilians women and children?Justice is not being in the middle east and for ears to come we will be paying for our bad behavior.

[tabatha]

35. Here is my opinion, and I am sympathetic to your point of view,

The US did intervene in Egypt - it was thanks to the pressure by the US who has had a long relationship with the Egyptian army, that the Egyptian protests did not follow the Iranian, Syrian, Libyan blood-letting. The interference in getting rid of Muburak has already had one good consequence - the opening of the border with Gaza. Whether Egypt will eventually get to be a full democracy or not, and one hopes so, could be influenced by the $ that are provided by the US to Egypt. That is they can be nudged along in the right direction because of previous influence and $.

The Tunisian revolution, the first, happened so fast, that the powers-that-be could not plan ahead because they were taken by surprise, and thus were removed.

Libya, was a completely different kettle of fish. Gaddafi had already decided back in January after Tunisia and Egypt that he was not going to step down, and the only way to guarantee that was to kill the protesters until they could not stand being killed anymore. He had the biggest accumulation of weapons of many in the ME, and it was more than enough to flatten rebellious cities. Hence, the interference by the Western powers.

You may have noticed that the US withdrew from heavy involvement asap - because they cannot afford it, and Gates was opposed to it. Hence, the US cannot interfere militarily in any other African or ME country.

Thus, diplomacy and sanctions are the only tool left in the bag. Sanctions have not worked on Iran, and it is not clear if they will work on Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, etc. They are oil countries with lots of $.

Obama has tried very hard to get Israel on the right track; Netanyahu seems to be the biggest obstacle. But possibly, freedom in Egypt and hopefully Libya, will make it easier to get Israel on the right track - they will have other factors to consider that may force them to behave better.

I would be very interested to hear what you think the US should do wrt to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

[Iterate]

37. Diplomacy...try, try again.

Monday, May 30, 2011 - 14:19 - Libya
South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Tripoli for talks with Muammar Gaddafi on ending a conflict with rebels fighting to oust the Libyan strongman, according to the SA presidency.

Zuma walked down the red carpet at Tripoli's airport to meet assembled dignitaries to the sound of a band and children chanting "We want Gaddafi!" in English, while waving Libyan flags and pictures of the leader. There was no sign of Gaddafi, reports Reuters.
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya

This time for Africa: Zuma visits Tripoli – again
South African President Jacob Zuma’s Monday meeting with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi provides the African Union (AU) with the opportunity to seize the initiative on the Libyan crisis. But the AU does not have a strong track record to fall on.
By Leela JACINTO

South African President Jacob Zuma hopes to leverage his party’s long-standing ties with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi during a visit to Tripoli Monday aimed at trying to find a political solution to the Libyan crisis. The big question though is whether Zuma will overcome personal ties to ask an old friend to go.

The visit comes as the Libyan stalemate drags on despite intensified NATO airstrikes and a renewed call for Gaddafi’s exit at last week’s G8 summit in the French resort town of Deauville.

Rebuffing the latest statement calling for Gaddafi to step down, Libya's deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaaim noted that, “the G8 is an economic summit. We are not concerned by its decisions," before adding, "We are an African country. Any initiative outside the AU (African Union) framework will be rejected."

more... http://www.france24.com/en/20110529-libya-zuma-tripoli-gaddafi-visit-this-time-for-africa-african-union#

Libya rebels upbeat ahead of Kadhafi 'exit' talks
Published on 29 May 2011 - 5:27pm

Libyan rebels applauded a G8 call for Moamer Kadhafi to go ahead of a visit on Monday by South Africa's president for talks that officials said will focus on an "exit strategy" for the strongman.

"The entire world has reached a consensus that Colonel Kadhafi and his regime have not only lost their legitimacy but also their credibility," rebel leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil said in a statement from the rebels' Benghazi bastion.

"I would like to welcome the position taken... by the G8 where members emphasised the necessity of Colonel Kadhafi's departure," he said.

"The position taken by the G8 is reflective of the will of the international community as well as the demands and aspirations of the Libyan people."

more... http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/libya-rebels-upbeat-ahead-kadhafi-exit-talks-1

[Iterate]

40. What Did Qaddafi’s Green Book Really Say?

What Did Qaddafi’s Green Book Really Say?
By MOHAMAD BAZZI
Published: May 27, 2011

If Libya’s ragtag coalition of rebels manages to dislodge Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi from power it will mean not only the fall of the longest reigning dictator in the Arab world but also the end of the ambitious ideological system that he dreamed would supersede all rivals. While much of the world sees him as an eccentric and brutal demagogue, Qaddafi has tried for decades to portray himself as a statesman-philosopher. It’s an aspiration best embodied in the Green Book, his notorious three-part meditation on politics, economics and everything from the evils of mechanized poultry farming to the importance of owning one’s car. In Libya, the text is omnipresent: several generations of students grew up studying it, and the government even constructed sculptures in its image.

Most analyses of the Green Book emphasize Qaddafi’s many digressions and penchant for stating the obvious, like his proclamation that “woman is a female and man is a male.” Because it is muddled, the book is often dismissed as simply a hodgepodge of aphorisms, the ramblings of a mad dictator. And in fact, the slim 21,000-word treatise does not present a coherent worldview. But the Green Book does have its own peculiar logic: a mixture of utopian socialism, Arab nationalism and the Third World revolutionary ideology that was in vogue at the time it was written, along with a streak of Bedouin supremacism. And its tone and style echo a long tradition in classical Arabic literature: that of the ruler or his faithful scribe expounding on matters of philosophy, politics, art, culture or whatever strikes his fancy.

In 1975, six years after he took power, Qaddafi published the first volume of the Green Book — immodestly titled “The Solution of the Problem of Democracy.” With it, he promised to rescue the world from the failures of Western democracy and Communism alike: his “Third Universal Theory” would usher in an era of mass democracy in which people would rule themselves directly. Qaddafi rails against elections, political parties and popular representation (“The most tyrannical dictatorships the world has known have existed under the shadow of parliaments”). He decries plebiscites as “a fraud against democracy.” The only genuine form of democracy, he argues, is one where the masses come together in people’s committees, popular congresses and professional associations. “The problem of democracy in the world,” he declares, “is completely solved.”

The second volume offers “The Solution of the Economic Problem,” a jumble of quasi-socialist ideals and capitalist notions. In some parts, Qaddafi appears to be a class-conscious self-help guru: “There are no wage-workers in the socialist society, only partners,” and “Man’s freedom is lacking if somebody else controls what he needs.” In other sections, he exalts property ownership: “There is no freedom for a man who lives in another’s house, whether he pays rent or not,” and “Your vehicle should not be owned by others.”

more... http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/books/review/what-did-qaddafis-green-book-really-say.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1
or here... http://shabablibya.org/news/what-did-qaddafi%E2%80%99s-green-book-really-say

Frankly, I'm about ready to abandon any source that uses the word "ragtag". Once useful, but enough already.

They get a pass here because the Green Book is seldom mentioned anymore, even though it was read, memorized, and recited by every Libyan younger than fifty. After the mass protests in February and March, the first thing people did after getting control of their city was to burn out the state security building; the next target of rage was the nearest Green Book monument.

Since Libyans know the book best, I'll take their word as to its value.

[Iterate]

41. Regional rivalries emerge from Arab Spring

Regional rivalries emerge from Arab Spring
By Robert Fisk, Middle East Correspondent
Monday, 30 May 2011

Behind the Arab Spring lie its secrets. Turkey and Qatar have now developed a passionate anger towards Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime – the Turks even planning for a "safe haven" inside Syrian territory if they fear a tide of refugees approaching the Turkish border – while Gulf Arabs suspect Algeria may be secretly re-arming Libya.

Turkey believes that Assad has twice dishonoured promises to pull his brother's armed thugs off the streets of Syrian cities, and the coverage of the Syrian uprising by Qatar's Al-Jazeera television channel has so enraged the Syrians that they have blocked £4bn worth of Qatari investment projects.

Qatar's own armed forces are now assisting Libyan rebels in the western port city of Misrata, their officers helping to train guerrilla fighters on the perimeter of the fighting. No official statement has been issued about this Qatari involvement although the Gulf emirate has six Mirage fighter-bombers stationed on Crete and flying sorties over Libya.

The fear that Algeria has been supplying tanks and armoured personnel carriers to the Gaddafi regime across its 750-mile common desert border lies behind the recent visit of the Emir of Qatar to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, whose army is better equipped than Gaddafi's. The weapons which the Gulf Arabs believe have been given to the Libyan regime by the Algerians would go some way to account for Nato's slow progress in its air campaign against Gaddafi.

more... http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/regional-rivalries-emerge-from-arab-spring-2290798.html

[Iterate]

42. Libya-South Africa Relations at a Crossroad

Libya-South Africa Relations at a Crossroad
Published on 28 May 2011 by Sharif Nashashibi

South African President Jacob Zuma’s visit to Libya on 30 May for talks with Muammar Gaddafi is his second attempt at resolving the country’s conflict. The focus of the forthcoming talks will be Gaddafi’s “exit strategy,” according to two anonymous sources in the South African presidency, the Agence France Press news agency reported.

This seems to mark a change from Zuma’s previous visit as part of an African Union delegation, which did not explicitly call for the dictator’s departure, and was thus rejected by Libya’s rebels. While this second visit may herald a shift in positions, it is no less likely to succeed – perhaps even less so, though I hope I am wrong – and it raises further questions about South Africa’s oscillating stand vis-a-vis Gaddafi.

As with his first visit, Zuma has no plans to meet with the rebels, according to his spokesman Zizi Kodwa. This is puzzling and counter-productive. How does Zuma intend to resolve the conflict if he continues to ignores one side, particularly as an exit strategy would inevitably empower the opposition?

This will further deepen rebel suspicions of South Africa’s president, who enjoys close ties with Gaddafi, and calls him “brother leader.” Perhaps Zuma is hoping that his distance from the opposition will entice the Libyan dictator to trust and listen to him, but an effective mediator must have contact with both sides.

more... http://english.libya.tv/2011/05/28/libyan-south-african-relations-at-a-crossroads/

Also on the topic of regional relationships there is this, only slightly dated:

Eritrea Tyrant's Lifeline Libya Tyrant On His Way Out!
21 February 2011 Berhane M Tekeste

The first two months of Anno Domini 2011 have been marked by events that have been harbingers of the demise of tyrants and dictators in Africa and the Middle East so far.

Eritrea tyrant Isias Afewarki has been witnessing how people power haven been hounding his ilks one after the other, Tunisia Egypt, out of office.

Today, tyrant Afewarki has lived to witness how yet another of his ilks in Libya is about to be hounded out of office by people power! Yes, Eritrea tyrant's bosom friend and lifeline Libya tyrant , Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, is on his way out!

But, unlike prior two tyrants , Gaddafi is not going down without putting up a bloody fight to the last man standing, last bullet fired, and every bit of energy he has left and without taking the country and nation down with him! That was the essence of the message delivered by Gaddafi's Son Saif El Islam that was broadcast on Libya's state Television late last night- watch video below. That Geddafi himself did not deliver the message have led to reports that Geddafi might have already fled the country!

more... http://www.eritreadaily.net/News2010/article20110220.htm

[tabatha]

43. 5 Libyan generals, 3 other army officers appear in Italy after defecting from Gadhafi's regime

ROME - Five Libyan army generals who defected from Moammar Gadhafi's regime are appealing to fellow officers to join them in backing the rebels.

Italian foreign ministry officials presented the generals, two colonels and a major at a news conference in Rome Monday.

Gen. Melud Massoud Halasa said Gadhafi's forces are only 20 per cent as efficient as they were before the rebellion, and at most 10 generals are still loyal to him.

Mahmoud Shammam, of the Libyan Transitional National Council — also speaking at the conference — said other officers, based in Tripoli or the rebel-held city of Misrata, have also fled to Tunisia.

Shammam's account, along with his claim that some 120 officers have fled in recent days, could not immediately be verified.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/5-libyan-generals-3-other-army-officers-appear-165208848.htmlhttp://ca.news.yahoo.com/5-libyan-generals-3-other-army-officers-appear-165208848.html

[Iterate]

46. Update: Over 100 Libyan army members defect from Gaddafi

Over 100 Libyan army members defect from Gaddafi
By Deepa Babington
ROME | Mon May 30, 2011 1:58pm EDT

(Reuters) - Eight high-ranking Libyan army officers appeared in Rome on Monday saying they were part of a group of as many as 120 military officials and soldiers who had defected from Muammar Gaddafi's side in recent days.

The eight officers -- five generals, two colonels and a major -- spoke at a hastily-called news conference organised by the Italian government, which is one of a handful of countries that has recognized the Libyan rebel movement fighting Gaddafi as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people.

"What is happening to our people has frightened us," said one officer, who identified himself as General Oun Ali Oun.

"There is a lot of killing, genocide ... violence against women. No wise, rational person with the minimum of dignity can do what we saw with our eyes and what he asked us to do."

3x more... http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/30/us-libya-officers-idUSTRE74T41820110530

I wonder if this still qualifies as "Western propaganda" when it is spoken by Gaddafi generals.

[Yosarian71]

59. Seems like a tipping point is being reached

A widely dispersed army can hide from a plane, but there is no hiding from an attack helicopter. If the generals were waiting for a tipping point, this may be it.

I also think the better trained rebel troops are starting to reach the front, particularly in Zliten. The original Misurata troops were devastatingly effect in the streets of that city, but like most emerging rebel forces, have had trouble with projecting their power. With better disciplined troops reaching the front in the last few weeks, the rebels may be more effective.

Finally, Gadhafi's brutality in Bani Walid in the last few days may be the last straw for the Warfalla. While Libya's tribes are more loose affiliations than structured organizations, many of his generals come from the Warfalla. There was a massacre in Bani Walid in the last couple of days where about 25 freedom fighters surrendered and were executed.


Heinz is predicting several towns to fall in the next few days. We shall see if he is right this time.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/05/20/disappearing-spring

[Iterate]

44. CNN Video: Robertson- Rape as a weapon in Libya, Sidner- Libyan city recovers

Added On May 30, 2011
CNN's Nic Robertson looks into accusations that Libyan soldiers are being ordered to rape civilians.
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/05/30/robertson.libya.army.rape.cnn


Added On May 30, 2011
CNN's Sara Sidner examines the damage that fighting has caused in Ajdabiya, Libya.
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/05/30/sidner.libya.ajdabiya.update.cnn

[Iterate]

45. Zuma Tripoli visit update

4 hours 29 min ago - Libya

Al Jazeera's Cal Perry in Benghazi said that there was a lot of confusion around the South African president's visit to Tripoli.

"We heard initially that visit was to "find an exit strategy for Colonel Gaddafi", his aides have since knocked down these reports, calling them misleading and framing this visit as more of a regional visit to discuss humanitarian concerns.

"One of the issues that this visit raises is a political question ... certainly here in the eastern part of the country, or what they might call liberated Libya ... people here are fearful that if a political deal is struck, what would the cost of that political deal be and would this mean a divided Libya ... there is a concern on the ground that this could potentially happen".

Video report:
AlJazeeraEnglish am 30.05.2011

South African President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Tripoli for talks with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Zuma is expected to attempt to revive an African roadmap for a ceasefire between rebels and government forces.
Al Jazeera's Cal Perry reports from Benghazi.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya

or http://youtu.be/iGadeneyixw

I've waited for a more substantial report, but it looks like this is it for now.

[tabatha]

47. Argentinian fights with Libyan rebels, Song dedicated to Misrata

Misrata, Libya (CNN) -- Jose Emmanuel Piaggesi was a teacher in Argentina, but now the piercing staccato of gunfire punctuates his conversations.

The 23-year-old has traded books for bullets, saying Che Guevara inspires him as he fights alongside Libyan rebels in Misrata.

He is ready to give his life in the battle to end Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's nearly 42-year rule.

"I invite them to look a little more closely at the situation, who is here fighting and why is he fighting," Piaggesi said as he took a break to prepare for the next round of clashes. "He is going to say that it is for liberty -- not for NATO or for anybody, simply for liberty."
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/05/30/libya.argentinian.rebel/

Song dedicated to Misrata
http://youtu.be/i9cHMmOXt78

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley

#Gaddafi Security Force vehicles came thru #BaniWalid to arrest protesters, were met w/ gunfire from #Freedomfighters #Libya #feb17
AJA reports heavy clashes east of #Zintan. #Libya #feb17
PLEASE RT: #Gaddafi forces are regrouping in #AlGhazya to attack #Nalut & #Wazin border crossing NOW. #Libya #feb17 @NATO
#NATO bombed 2 military sites. Both had rocket launchers & tanks stationed in them including Concrete Beams factory in #Zliten #Libya #feb17

#Tripoli: Reports of 2 loud explosions heard. #Libya #feb17
VIDEO: #Tripoli protests in #SouqAlJuma TODAY http://youtu.be/L2p8JlQpLfs #Libya #feb17
#NATO air strikes on #Gadaffi's rocket launchers & tanks in #WadiKaamm between #Misrata & #Zlitan 2 hours ago. #Libya #feb17
UNCONFIRMED: #NATO to start use of Apache gunships against #Gaddafi forces within next 24 hours. #Libya #feb17

#Tripoli: Reports that President #Zuma hasnt left town or #Libya yet but is heading for an unknown location right now #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: #Libya Alhura TV opening is transferring from person to person like wild fire in #Tripoli. Nilesat 10782V, Arabsat 10730H #feb17
#Benghazi: Franco Frattini, Foreign Minister of #Italy will visit Benghazi tomorrow #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Security Units have been ordered to fully secure the perimeter of #Tripoli International Airport #Libya #feb17

Reported by a defected colonel that there are at least 25000 detained in #Tripoli, accused of being insurgents #Libya #feb17
http://twitter.com/#!/RRowleyTucson

LibyaAlHurraTV‎ Confirmed: #Libya #AlHurra is live on #NileSat and can be viewed in #Tripoli.
thicken86‎ RT @libyanfsl: @LibyaAlHurraTV Mabrook shabab... well done, gotta keep the torch that Mohamad started alive #Libya #Feb17

mzeeowira‎ RT @fieldproducer: Libyan State TV has shown footage of South African President Jacob Zuma meeting Colonel Gaddafi on visit to Tripoli #Libya

Zimbabwe: AU Credibility Questioned As Zim Set to Chair Peace Organ
The credibility of the African Union (AU) is being questioned, after news that Zimbabwe will assume the chairmanship of the bloc's Peace and Security Council.

The rotational chairmanship passes from South Africa to Zimbabwe in June.

The Peace and Security Council, in theory, is meant to promote peace, security and stability across Africa, while promoting democracy, good governance and the rule of the law. It is also meant to uphold the protection of human rights.

Zimbabwe's eligibility for the chairmanship of such an important body, despite rampant human rights abuses and the ongoing disregard for the rule of law by ZANU PF, is now casting doubt on the AU.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105302254.html?utm_campaign=DTN+Libya+Unrest:&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Brutality in Libya and Syria ‘shocking’: UN rights chief
AlArabiya, 30 May 2011 - United Nations rights chief Navi Pillay on Monday slammed the brutality of crackdowns on protestors by government forces in Libya and Syria, saying the actions were shocking in their disregard for human rights.

..

“Resort to lethal or excessive force against peaceful demonstrators not only violates fundamental rights, including the right to life, but serves to exacerbate tensions and tends to breed a culture of violence,” Ms. Pillay said.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also renewed a call to the Syrian regime to allow a fact-finding mission to visit the country.

She noted that authorities in Yemen and Bahrain have both responded to separate mission requests, with Yemen agreeing to a visit in late June and dates to be worked out with Bahrain.
http://www.english.mojahedin.org/pagesEn/detailsNews.aspx?newsid=12789

[Iterate]

48. Al-zintan livestream

http://www.livestream.com/alzintan
Channel Alzintan western mountain - ( We will not give up, win or die ) For news tips and general inqurIes, please contact AL-zintan TV via EMAIL : [e-mail]

Monday, May 30, 2011 - 23:50 - Libya
Unprecendented protests have taken place in Tripoli. Our correspondent reports:

"For months, large street protests have been impossible in Tripoli, as the population had been suppressed by security forces. The protest was dispersed eventually by live fire from the brigades, but it does mark a newly emboldened populace"

No video report yet other than the youtube video from a protester.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2p8JlQpLfs

[tabatha]

49. Libyan rebels distribute rules on POW treatment

The rebels are holding about 300 prisoners, including 10 foreigners, according to the top legal affairs official in the newly created National Transitional Council, Salwa Fawzi al-Deghali.

The rebels say they want to make sure that these and future captives are treated in accordance with the Geneva Conventions governing the humanitarian treatment of prisoners and other victims of war.

...

The U.N. Human Rights Council is looking into rights violations in Libya, including extra-judicial killings on both sides.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague said he is investigating reports of unlawful arrest, mistreatment and killing of "sub-Saharan African civilians wrongly perceived to be mercenaries."

He said angry mobs in rebel-controlled Benghazi and other cities are accused of assaulting and killing dozens of them, and perpetrators could be prosecuted for war crimes.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/2011/05/libyan-rebels-distribute-rules-pow-treatment#ixzz1NsI900v1


SA lawyers in secret Gaddafi exit plan

A South African law firm is involved in a secret plan to defend Colonel Muammar Gaddafi if he is tried by the International Criminal Court as part of an "exit strategy" for the Libyan strongman aimed at ending the country's conflict.

President Jacob Zuma met Gaddafi in Tripoli yesterday for peace talks under the auspices of the African Union, later announcing that Gaddafi had repeated his readiness to declare a "truce" with rebels who have been fighting to oust him since February.

The Presidency has repeatedly denied that Zuma's mission is to negotiate an exit strategy for Gaddafi and his acolytes.

But The Times has learned that top Libyan officials entered into a "mandate agreement" with South African law firm Langa Attorneys three weeks ago.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/article1093567.ece/SA-lawyers-in-secret-Gaddafi-exit-plan

(How are they going to defend Gaddafi?)

[Iterate]

50. Appeal to UNESCO to stop the destruction of world heritage sites

AN APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO URGENTLY TO STOP DESTRUCTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORLD HERITAGE IN LIBYA
May 30, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | 22:09

http://shabablibya.org/urgent/an-appeal-to-the-international-community-to-urgently-to-stop-destruction-of-archaeological-world-heritage-in-libya

AN APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO URGENTLY INTERVENE TO STOP DESTRUCTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORLD HERITAGE IN LIBYA

Sites affected by destruction
1. Saffeet (Saffeet Tower), Al-Galaa, Yefren, Libya.
2. Ghasro n Majar (Gasr Ben Niran), Yefren, Libya
3. At-Bakhbo School, Yefren, Libya
4. Ghasro n Tkuit (Gasr Tkut), Nalut, Libya

1. Saffeet (Saffeet Tower).
This is an ancient monument dating back to Roman time in the region of Libya. It is probably a mausoleum or a location of watchtower at the borders of Roman Empire. It is more than 2000 years old.

The monument is located on the highest spot in the area of Yefren.

It is located about 12 kilometres east of the centre of Yefren city on the road (ca. 9.5 km air distance). Exact location on Google earth: (32 01 38.80, 12 35 35.13).

Gaddafi forces have taken over this point and have been using it to launch Russian Grad missiles daily on the cities of Yefren and Al-Galaa. Libyan freedom fighters have pushed them away for few days bur Gaddafi have forces managed to come back.

This has been the situation in Yefren since early April, and Gaddafi forces continued to destroy farms, kill sheep, kill and kidnap people and in the process not even archaeological sites have spared.

This monument was preserved throughout history and maintained especially in the time of Kingdom of Libya and lately by community efforts in Galaa-Yefren.

Picture 1 shows the monument before destruction inflicted by Gaddafi forces

Pictures 2-4 show monument after destruction (Pictures were taken when Gaddafi forces moved back from this position for few days).
Picture 1, showing Saffeet tower before destruction by Gaddafi forces.
Picture 2, showing destruction of the upper part of Saffeet tower by Gaddafi forces in April-May 2011
Picture 3, showing destruction of the upper part of Saffeet tower by Gaddafi forces in April-May 2011, viewed from destroyed corner
Picture 4, showing destruction of the upper part of Saffeet tower by Gaddafi forces in April-May 2011 (closer view).

We wish to express our appreciation of UNESCO’s Director General Irina Bokova for her call for the mobilization of all of the organization’s partners to ensure the protection of cultural heritage in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

Libya has an extraordinary archaeological heritage for Libya has been a melting pot of many different cultures. Libya is rich with Amazigh, Roman, Greek and prehistoric archaeological sites. This is an appeal for the protection of specific sites in Yefren and Nalut that are currently at risk because of the actions of the Gaddafi regime.

Examples of the sites requiring immediate attention are: Saffeet tower in Ghasro n Majar (Gasr Ben Niran; 32 09 53.83, 12 32 12.32), At Bakhbo School (32 04 00.95, 12 32 42.08) in Yefren and Ghasro n Tkuit in Nalut (31 57 23.93, 11 01 28.44).

These places are not a property of the Libyan people alone but they also belong to all humankind and the world should take its responsibility and intervene to protect them. These archaeological sites reflect the shared history between Europe and North Africa and are a testament to the diversity and integration in Mediterranean basin. Today, the world has come together through the action of the Security Council to save the lives of innocent civilians in Libya. The protection of the Libyan cultural and historic heritage requires an equal level of urgency world protection.

2. Ghasro n Majar (Gasr Ben Niran
This one of old complexes that are found especially in western Libya and Southern Tunisia. They belong to Amazigh history and human heritage. These complexes are usually composed form several rooms on top of each other and arranged in a way that the buildings surround a large court. These complexes are multifunctional: market place, storage, court, meetings, and several community activities. Ghasro n Majar is located north to village of Taghma in Yefren. Now it is occupied by Gaddafi forces and their equipment with various degrees of inflicted damage.

Exact location on Google earth is at 32 09 53.83, 12 32 12.32

3. At-Bakhbo School
This is an old school that is used for teaching children and accommodating those coming from distant places. It used to function as such until 1969 and continued for few years afterwards till it finally stopped. It is an old building that carries an important value in the history of Yefren and Nafusa Mountains.

It is located in the village of At-Bakhbo in Yefren with exact location on Google earth at 32 04 00.95, 12 32 42.08) in Yefren.

It was partially damaged by missiles shot on Yefren daily by Gaddafi forces

4. Ghasro n Tkuit
Like other Gahsros in the area (See above, Ghasro n Majar), Ghasro n Tkuit is located in the village of Tkuit north to Nalut City. The exact location on Google earth is at 31 57 23.93, 11 01 28.44. Various degrees of destruction by Gaddafi forces which are occupying the village have been inflected on this location.

[Iterate]

51. Libya: Rocket Attacks on Western Mountain Towns

Libya: Rocket Attacks on Western Mountain Towns
Grads Striking Civilian Areas
May 27, 2011
Source: Human Rights Watch

(Benghazi) - Government forces are indiscriminately attacking towns in the Nafusa Mountains of western Libya almost daily, Human Rights Watch said today, after a five-day visit to the area.

The attacks with Grad rockets, an inherently indiscriminate weapon in populated areas, are threatening civilian lives, damaging civilian infrastructure, and inhibiting the return of tens of thousands of refugees from the area who have fled to Tunisia since February 2011, Human Rights Watch said. The rockets frequently land on private homes and near hospitals and mosques, forcing people to flee the area and even to live in caves.

"Grad rocket attacks are launched almost every day into residential areas with no discernible military target," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Why would the government think there is a purpose to spraying shrapnel into people's homes, or mosques and hospitals?"

On May 1, for example, what was apparently a Grad rocket crashed into the kitchen at Omar Yughass's house in the town of Zintan, leaving cinderblock and cement strewn about the room and ruining the refrigerator and stove. Yughass, 45, his wife, and one child were sleeping in the next room and were not hurt. Yughass has since sent his family to a refugee camp in Tunis. Next door, part of the wall surrounding the house of Taher Ahmed Mansour, 62, was partly knocked down by a rocket during the same barrage.

In Zintan, the largest town in the mountain range, Human Rights Watch witnessed rocket attacks on the town center on May 22 and 23. A rocket exploded about 100 meters from Zintan Hospital on May 23, spraying shrapnel on a wall outside of a private home along a main street. Another rocket that day hit a residential street, sending shrapnel into a parked sewage disposal truck. In both cases, Human Rights Watch observed no military personnel or facilities in the vicinity.

more... http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/05/27/libya-rocket-attacks-western-mountain-towns

[Iterate]

52. Libyan Revolution Day 103 updates below, current time in Libya, 1:03 am Tuesday, May 31

@machahir123: Sources: South Africa's Jacob Zuma says Muammar Gaddafi is ready for a ceasefire in #Libya .

I suppose he would be. Too bad he didn't call the ceasefire on Feb 17.

[Iterate]

53. Libya's Berbers seek their revenge on Qaddafi

Libya's Berbers seek their revenge on Qaddafi
John Thorne May 30, 2011
...

Last December, police in Tripoli arrested the Amazigh brothers Mazigh and Maghris Abouzakhar on charges of spying.

"But their real crime was showing interest in the Amazigh language," said their father, Fathi Abouzakhar, a professor from Sirte University who now helps settle Libyan refugees in the Tunisian city of Tataouine.
...

In the Nafusah Mountains, anti-regime fighters pledged allegiance to rebel leaders in the eastern city of Benghazi via online videos - in one case speaking both Arabic and Amazigh. Col Qaddafi sent troops to force rebellious towns into submission.

On April 2, military cars armed with machine guns and Grad rocket launchers rolled into Taghma, a village near the Abouzakhar family's hometown of Yefren, said Mr Abouzakhar.

more... http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/libyas-berbers-seek-their-revenge-on-qaddafi?pageCount=0

[defendandprotect]

55. k/r --

[Iterate]

56. African peace effort appears a no-go in Libya

African peace effort appears a no-go in Libya
By Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times
May 31, 2011

Reporting from Tripoli, Libya— South African President Jacob Zuma's much-anticipated peace meeting Monday with Moammar Kadafi did not appear to move the Libyan government and rebels closer to a cease-fire, and the Kadafi regime suffered a new blow with the defections of eight senior military officers.

Zuma presented Kadafi with a peace initiative crafted by African leaders that calls for an end to hostilities in Libya, but it does not include Kadafi's departure from power. The South African president, who met with Kadafi in the leader's heavily fortified Bab Azizia compound here, later told reporters Kadafi appeared ready to "implement the road map," as the plan is known.

Officials did not reveal any exit strategy for Kadafi, who has rejected demands from rebels and allied governments that he leave office.

Kadafi's determination to remain in power — and opponents' insistence that he go — have proved an unmovable barrier, thwarting all efforts to end the violence that has ravaged this North African nation for more than three months. Expectations that Zuma's visit would yield a breakthrough appeared dashed.

more... http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-libya-defect-20110531,0,2988292.story

Gaddafi wants truce in Libya, says Zuma, but terms unclear
Julian Borger and Martin Chulov The Guardian, Tuesday 31 May 2011

South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, said on Monday night that Muammar Gaddafi was ready for a truce but gave no indication whether the Libyan leader was ready to give up power, as rebels and much of the international community are demanding.

Gaddafi made a rare public appearance for the meeting with Zuma, the South African's second attempt to broker a ceasefire on behalf of the African Union.

Libya's leader, who has been turned into a fugitive in his own capital by the ongoing Nato air strikes, welcomed Zuma at the Bab al-Aziziyah presidential compound wearing his trademark dark glasses. But he appeared healthy, dispelling rumours he had been injured in the air strike that killed his son Saif al-Arab at the beginning of this month. Gaddafi is reported to have shown Zuma the site of that attack.

Zuma said later Gaddafi was "ready to implement the road map" – a reference to an AU peace plan involving a ceasefire and agreement on humanitarian supplies and reforms. The roadmap has already been rejected by the Benghazi-based rebels, and by Nato.

more... http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/31/gaddafi-wants-truce-in-libya

[cali]

57. Only 85 more weeks until week 100!

[Iterate]

58. Claims of kidnap in Libya

Sat, 28 May 2011 6:16p.m.

As fighting continues between Libyan rebels and forces loyal to Colonel Gadhafi, growing numbers of innocent civilians are getting caught up in the violence.

Their stories are only now beginning to emerge.

Tamina, south of Misrata, was once a thriving place, but now it's a ghost town and its claimed children there have been kidnapped and threatened by Gadhafi's forces.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Claims-of-kidnap-in-Libya/tabid/313/articleID/213058/Default.aspx

The use of kidnapping to extort allegiance has been common among Gaddafi forces, and is particularly obvious in less populated areas like Kufra, Jalo, Bani Walid, and Yefren.

We know as well that out of the 1000+ still missing from Misrata, 40 are children. It's only in the past few days that the stories have started to emerge. Must read:

Gaddafi snatch squads took hundreds of men and boys from Misrata
In some quarters of the once besieged Libyan city, nearly every family has lost a member. Ruth Sherlock reports
Monday, 30 May 2011

The lifting of the siege of the embattled Libyan city of Misrata has revealed the disappearance of hundreds of people with many of them suspected victims of snatch squads loyal to the Gaddafi regime, relatives and rights workers said yesterday.

A desperate search has begun for "the disappeared", many of whom were reported to have been taken away to regime prisons or killed during some of the fiercest fighting of a three-month rebel uprising that has reduced parts of the city to rubble.

Witness accounts gathered by The Independent and rights groups indicate that there was a systematic attempt to kidnap men from parts of the city.
...

Most of the missing are men between the ages of 20 and 40. More than 40 children, some as young as six, and elderly people between 60 and 85 years are also missing, he said. "Fighters report seeing some being used as human shields on the front lines, others have been taken away to fight for Gaddafi," he said. "But many, many are presumed dead."

more... http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/gaddafi-snatch-squads-took-hundreds-of-men-and-boys-from-misrata-2290800.html

[Iterate]

60. Libya Rebels Launch Station To Fight Gadhafi TV

Libya Rebels Launch Station To Fight Gadhafi TV
by The Associated Press BENGHAZI, Libya May 31, 2011, 04:09 am ET

...

Libya Alhurra, or "Free Libya," began broadcasting Monday night, a major step in the rebels' attempts to get its message to the Libyan public, whose main source of information on the crisis roiling their country has been Gadhafi's TV and radio.

Thousands of Libyans waving flags gathered in a public square in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi to watch the first broadcasts on a large screen, celebrating a newfound freedom from 40 years of media oppression.

"This is freedom. I hope this shows the true color of Libyan people and their real faith in a new, free Libya," station co-founder Zuhair Albarasi told The Associated Press from the square, which has become a rallying point for the revolt against Gadhafi.

The channel was born out of an Internet video streaming site launched by Albarasi and fellow Libyan businessman Mohammed al-Nabbous, who since the uprising began in mid-February searched for a way to show it to the world and to the Libyans themselves.

more mo ... http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=136809000

7 hours 21 min ago - Libya
Residents of Benghazi celebrated the temporary launch of Libya Alhurra TV - a new, independent television channel on Monday night.

Crowds of people gathered in the de facto rebel capital to watch Libya Alhurra TV being broadcast on large screens. Libya Alhurra TV broadcasts news from rebel-controlled Libya via the internet.

"I'm full of happiness and joy because of this moment which we have waited for for a few months. Now we are so happy to announce Libya Alhurra today to begin broadcasting." Mohamed Fanouch, local media coordinator
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya

Bittersweet.

[tabatha]

62. Dupe topic --- for news worldwide

May 30, 2011
Libya Al-Hurra, the first channel free of Benghazi

Monday, May 30 evening, this is the first for the television channel Al-Hurra Libya ("Libya free"). This small web TV streaming, launched February 17 by blogger Mohammad Nabbous from Benghazi, the seat of the Transitional National Council of Libya - CNTL , made ​​his first steps on the Arab satellite packages Arabsat and Nilesat with four continuous hours of programming each evening .

The CNTL announced in the afternoon that the channel would, for the first time on air from 20 hours. For its first appearance on the satellite, Libya Al-Hurra broadcast two hours of promotional programs, followed by a program hosted by Zuhair al-Baras, a close friend of Mohammed Nabbous.

The famous blogger Mohammed Nabbous, telecommunications engineer by profession, will not have the chance to see his chain to storm the television sets from the city controlled by the opposition to the regime of Muammar Gaddafi. On 19 March he was killed by a sniper forces Gaddafi, while filming the attacks and the bombing of the Libyan army against the city in order to broadcast their video online.

http://youtu.be/gWUNg8sARwA

http://printempsarabe.blog.lemonde.fr/2011/05/30/libya-al-hourra-la-premiere-chaine-de-tele-libre-de-benghazi/#xtor=RSS-3208
(French newspaper)

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
#Libya rebels launch station to fight #Gaddafi TV http://tinyurl.com/3csq6pa #feb17
1 hour ago

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
AUDIO: Free Libyan Song: "I Will Remain". A favorite song of Mo's: http://youtu.be/7WpdcFiEZSE #Libya #feb17
1 hour ago
http://youtu.be/7WpdcFiEZSE

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
#Libya Al Hurra TV now easily seen in #Tripoli - The people of Tripoli are learning the truth, #Gaddafi's days running out. #Libya #feb17
1 hour ago

[Iterate]

61. "May the tyrant fall"

@Thanku4theAnger
Zawiya:"May the tyrant fall" written in the wall of law school. 12 G forces who tried to wipe this writing were killed by FFs.

Even knowing the fate of Zawiya in March, it was impossible to read that without a twinge of empathy for the 12 wallscrubbing state security guards caught in the ambush. Maybe that's the shortest version of the story of Libya this season. If they had just left it there and walked away...

More from Zawiya:

@Thanku4theAnger -all below, all from today
Zawyia: Daily clashes with G forces in many areas such as AlHarsha, Welad Sagr, AlFasy, AlSel3a & Huwesa roundabout. 30 Mai
Zawiya: In another incident FFs kidnapped 7 G forces, tied them up & then took their weapons
Zawiya: Terfas gas station which is used by G forces was blown up & clashes lasted hours in Terfas with 3 G forces killed

and Zuwara (almost completely depopulated)

Confirmed: Zuwara Martyrs from last week: G forces came looking for a youth who was not at home. His mother was out too. They kidnapped the sister. The youth in Zuwara clashed with G Forces to protect the girl. One of the martyrs is called Juhar Asara. The other was killed following a car chase. A third youth managed to escape.

Zuwara: The detained youth of Zuwara first go to Internal Security for investigation then are sent to Tripoli prisons. A recently released youth spent 3 days in Gaddafi security car because there was no space in the prisons of Tripoli to accommodate him!

Libyan who left from Sabratha 10 days ago : G forces videoed protests in Sabratha & then later arrested those identified.
Sabratha is quiet now. Zawiya has been virtually destroyed. They even completely destroyed a mosque there. Gaddafi officers responsible for destruction in Zawiya include AlmAhdi Alarabi, Bilgasem Alganga, Munir Zeka & Mahmud Zeka

Tripoli: New Video of first protest in Zawyet Aldahmani in which AlGhula police station was burnt down#Libya#feb17 http://twitvid.com/4S5RS

[tabatha]

63. Libya rebels vent fury at Gaddafi, not his troops

BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Jamal al-Farisi's brother was killed by a fighter loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, but he shows no hatred or desire for retribution, an attitude that contradicts the bitterness that defines many civil wars.

..

"Who do I hate? Only Muammar. I don't want Libyan soldiers prosecuted. You're a soldier and you have to follow orders," said Farisi, whose brother Fathi was killed in February at the beginning of the uprising against Gaddafi's absolute rule.

..

"We don't have the custom of 'These are Gaddafi's people, throw them over there'. They're all martyrs, and they're buried together with our martyrs," said grave digger Ghaith Hussein.

...

"Sometimes we find counterfeit or out of date money in their pockets," he said.

"Gaddafi has tricked them, just like he tricked us for 41 years. God have mercy upon them."

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/31/worldupdates/2011-05-31T191020Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-574012-1&sec=Worldupdates

[Iterate]

64. Hip Hop & Diaspora: Connecting the Arab Spring

Hip Hop & Diaspora: Connecting the Arab Spring
By Lara Dotson-Renta

Since the self-immolation of Tunisian Mohamed Bouazizi in December 2010 unleashed the pro-democracy movements now popularly known as the “Arab Spring”, the clamor for change and opportunity has continued to sweep through the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Citizen journalism has allowed for a near-constant stream of images of bloody uprisings from Libya to Syria, as people throughout the Arab world seek to redefine their relationships to the state apparatus and their rights as citizens. From the outset, these movements have been accompanied by a very strong musical component, from troubadours in Cairo’s Tahrir square to the adhans uniting in both faith and protest. Yet it has been hip-hop that has become the most iconic and widespread soundtrack of the Arab Spring and, interestingly, it is having the double effect of helping to mobilize activists in the countries directly impacted by the pro-democracy movements while also solidifying links between Arab diasporic communities in the West with those still residing in the ‘homeland.’

Rais Lebled by Tunisian rapper El Général (given name Hamada Ben Amor), Rebel by the Egyptian group Arabian Knightz and other songs in Arabic created by people within the region of conflict, will go down as the anthems of the revolution, but other songs from Arabs with hyphenated identities and more complicated ties to the Arab Spring have also become a part of the current soundscape. This dynamic became evident with the appearance and popularity of protest songs such as those by Chicago-based artist Khaled M. Libyan by birth, Khaled M. is the son of a Gaddafi dissident. His father, Fathi, was jailed and tortured for five years under the regime. Fathi eventually moved his family to Lexington, Kentucky, the former American home base for The National Front for the Salvation of Libya. Fathi died when Khaled was nine, but the father’s struggle comes full circle through the lyrics of his rapper son, who has taken up verbal arms for a homeland he has never seen. After protests broke out in Libya on February 17, 2011, Khaled M. released the haunting single Can’t Take Our Freedom, which reads like an open letter to both Gaddafi and the people of the MENA region: “Can’t take our freedom and take our soul/can’t take our freedom, take our soul/you are not the one that’s in control/you are not the one that’s in control/lā ilāha illallāh, there is no power greater than God/go ahead and divide your plans/at the end of the day you are just a man.”

The song powerfully employs the shahada and a common humanity to de-authorize the self-imposed omnipotence of the Gaddafi regime while encouraging protesters “from Tunisia to Libya, Bahrain to Yemen” to rise up against oppression. It also points to a tightening of familial, political, and identity links between Arabs who have long lived abroad and younger generations who may have never visited the countries their parents originally hailed from. The fact that Can’t Take Our Freedom has been so popular and well received by Arabs both in the ‘West’ and in the MENA region speaks to a particular movement in which those who have chosen self-exile for political or economic reasons (or had it imposed upon them) are now collaborating in the rewriting of history with those who never left the country of origin but nevertheless felt internally displaced or dispossessed by the institutionalized power structures under which they lived. That Khaled M. is a multilingual Libyan-American with a dual identity and world-view is vital to seeing the Arab Spring for the multifaceted, globalized movement that it is.

The diasporic connections visible in the hip-hop of the Arab Spring, and the many possibilities for future dialogues that these engender are, however, most visible in collaborations such as January 25th, a song spearheaded by Syrian-American Omar Offendum (Omar Chakaki) and Iraqi-Canadian The Narcicyst, produced by Palestinian-American Sami Matar with appearances by Palestinian-Canadian singer Ayah, and African-American converts MC Freeway and Amir Sulaiman. A single song centered around the January 25 protests in Egypt, which heralded the overthrow of long-term President Hosni Mubarak, rallied together artists from all over the world. While united for the same cause, many had not ever resided in the MENA region and several did not speak Arabic natively. Yet, the common factor of breaking silence and having shared a sense of being ‘on the outside looking in’ sociopolitically created a song that has generated over 200,000 hits on YouTube. Omar Offendum understands the nuanced importance of the premise of unity, as he raps: “From Tunis to Khan Younis/the new moon shines bright/as The Man's spoon was/as masses demand rights/and dispel rumors of disunity/communally removing the tumors…” Having established a common link, the lyrics then take a decidedly American political twist while remaining entirely relatable to the Egyptian political situation with the lyrics of Amir Sulaiman, who rhymes: “wont be just niggas/wont be just spiks/a-rabs, pakis rednecks and hicks/the leaders ain’t helping them feeding their kids/the leaders helping pigs eating their kids/got me back on my Elijah eating to live/run up in the white house like I got a key to the crib…”

more... http://www.arabmediasociety.com/?article=777&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[Iterate]

65. Gaddafi arms "crooks" to crush Zlitan rebels-witness

Gaddafi arms "crooks" to crush Zlitan rebels-witness
Tue May 31, 2011 10:25pm GMT
By Joseph Nasr

BERLIN, May 31 (Reuters) - Muammar Gaddafi has armed criminals to crush a rebellion against his rule in Zlitan, one of only three towns separating the rebel-held city of Misrata from Tripoli, a rebel spokesman said on Tuesday.

Giving a rare account of rebel activity from inside the small but strategically important coastal settlement, the spokesman, Mohammed, told Reuters that forces loyal to the Libyan leader were recruiting criminals whose task was to arrest anyone suspected of being a rebel and to intimidate residents.

"They filled it with drug dealers, criminals and other crooks," Mohammed said by telephone. "They gave them automatic weapons and hand grenades to oppress the residents of Zlitan. Besides arrests and intimidations, we hear accounts of rape."
...

There was no way of independently verifying incidents cited by Mohamed, but residents elsewhere in Libya have reported the apparent recruitment of criminals and thugs by Gaddafi forces.

more... http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE74U26Z20110531?sp=true

@Tripolitanian: In #Zlitan, #Gaddafi's soldiers are occupying the homes of local residents.
@septimius_sever: By day the 3 towns of Zlitan, Khoms & Garabulli R under G control but after darkness falls its a different story!

Libya rebellion creeps west towards Tripoli
Tue May 31, 2011 4:44pm GMT

By Christian Lowe

ALGIERS, May 31 (Reuters) - Libya's rebellion is creeping westwards from the rebel city of Misrata towards the capital along a chain of towns where opponents of Muammar Gaddafi stage clandestine night-time acts of defiance against his rule.

By day the three towns of Zlitan, Khoms and Garabulli are under government control but after darkness falls, a local man said, Gaddafi opponents daub graffiti on walls, hoist the rebel flag and the sound of gunfire can be heard.

If those acts spill over into open revolt, the three towns could act as stepping stones to allow the anti-Gaddafi uprising to spread from Misrata, the biggest rebel outpost in western Libya, to the Libyan leader's stronghold in Tripoli.

"We had never believed that these kind of cities would rise up," said the local man, who did not want to be identified because he feared reprisals for speaking to the foreign media. "There is a movement. The situation is boiling."

more... http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE74T1DQ20110531?sp=true

A fair amount of detail in these two.

[Yosarian71]

68. This is what I don't get

Shouldn't there be an army of about 5,000 Misurata and Benghazi rebels right outside Zliten? How is Gadhafi even still in control of this town?

[joshcryer]

70. Their entire strategy is defensive, that's how they've held their ground.

If they spread themselves too thin they will be easily crushed.

[Iterate]

74. We can only assume

that some time is needed to build up capability, supplies, etc.

One, big, fast collapse is probably better for all than a series of smaller ones. No one would wish to repeat the Misrata experience at every city along the way.

Actually, the recently renewed open protest and open resistance was encouraging, because it meant that fewer committee members with the power to imprison were on hand. At some point, the police, security, and army will flee or be concentrated elsewhere enough to allow another uprising. People need the confidence that this time it can't be reversed.

There was an interesting incident on the plains north of the Nafusa (n. of Zintan at Arryayna I think) last week that I meant to make more of. It's the only town in the area with Gaddafi support, though they are still a minority. GF's were using the town to shelter and fire on Zintan. FF sat with them (when the army wasn't present) to try to negotiate a settlement rather than stage an attack on their neighbors.

It's a scene that I hope is repeated (only with success) in the few places it would be necessary.

[Iterate]

66. Libyan Revolution Day 104 updates below, current time in Libya, 1:34 am Wednesday, June 1

@moi a table
#Libya : Promotion of fanatical and violent Gaddafi loyalists within the armed forces is said to have been one trigger for the defection of five regular army generals who announced their switched loyalties in Rome on Monday.

[al bupp]

90. Map: Misrata strategic situation June 1st, 00:00 hrs

http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/06/map-misrata-strategic-situation-june-1st-0000-hrs">Map: Misrata strategic situation June 1st, 00:00 hrs

Additional comments by FunGuerillaz

I made a new map since it’s the beginning of the month and I have further information on position of the front lines. I will only make new ones if the front lines really shift or other major developments happen or if it’s the 15th of the 1st of a month.

So what changed since the last map of May 20st 00:00 hrs? I now know that as suspected, the front line in the central front sector (SW of the line Farms-Airport-Tamina) was advanced in order to safeguard the southern part of Misrata and the Airport from shelling as well as to render attacks on the western and eastern front sectors’ flanks more difficult. However: I only guessed the position and I do not have any information about the important Desert Crossroads to Bani Walid (which I marked) being taken, so I assumed it isn’t.

Also, it’s important to note that the ‘front line’ in the central front sector is broad & ill defined anyway since this is open desert and in this terrain, longer range artillery engagements and rapid incursions dominate. The same (broad ill defined front) is also true for the entire coastal salt marsh. As for the western front sector, I took the front line a bit back on the new map, but not because there was a retreat by the freedom fighters but rather because my earlier maps were a bit over-optimistic. If anything, the front in this sector has been creeping FORWARD to Zliten in the last few days. What’s more? I also mapped the assumedly ongoing troop shipments (for which I had evidence a couple of days ago), as well as the position of the Desert Crossroads and of Suq (Al Thulatha).

[joshcryer]

69. Rebel reps won't run for office post-Gaddafi, rebels offer amnesty, Brit E3-D planes in use

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/leader-says-rebels-not-seeking-office-post-gaddafi-171835459.html">Leader says rebels not seeking office post-Gaddafi
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Members of the Libyan rebel administration will not seek office if Muammar Gaddafi is removed from power, the head of the rebels' Benghazi-based council said on Saturday.

Mustafa Abdel Jalil, who is trying to present his interim National Transitional Council (NTC) as a credible temporary alterative to Gaddafi, told a news conference marking 100 days since the February 17 uprising began that he hoped elections would be held within a year.

"I emphasize the council's decision that prohibits any of its members from running for any post in the period following Gaddafi's fall," he said, adding: "Gaddafi has no place in Libya in the future.

Bold move, I was hoping they'd do that.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304066504576351492261311076.html">Libyan Rebels Offer Amnesty to Pro-Gadhafi Soldiers
BENGHAZI, Libya – The political leader of Libya's rebels offered amnesty on Saturday to those ready to abandon Col. Moammar Gadhafi and rejected all peace initiatives that were not predicated on the departure of the Libyan strongman, his family and senior regime figures.

"Those still betting on Moammar Gadhafi's regime should wake up to reality and abandon it and join the righteous and just cause," said Mustafa Abdel-Jalil head of the rebels' National Transitional Council reading from a prepared statement during a press conference.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/RAF-E3-D-Sentry-Spy-Surveillance-Plane-Monitors-Libyan-Airspace-For-Nato-And-United-Nations/Article/201105416002648">'Eye In The Sky' Libyan Duties For RAF Crew
Just a few hundred miles north of Tripoli, at the Italian airbase in Trapani, Sicily, the British E3-D Sentry plane prepares to take to the air - with Sky News on board.

Its role - to monitor the region and coordinate the multi-nation, multi-platform, Operation Unified Protector; the international effort, sanctioned by the United Nations, to protect civilian life from Colonel Gaddafi's forces.

From the skies above the Mediterranean, the Sentry's sophisticated radar equipment can monitor an area of some 3.2 million cubic miles - but this is no mere surveillance plane, more the beating heart of the Nato mission.

Flight Lieutenant Tim Pearson, captain of the Sentry, said: "It's the eye in the sky... we provide the radar picture which is used by all the other assets in theatre to make sure they all know where there friends are.

Some of these are dated but I didn't see them posted.

edit: Doh, just saw Iterate had posted the crook story! :hi:

[tabatha]

71. Tripoli atrocities , Sabotage of Tunisian refugee camps

The atrocities committed by pro-Gaddafi is to prevent any uprising in the capital.
Mass arrests, night raids, looting, summary executions in the streets, rapes instructions High-level data, many disappearances, mass graves: in the absence of foreign witnesses, a real humanitarian tragedy that would be closed now be played in Tripoli.

Faced with international pressure increased, Muammar Gaddafi has embarked on a headlong rush, establishing in the capital region a climate of terror that continues to strengthen, according to various sources. "Information patchy but consistent" have indeed been obtained in this direction, especially with people who fled the regime, by organizations of human rights, diplomats and Western intelligence services. "It's a scorched earth policy aimed at maintaining the terror in the capital and to prevent any uprising in the capital," says one in Paris, where one does not hide a "strong concern" .

A diplomat familiar with the matter, the record of the abuses amounted to "several thousand dead, perhaps more than 10,000" in three months in Tripoli. A figure lower than the 20,000 announced last month killed by the rebels, but nevertheless very significant for a city of two million inhabitants. Some 20,000 people were arrested, says the same source. "Gaddafi is capable of anything including the worst, we can not have that in the future surprises," Does it alarmed at the Quai d'Orsay.

According to testimony compiled in Paris, Tripoli, where violence is committed by the regime from the beginning of the revolt in mid-February, is currently "under the yoke." The original inhabitants of eastern countries are routinely arrested. Be suspected of having watched television channel al-Jazeera enough to be arrested. Testimonies evoke fathers wife and children tortured in front, before disappearing.
http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2011/05/31/01003-20110531ARTFIG00782-paris-denonce-le-regne-de-la-terreur-a-tripoli.php

URGENT URGENT
Important important important
I received this report m friend of mine Email divisions
We hope to take attention and caution
Thank you
Brothers rebels have found this report with one of Gaddafi's henchmen offender must be circular and Report
Actors on
31. 5. 2011
Text of the report
Campaign medical relief and aid
And rehabilitation "for the voluntary return and engage in society's"
The initial steps for action: -
1 - the introduction of a group of individuals to Tunisia and study camps and the collection of data by identifying who is responsible and funded for each camp.
2 - identify the names of individuals within each camp and the headquarters of the original residence, Libya, to learn how to communicate with them.
3 - to attract a group of persons of both sexes Altoncen and directing them to the camps, even if paying for them to stand on their way to tell the camps.
4 - To buy some of the elements of the Tunisian gender to the rioting in the camps and Amadyakp some items in the camps and which data was collected in advance.
5 - take your ear into Tunisian territory and the work camp in the name of a special campaign to trace the state and to facilitate its work under the name of medical relief campaign.

6 - an attempt to provide medical aid and Almonih to individuals in other camps and try to convince them to secure the necessities through the camp and to attract Intmam of the camp.
7 - try to gain a mass base in the camps and open the door to dialogue, debate and try to convince them by giving them the facts and events on the fact of what happened and is happening for the destruction of Libya and breaking up the meat and security.
8 - try to persuade them and prepare them psychologically to return to the homeland through the establishment of insurance for themselves and their families and all of the items of the ration supplies, food, brushes, blankets, and the amount of treatment to meet the emergency Trov.
9 - try to link people in the camps, returning to influence them and persuade them that the credibility of the campaign.
10 - re-integration of refugees into society and rehabilitation through religious lectures and psychologists.
The names of the camps in Tunisia: -
1 - the camps in the south of Tunisia.
A - Alzhibp: and there are camps (2) Qatari women.
There are some houses leased by Qatar on behalf of refugees.
B - Ramada: There is a valley of the camp.
C - Tataouine: by imprisonment Harboub no flag is the humiliation and shame.
2 - camps (b (Obochocp)): -
A - camp in Emirates: - there was only Ojiien Libyans.
B - Moroccan camp: - no tags Egyptians.
C - Algerian camp: - no tags Indians and Bnqldec.
D - the United Nations camp: - no tags Africans (Sudan - Niger - Chad .......).
E - camp: The Italian - there by Africans of different nationalities.
And - Cross camp Aalohmr: - has its different nationalities.
3 - There are some neighborhoods in the towns of Djerba, home to the families of civilians to the Libyan city of visitors.
These families had sold her car for the purpose of the face of the living conditions and the rent has become a sell most of their property and their wives jewelry they are now in the abuses conditions and thus can be brought about more quickly than others.

Note: -
There is a country with a military hospital Remada
According to statements of some of the workers camps from the beginning to now Alohaddat that the payment of their salaries are by persons who are of the Qatari using them to work in the camp; and knew that he had Ostgne for most services.
http://www.tweetdeck.com/twitter/wewantlivefree/~OMrkG

Please god, let his days be numbered. Other people are like toys or chess pieces to him. What a monster.

[Iterate]

72. The message from Benghazi

The message from Benghazi
The Times Wednesday, June 1, 2011 , by Catherine Ashton (EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy)

The birth of a democracy is beautiful, but it isn’t always pretty. Muammar Gaddafi starved Benghazi of money, so it was a drab city even before the current uprising. Now the clutter of revolution makes it look even more dishevelled. But just as the drabness fed defiance, so the clutter of old flags, home-made banners and crumpled leaflets speak of great hope.

I had come to Benghazi to open the first European Union office in free Libya. I arrived in the newly-named Freedom Square, to see the EU flag flying near the courthouse and to meet some of the people who have been bringing democracy to life.

As in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, I found not just enthusiasm for reform but great warmth towards their European neighbours across the Mediterranean. Passers-by greeted me more as a friend than a first-time visitor. “Welcome, Cathy, Welcome Europe”, one said; “we know you care about us, thank you for visiting us, come again.” At the offices of the National Transitional Council, Fatma greeted me in traditional Libyan clothes with beaten silver jewellery on her ankles, wrists and fingers. At six years old she is tall for her age and quite shy to find herself the centre of attraction. She had come to give me flowers. She told me she liked to paint, and had two younger brothers, but that sadly her father had died so now her uncle looked after the family.
...

I left Benghazi optimistic that Libya can achieve that goal. I met people who are smart, realistic and up for the challenge. And the most encouraging moment came when I asked a group of them about the future of the people who had been around Col Gaddafi. One said they would follow South Africa and set up a Truth and Reconciliation commission. The others nodded, not just in agreement, but as if this were blindingly obvious.

more... http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110601/opinion/The-message-from-Benghazi.368347

Only some months ago I was pretty critical and irritated with Catherine Ashton because, like so many other politicians, she seemed paralyzed with a technocrat's caution in the face of an immediate crisis. I know it cuts into the conspiracy theories of masterful manipulation by the ubiquitous CIA, but I like to remember how clueless and uncertain world leaders really were.

[al bupp]

73. WFP: Food Assistance Arrives in Misrata

15:22 (UTC +2) World Food Programme

A ship carrying food assistance arrived in Misrata today. The ship, which was chartered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is delivering more than 420 metric tons of food– enough to feed 25,000 people for one month. It included 320 metric tons of wheat flour, 60 metric tons of pulses, 30 metric tons of vegetable oil, and 10 metric tons of High Energy Biscuits. It is also carrying a WFP team, part of a UN interagency mission, which will conduct a rapid needs assessment of the humanitarian situation on the ground. This is the fourth delivery of food by the WFP.

Via: http://www.libyafeb17.com

[Iterate]

75. Teaching Libyan children the devastating effects of explosive remnants of war

Teaching Libyan children the devastating effects of explosive remnants of war
By Rebecca Fordham for UNECEF

Benghazi, 31 May 2011 – Around 30 young boys are hovering expectantly outside a community centre. They peer over each other’s shoulders to try to get a better look at the cardboard boxes filled with pictures.

“We are playing the ‘strange object game’,” says Diran Abdel Hafth, 15. “The idea is to decide if the objects are happy or sad, good or bad, and we will then learn whether they are safe to play with.”

Risk awareness

The devastating effect of conflict on children is no more apparent than the physical and psychological impact that explosive remnants of war can have on young lives.

As the crisis continues in Libya, increasing knowledge of potential dangers is critical in protecting children and their families. Workshops are being conducted by trained members of the community, with technical support and guidance from UNICEF and its partners. The aim is to teach young people and their families to avoid handling dangerous remnants.

more... http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/laj_58713.html

[Iterate]

76. News Consumption among Young Libyan Adults

News Consumption among Young Libyan Adults
Issue 12, Winter 2010, Arab Media & Society
By Mokhtar Elareshi and Barrie Gunter

This study investigates the relationship between Libyan university students' consumption of Libyan and international Arab satellite TV news services and their perceptions of gratifications received from these news services. A self-completion questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of 400 university students that asked about the news consumption habits, reasons for watching specific TV news services, and personal details. The findings revealed that time spent with local TV news was negatively related to reported use of international TV channels. Students said that they got less news than they desired from local TV, especially the long-established Al-Jamahiriya TV channel. The data indicated that the new satellite broadcast international news service, Al Jazeera, played an important role in serving these young Libyans with the types of information they need. The findings are discussed in relation to the growing impact of international satellite broadcast news services and the need for local TV news services to find ways of making themselves distinctive in a way that provides an alternative but still relevant and valued news source.

Introduction

Television has long been seen as one of the most important sources of news for media consumers around the world.i One reason for this is that televised news is trusted more than most other news sources.ii The importance of televised news, however, can vary with the type of news being considered. In the United Kingdom, for example, annual surveys of public opinion have consistently confirmed the prominence of television as a primary source of international news. At the same time, it has emerged rarely as the dominant source to which people say they turn for news about local and regional community matters.iii

The importance of news, whether obtained via television or from other media, has also been found to vary among different age groups. Even televised news fails to attract the interest of young people who often claim to follow the news only when something of particular relevance to them is happening.iv In fact, a majority of young adult viewers aged 16 to 24 years (64 percent) in the UK have been found to say that televised news has no relevance for them.v

Given wider concerns that television is losing its way as a major news servicevi, it is apparent that if this medium is to capture and cultivate young people as news consumers it must cater to their tastes and priorities and do this both in terms of the types of news being presented and also in the way that news is presented. One other factor underpinning this observation is that with the emergence of the Internet, which is highly popular among young people not only as an entertainment source but also as a news sourcevii, the conclusion that young people simply do not like news is ill-founded. Instead, the challenge for television is to find a way of making news more interesting and relevant.

20x more... http://www.arabmediasociety.com/countries/index.php?c_article=247&p=0

Download this article in PDF format:
http://www.arabmediasociety.com/articles/downloads/20101210211137_Elareshi.pdf

This is an eight page study, with footnotes, published in late 2010. I haven't finished it yet, but it looks to be interesting. In fact, the entire website is a treasure.
Arab Media & Society, published by the American University in Cairo Press
http://www.arabmediasociety.com/

[tabatha]

77. Extension of mission, Tweets, Restoration of a lost identity , Aid arrived in western mountains

Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the extension of the mission in Libya

NATO and partners have just decided to extend our mission for Libya for another 90 days.

This decision sends a clear message to the Qadhafi regime: We are determined to continue our operation to protect the people of Libya. We will sustain our efforts to fulfil the United Nations mandate. We will keep up the pressure to see it through.

Our decision also sends a clear message to the people of Libya: NATO, our partners, the whole international community, stand with you. We stand united to make sure that you can shape your own future. And that day is getting closer.

Link to the video statement by the NATO Secretary General:
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_74977.htm

Not good. GH wants/expects it to be over in two weeks.

Guma_el_gamaty Guma El-Gamaty
Shukri confirm defect but if had corruption will have 2 face law. In new libya NO one will b above the law include future elected president!
Local leader in Jadu confirm gain by FF today liberating Shakshuk and Qasrelhaj turned electricity station there on again for whole mountain
@maximsoloman sarcasm! is for G and his gang I have respect and sympathy for rixos journalists they r victims 2! My personal views r my own
Heavy clashes now in Suq Aljuma tripoli. Rixos journalists can u chek? oh sorry u r imprisoned! by G but not for long soon u will be free 2!
Misrata getting local airport ready for receiving flights I suggest next TNC meeting in misrata to recognise its great victory awesome city!
1st free libyan tv named 'Libya Alhurra' or free libya started in benghazi yesterday more will follow and no ministry of media in new Libya!

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
#Libya's #NTC controlled #Tobruk refinery still operating at a reduced rate of 5,000 b/d after crude flow was halted in April. #Libya #feb17
ALERT: Just saw a Toyota Land Cruiser with #Libyan license plate "1-11-1" in a parking lot in #Tunis, plz help identify. #Feb17 #Libya
#Freedomfighters in #Rehibat captured 2 tanks from #Gaddafi forces & 3 small rocket launchers #Libya #feb17
PLEASE RT: Live broadcast from #Nafusa: NAFOUSSA TV http://t.co/GlAAQix #Libya #feb17
Libyan Oil Minister Shukri Ghanem has announced in #Rome that he has joined the uprising against #Gaddafi #Libya #feb17

Restoration of a lost identity
In these glorious days in which the Libyan people are courageously restoring their national identity and enthusiastically reshaping their future, calamities seem a trivial price to pay compared to what they expect to gain. Despite the souring of their agony to unprecedented levels, their morale remains very high as they fervently resort to a bygone era for inspiration and hope.

For one hundred days, the world at large has witnessed the sufferings of a distressful nation climb to unprecedented levels. Lives threatened, horrendous atrocities committed, families displaced, children horrified, youths abducted, farms pillaged, livestock annihilated, and cities besieged and savagely bombarded to the point that some of them has turned into ghost towns.
http://shabablibya.org/news/restoration-of-a-lost-identity

Supplies reaching blockaded Libyan town by donkey
ZINTAN, Libya, June 1 (Reuters) – Libyan rebels in the Western Mountains are using donkeys to carry supplies along trails behind enemy lines to the blockaded town of Yafran, where forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi face off with armed residents on the hilltops.

The nearby town of Gelaa is in a similar position, rebels and residents who left say, and rebels are urging NATO to carry out humanitarian aid drops in the area to alleviate severe shortages of food and drinking water.

“It’s a disaster,” said a man who gave his name as Mohammed, adding that he had walked to Zintan from Gelaa, between the positions of forces loyal to Gaddafi.

“I’m asking the rebels for help to open a route to Gelaa,” he said at the rebel military council headquarters in Zintan.
http://shabablibya.org/news/supplies-reaching-blockaded-libyan-town-by-donkey

The arrival of humanitarian aid to the city Alzent
Reached the praise of God and His bounty and from shipments of subsidies to city Alzentan, and in this time thank the "Society of Libya, the free charity" on the effort is clear and Almilos for the relief of their brethren in the city of Alzentan all the cities of the western mountain suffering Will shelling day and night and live in darkness and dark due to power outages, and This time, we appreciate all efforts in the inside and outside Libya to help the Libyan people of this tyrant who did not husbanding the means of repression and genocide, however, and have used it, but tell him to Libya, free, God willing, after God the intention of men old and young, women and Ajaizha, and support our brothers in various parts of the land on which binds them to the meat of religion and then home
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=127592517321339&oid=188788917808981&comments

A man inspects a house belonging to his family that was destroyed by Gaddafi forces
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=160594204006404&set=a.134799406585884.28447.133738650025293&type=1&theater

[Iterate]

78. HRC: Report of the International Commission of Inquiry

http://bit.ly/lDrQWj
Advance Unedited Version


UN commission: Libyan government guilty of war crimes

Jun 1, 2011, 18:01 GMT

Geneva - Government forces in Libya are guilty of committing war crimes, a commission tasked with investigating the recent conflict in the country for the UN Human Rights Council said Wednesday.

The commission had 'reached the conclusion that crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed by the government forces of Libya,' a report handed to the council said.

'The commission received fewer reports of facts which would amount to the commission of international crimes by opposition forces, however did find some acts which would constitute war crimes,' it added.

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1642935.php/UN-commission-Libyan-government-guilty-of-war-crimes

heads up

[Iterate]

79. Pro-Gaddafi carried out a Car Bomb attack outside Hotel in Benghazi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y2hmoANiwA&feature=share
I'd rather not use this fox source, but such is life. They were first. video only.


Car Bomb Explodes Near Libya Hotel
A car bomb has exploded near a hotel used by foreign diplomats in Libya's rebel-held city of Benghazi.

The explosion happened in the car park of the Tibesty hotel, which is used as a base by foreign officials visiting the provisional rebel government, known as the National Transitional Council.

Some western journalists also use the hotel.

However, rebel spokesman Jalal al Gallal confirmed that nobody was killed or injured in the car bomb.

"It's a cowardly act," he said, adding that rebels assume elements of Colonel Gaddafi's regime planted the device.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Libya-Violence-Car-Bomb-Explosion-Near-Hotel-In-Rebel-Held-City-Of-Benghazi/Article/201106116003840?lpos=World_News_First_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_16003840_Libya_Violence%3A_Car_Bomb_Explosion_Near_Hotel_In_Rebel-Held_City_Of_Benghazi


Blast hits hotel in Libya's rebel-held Benghazi -TV
CAIRO, June 1 | Wed Jun 1, 2011 1:37pm EDT
(Reuters) - A large explosion damaged a hotel on Wednesday in the eastern rebel-held city of Benghazi, Arab satellite television channels reported.

Al Jazeera reported that a "huge" blast had gone off outside the city's Tibesti hotel. Arabiya television said the explosion appeared to have come from a car parked beside the building. Footage showed cars on fire beside the hotel. (Writing by William Maclean)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/01/libya-blast-idUSLDE75035X20110601

[tabatha]

80. Gaddafi is ....

- terrorizing Tripoli so that the people don't rise up (but they are)

- infiltrating the Tunisian refugee camps under pretense of medical aid to persuade them with money to go back to Libya (where he can terrorize them further). There also appear to be plans to disrupt some of the camps.

- releasing criminal elements to fight the FF/LNA

- infiltrating Benghazi to disrupt the city

These are things that cannot be bombed to stop them. (Things in addition to his destructive shelling.)

The huge irony is that Gaddafi wants to rule the people of Libya - he and he alone.
But to do so he has to manipulate, kill and terrorize those people.
In other words, the people of Libya are key to his ego - but they are not really people, just things to be brainwashed and used as pawns.

If he goes into exile, he will probably spend the rest of his life getting back at those that did not give him what his ego wanted. He needs to go to the Hague.

Then found this:

Libya: Col Gaddafi plots retaliatory strikes if forced from leadership
His regime has handed out thousands of weapons to ordinary civilians, saying they would turn Libya into a "living hell" if Nato ground forces invade.

He is also gathering a coterie of young members of his own tribe around him to make a last stand as his regular forces are depleted by defections and Nato bombing.

Anti-Gaddafi activists fear they could unleash a wave of killings and revenge attacks if Col Gaddafi is forced out whether by western military might or negotiations.

“The reason why people are given guns now is because Gaddafi wants it to be chaos whether he is in power or out of power,” said one activist living in a suburb of southern Tripoli.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8548392/Libya-Col-Gaddafi-plots-retaliatory-strikes-if-forced-from-leadership.html

[al bupp]

83. Images: Cars burning after bomb exploded at Tebesti Hotel in Benghazi

Here are two pictures taken by http://twitpic.com/photos/calperryAJ">Cal Perry right after the car bomb exploded in front of the Tebesti Hotel in Benghazi.





via: http://www.libyafeb17.com

[al bupp]

84. Cal Perry Tweet

Cal Perry, Al Jazeera correspondent, tweets:

"All of our staff is ok. Bomb blew up our fixers car. Threw it a few meters. Few hotel rooms were trashed pretty good. Bomb impact was from the car itself that exploded. Security situation changed forever. Just back from the bomb scene – one entire car fitted into the back of a pick-up. The front of the car that was used as the explosive was thrown over the top of the hotel. Into the opposite car park."

[al bupp]

88. Tripolitanian Tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian">Tripolitanian
#Libya #NTC Spokesman: The incident that occurred at the Tibesti hotel was a thrown bomb, not a car filled with explosives
43 minutes ago

[tabatha]

81. "I feel today a free Libyan woman."

http://www.reuters.com/video/2011/06/02/libyas-female-fighters?videoId=211431105&feedType=VideoRSS&feedName=TopNews&videoChannel=1&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FUSVideoTopNews+%28Video+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29&utm_content=FaceBook

June 1 - New female recruits to the Libyan rebels are given military training in a desert near Benghazi. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

[Iterate]

82. News from Nafusa Mountains

Wednesday 1 June, 01:10 h,
Nafusa Mountains: Zentan: Shelling continued into the night in Zentan. There were no human losses apart from one injured man. Also, a group of revolutionaries clashed with mercenaries in the eastern region of Zentan this evening when a number of the mercenaries were injured. As for the clashes which went on yesterday evening, the revolutionaries managed to kill and injure a total of 20 of the Gaddafi forces, amongst them one of their military leaders.

Wednesday 1 June, 10:45 h
Nafusa: Kabaw: Gaddafi forces have completely cut electricity in the city. It must be mentioned that electricity has been cut in the areas of Jadu and Zentan for a few days. However, this has been the case in Yefren and Al-Gal’a since April 3.

Wednesday 1 June, 10:50 h
Nafusa Mountain: Al-Gal’a: Revolutionaries carried out an ambush attack on a farm in Saffet where armed Gaddafi forces were located during the early hours of this morning. They managed to destroy a military rocket launcher vehicle, a lorry and a car belonging to Gaddafi forces including the people inside. Revolutionaries then returned to their positions safely. Armed Gaddafi forces continue their attacks using 23mm rocket launchers.

Wednesday 1 June, 12:45 h
Nafusa Mountains: Ghdames: Kidnaps are still being carried out in Ghdames, the young men in particular. They are targeted by armed Gaddafi forces especially during their travels to Tripoli where they are forced out of taxis and buses at the Garyat and Shweref check points for no reason. They are then kidnapped and tortures using electricity and severe hitting. This is what has been happening during the past 48 hours.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=214625191910875&set=a.179455612094500.38351.179449562095105&type=1&comments

Guma_el_gamaty: Local leader in Jadu confirm gain by FF today liberating Shakshuk and Qasrelhaj turned electricity station there on again!
vor 5 Stunden

@4Adam#Nafusa revolutionaries made progress on all fronts, repelled G forces fr Shakshuck (majer). Nato continued to target AlQa'a arm Deports (S)
vor 4 Stunden

feb17voices Feb 17 voices
LPC #Yefren: Caller says from #Yefren they can hear battle being waged on two fronts: near Riyayna and near Qasr al Hajj #libya
vor 2 Stunden

LPC #Yefren: Caller saw smoke rising from Riyayna area from what caller believed to be NATO strikes #libya #feb17
LPC #Yefren: Gaddafi forces continue to use airburst anti aircraft fire, shot from neighborhood known as al Souq in #Yefren #libya #feb17
LPC #Yefren: Gaddafi forces continue to heavily use airburst anti aircraft shells, which explode in the air & spray fragments below #libya

ShababLibya LibyanYouthMovement
Just in; confirmed #Yefren: Coalition forces bombed #Gaddafi forces at #Awayniya & btwn #Awayniya & #Riyaniya. 6-7 strikes reported.

This looks like the beginning of a serious effort to begin to break the 2 month siege of Yefren. Finally, here's an article from the WSJ. They try, bless their little hearts:

MIDDLE EAST NEWS JUNE 1, 2011
Conflict Hardens in Libya's Mountains
Pro-Gadhafi Forces Step Up Assault On Rebels Who Hold Tunisia Crossing
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304563104576357122791161478.html

ETA:
feb17voices, about 6 hours ago
LPC #Jadu: Rebels now control Shakshouk & Qasr al Hajj, electricity returned #libya #feb17
http://audioboo.fm/boos/373582-lpc-jadu-english-rebels-now-control-shakshouk-qasr-al-hajj-electricity-returned-libya-feb17

This is the full audio report tweeted above. Audio quality is fair.

[joshcryer]

85. Libyan Revolution Day 105 updates below, current time in Libya, 9:15am Thursday, June 2

[joshcryer]

86. UN denounces war crimes (both sides), rebels blame Gaddafi for car bomb, Russia seeks exit 4 daffi

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/nato-hits-tripoli-un-denounces-war-crimes-20110602-1fiox.html">NATO hits Tripoli, UN denounces war crimes
...

A commission of inquiry set up by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva accused Gaddafi's regime of carrying out systematic attacks on the population, saying that it committed not only crimes against humanity but also war crimes.

While it found fewer reports of violations by the opposition, the commission also said rebel forces committed acts that constituted war crimes.

The commission has "reached the conclusion that crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed by the government forces of Libya", it said in a statement.

"The commission received fewer reports of facts which would amount to the commission of international crimes by opposition forces, however, it did find some acts which would constitute war crimes."

http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/06/02/libyan_rebels_blame_khadafy_for_blast_at_hotel/">Libyan rebels blame Khadafy for blast at hotel
BENGHAZI, Libya — A car exploded yesterday in front of a hotel where foreign diplomats and journalists stay while visiting Benghazi, a rare attack in the Libyan rebels’ de facto capital.

Jalal el-Gallal, a rebel spokesman, said the blast in the parking lot of the Tibesti Hotel in central Benghazi caused no injuries or deaths. The burning car sent plumes of black smoke into the air.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-02/russia-seeks-to-bridge-libyan-civil-war-in-qaddafi-exit-talks.html">Russia Seeks to Bridge Libyan Civil War in Qaddafi Exit Talks
Russia wants to mediate between the two sides in Libya’s civil war as it tries to negotiate the exit from power of Colonel Muammar Qaddafi, said Mikhail Margelov, the country’s envoy to the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

Margelov will travel to Libya "in the nearest time" to meet with the rebel leadership, he said by phone from Moscow yesterday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is in contact with Tripoli, held by Qaddafi’s forces, he said.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on May 27 said Qaddafi has forfeited his right to govern and his country is using its contacts with the regime’s leadership to persuade him to step down. Russia abstained from the United Nations Security Council vote in March that authorized a NATO-led military intervention in Libya.

"My trip is an attempt to help the Libyan elite find a national consensus," Margelov said. Russia "has a unique opportunity to become a bridge between those parts of the Libyan political elite which see the future of their country as one united state."

[CJvR]

92. Translation:

Russia will be happy to sell weapons to whitch ever side win.

[joshcryer]

87. Rebels send rep to oil forum, Algeria calls 4 dialog, not helping Libya, but arms found in Algeria

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-02/libya-sends-representative-to-gas-exporting-countries-forum-1-.html">Libya Sends Representative to Gas Exporting Countries Forum
Libya sent Mosbah Ali Matoug, a member of the management committee of Tripoli-based National Oil Corp., to a one-day meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Cairo.

Shokri Ghanem, the state-run company’s former chairman, was supposed to have attended the meeting until he defected to the side of Libyan rebels, an Egyptian oil ministry official said earlier today. The official declined to be identified because of government policy.

No representative from Qatar, which has provided financial and diplomatic support to the rebels, was present at the start of the meeting.

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/7398795.html">Algeria calls for peaceful dialogue in Libya
eria on Wednesday called for an inclusive dialogue in Libya with the participation of all Libyan parties to reach a peaceful settlement of the crisis.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital Algiers, Abdelkader Messahel, Algerian Delegate Minister for Maghreb and African Affairs, said his country is in contact with all concerned parties in Libya, and aims to help end the crisis in the neighboring country in a peaceful way.

Messahel said Algeria supports the African Union (AU) roadmap for solving the conflict, which calls for political dialogue between different parties in Libya, necessary political reforms, and more effective measures to protect civilians.

Bit late for that Algeria...

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h0rixZbAhEgA_PtB_zqR_CpG46eA?docId=CNG.aa5a24ef4e1dc963ac594b37b97d9d01.451">US general says no evidence Algeria backing Kadhafi
ALGIERS — The top US general responsible for Africa said Wednesday he had no evidence that Algeria has sent mercenaries to support the regime of Libyan strongman Moamer Kadhafi.

"I have seen absolutely no reporting that indicates that Algeria is suporting the movement of fighters to Libya," General Carter Ham, who heads the US Africa command (AFRICOM), told journalists in Algiers.

"To the countrary, Algeria has been suporting and strongly so regional security and countering terrorism," Ham added.

Libya's National Transitional Council, an umbrella group for the various rebel forces fighting to topple Kadhafi, has accused Algeria of sending mercenaries to support the embattled dictator.

http://www.ennaharonline.com/en/news/6696.html">Weapons from Libya used in attacks in Algeria
ALGIERS - weapons brought from Libya, scene of an uprising against the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, were used for attacks in Algeria, said Wednesday Algerian Minister Delegate in charge of Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel.

"There was a spate of attacks in our country. It is no a coincidence. It is the feat of arms and ammunition arriving from Libya," he told a press conference in Algiers.

"Libya has become a repository (weapons) in the open. There are a lot of weapons circulating in this country and transferred to areas of conflict," said Messahel.

[CJvR]

93. It is simply amazing...

...how useless both the Arab League and the African Union have been in this mess.

[al bupp]

89. Tweet: Yefren Liberated

http://twitter.com/#!/tripolitanian">Tripolitanian
#Yefren has been liberated, although random shelling and sporadic clashes continue, the rebels have broken the siege! #Libya #Feb17
1 hour ago

[Yosarian71]

94. Great news if true

The last thing the rebels needed was a defeat which would have accelerated calls for a truce on Gadhafi's terms. Yefren was looking fairly precarious for a few weeks.

It appears that Bani Walid is in open revolt, which would make Sirte, or Tripoli, depending on your point of view, completely isolated.

There are reports of more fighting in Zliten. Despite Heinz's criticism, it appears Gadhafi made the right move putting his line of defense in Zliten. He halted the rebels momentum and has pinned them down there for 2 weeks now.

[tabatha]

91. RRowleyTucson, freelibyanyouth tweets

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
Reports of #Freedomfighters penetrating 5km into #Zlite, fierce clashes with #Gaddafi forces in the city. #Libya #feb17

#NATO strikes #Gaddafi ammunition storage facility in #Waddan http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_75023.htm #Libya #feb17
#NATO KEY HITS: 1 June: #Hun: 1 Ammunition Storage Facility, 1 Fire Control Radar. #Libya #feb17
#NATO KEY HITS: 1 June: #Mizdah: 1 Ammunition Storage Facility. #Libya #feb17
#NATO KEY HITS: 1 June: #Tripoli: 1 Vehicle Storage Facility, 1 Surface-To-Air Missile Launcher. #Libya #feb17

#Benghazi: Reports that a car ran a checkpoint, chased & when stopped found to be carrying explosives. No further details. #Libya #feb17
#Kikla: #Gaddafi forces shelling city with GRAD rockets now. #Libya #feb17
#Yefren: #Suuk: #Freedomfighters liberated at least 16 locations used as #Gaddafi command & control centers. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Reports of large protest on #Jumhuriya street. #Gaddafi forces firing on protesters. #Libya #feb17
#Yefren: #Gaddafi forces that were pushed out of Yefren city center went to an area called #OuladAttia #Libya #feb17

http://twitter.com/#!/RRowleyTucson

freelibyanyouth Shabab Libya
Security forces sent to #Baniwalid to arrest FF in 4 areas: Alnora, Alkraat, Allutfa and Alfutman have been fought off for the 3rd day. RT
LPC #Jadu: Caller says there is a new sense of calm in the city, after weeks under the threat of Grad fire from Qasr al Hajj #libya #feb17
(cont) is currently safer. Rebel forces have not completely swept the areas. Gaddafi forces had previously blocked aid to #Yefren #libya
@AlmanaraMedia follow me for up-to-date news on Baniwalid pls. And for Dms. Thanks.
Party for children in Tripoli Street with the presence of the local council & a delegation from the UN http://goo.gl/wYdYM v @free_misurata

#Libya #NTC a car exploded in #Benghazi in an area called Zwawa
#Libya #NTC we're focusing on helping the civilians in the western mountain, sendind aid, evacuating the injured etc
#Libya #NTC new security measures will include surveillance cameras and explosive detection devices
LPC #Yefren: Rebels are currently clearing Yefren city center & the area of Zimla, checking for remaining Gaddafi forces #libya #feb17

@lindabutterfly Yes it is. According to sources in Qalaa, food aid is going to Zintan but has overlooked their area.
RT @jonarenz: Mahmoud #Shammam (#NTC): We expect few 100s of sleepers and Gaddafi agents still in #benghazi. #libya #Tibesti CC @jnsaucier
@TributeFM Libya has shown amazing talent mashAllah, with the likes of Mo Nabbous Allah yr7ma. Tht talent is wasted with Shammam in the role

[tabatha]

95. RRowleyTucson

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
#Tripoli: Reports that cellular service is down in parts of town tonight. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Approximately 10 #NATO strikes tonight, Some near #BabAlAzizyah, near airport & near Rixos Hotel. #Libya #feb17
#Jadu: #Freedomfighters have taken control of #Bazinah & outskirts of #AlJouwsh where #Gaddafi & his mercs are located. #Libya #feb17
VIDEO: This is reportedly a video of Tripoli protests tonight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2-aOudnMSw #libya #feb17

#Gaddafi forces from #Zawia & #Sorman, led by El Kweldi Al Hmedi, are heading to #Shakshuk tonight. #Libya @USAfricaCommand @stavridisj
#Tripoli: Another 4 #NATO airstrikes heard in city within the last hour. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Reports that protesters on #OmarAlMokhtar St. are trying to break into #Gaddafi State TV & Radio building. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Reports of fighting & heavy gunfire between #Gaddafi forces & #Freedomfighters in #Altarasana near #SouqAlJumaa . #Libya #feb17

#Tripoli: Reports of fighting & heavy gunfire between #Gaddafi forces & #Freedomfighters in #SouqAlJumaa now. #Libya #feb17
#StVincentGrenadines PASSENGER SHIP "AZZURRA" Destination: #Benghazi #Libya 105.3 NM out from port. #feb17
#Tripoli: Things stirring. Lots of rumors of "something big" happening next week. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Heavy gun fire in #BenAshour & #Thahra #Libya #feb17

#Freedomfighters in #Gado take control of #Bazina area in #GabalNuffosa & they are on the edge of #AlGosh & #Bader #Libya #17feb
#Yefren: 2 vehicles of #Gaddafi forces fled towards #Roomiyah. #Freedomfighters now checking the #Sook area for Gaddafi forces #Libya
#Tripoli: Reports that #Gaddafi forces have turned #Gargaresh Psychological hospital into a weapons storage facility #Libya #feb17 @NATO
@libyanproud Thank you for the compliment Brother. You, me, Sof and the rest all party in Trip once this is all over.
#Yefren: #Freedomfighters captured 13 of #Gaddafi's forces occupying hospital. Remainder headed North towards #BeerAyad. #Libya #feb17

PLEASE RT: #Gaddafi forces from #Zawia & #Sorman, led by El Kweldi Al Hmedi, are heading to #Shakshuk tonight. Need @NATO airstrikes.
#NATO strikes #Gaddafi ammunition storage location South of #Zintan #Libya #feb17
#NATO tonight hits targets close to #Tripoli airport, farm belonging to #Gaddafi family & in #Tajoura by the Heart hospital..#Libya #feb17
Reports that a high rank military official from #Ghadamis has defected & joined the revolutionaries in #Nalut. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Reports of gun fire since early afternoon, protest in #OmarMoktar street in #Fashlom. #Libya #feb17

#Freedomfighters advanced another 5 Km towards #Zliten today. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Reports that some of the #NATO airstrikes tonight are in the area of the airport. #Libya #feb17
#Yefren today: #Freedomfighters took seven tanks, six 14.5 mm guns and numerous vehicles from the #Gaddafi forces. #Libya #feb17
#AlQalaa: GRAD rockets are still being fired by #Gaddafi forces on the town indiscriminately from areas of #Sufeat & #Alromia #Libya #feb17
Confirmed #NATO airstrikes on city of #Brega, targeting command & control centers. #Libya #feb17

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
#Tripoli: Total of 6 large explosions heard so far tonight. #Libya #feb17
@LibyaSteadfast Same here but ppl need to remember and the proof needs to be disseminated to the world
#Tripoli: 3 large explosions just now heard to the West of #BabAlAziziyah #Libya #feb17
#Cyprus OIL TANKER "BALTIC SAPPHIRE" Now arriving in #Benghazi #Libya (32.5 NM out) #feb17

@Libyan_Republic @LibyaSteadfast Was weird tweeting about a place in Tripoli and then hours later seeing NATO blow it up (Traffic cam cntr)
VIDEO: #AlDafniyah Crossing gate 2 June, 2011 http://youtu.be/nPZNZzsvzfo #Libya #feb17
#Yefrin: #Freedomfighters have liberated #SouqYefrin area & #Ghasru area from #Gaddafi forces this evening. #Libya #feb17
#Zintan: #Khosha area yesterday: 169 Brazilian land mines from #Gaddafi forces were successfully removed by #Freedomfighters. #Libya #feb17.
#Zawiyah Youth Statement announcing they are in their 3rd stage of operations http://youtu.be/jq4gNN0BqcI #Libya #feb17

SCORE! #Tripoli C&C building for all traffic cameras behind Dentistry School bombed by #NATO (See timeline). #Libya #feb17
VIDEO: #Tripoli: #Gaddafi's sniper fires on the youths of #BenAshour http://youtu.be/bDFwb7upfCQ #Libya #feb17
#Freedomfighters of #Yefren & #Qalaa have captured Colonel Bashir Altarhuni with 14 soldiers of his battalion. #Libya #feb17
@Libyan_Republic : ) Don't be surprised if I take you up on the offer. I really want to explore that amazing country...SOOOOO much to see!
Some of the GRAD missiles landing inside #Jabal are sent with no nose, causing them to whistle & land with no explosion. #Libya #feb17

#Tripoli: Several reports of heavy #NATO presence over head at this time. #Libya #feb17
Journalist in #Benghazi says: #NATO attacks today included use of Apache helicopters. #Libya #feb17
Mahmoud Shamam confirmed the exit of Sheikh Sadiq #Ghariani from #Libya he will soon arrive in #Doha #Qatar. #feb17

http://twitter.com/#!/RRowleyTucson

For Libya, RRowleyTucson seems to be a better source now than KiloFoot who has gone to a the PalTweets Daily
http://paper.li/tag/PalTweets

ebi: Unconfirmed: expected defections from Gaddafi forces based in Brega. Nato mediating. #Libya less than 20 seconds ago (he he gerhard)
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/05/2011528144520326964.html#disqus_thread

[tabatha]

96. SecularLibya tweets

SecularLibya MargBar Khamenei
Hundreds of G forces have been killed in Zlitan front and 1000s have been injured. NATO first gave them warning to abandon. #Libya

Concrete bombs are relatively quiet and you will not hear them unless within blocks. #Libya #Feb17
Heinz: Nato is now concentrating on tanks and armor inside Tripoli. Many are hit with concrete bombs for no collateral damage. #Libya #Feb17
Heinz: Expect serious collapse of parts of G military in 2 days. Bad news is reaching Tripoli commanders. #Libya #Feb17
Heinz: On May 30 or 31 NATO attack, massive secondary explosion in Sabha base killing many officers. Sabha out of commission. #Libya #Feb17
There are 2 remaining positions around Yefren with 120 troops which will be "addressed" tonight. #Libya #Feb17

Heinz: NATO will announce the chopper strikes (going on for past 5 days) this coming Saturday. #Feb17 #Libya
NATO bombed street security camera center (@dental scl) in Tripoli as soon as FFs identified the building yesterday.Way to go! #Libya #Feb17
Heinz: Chopper action last night at Zlitan opening the way for FFs to move forward and capture weapons. #Libya #Feb17
Reports: Parts of Yefren has been liberated and Qadafi forces pushed back. Also heli action last night S. of Zlitan. #Libya #Feb17
UNCONFIRMED: @FromJoanne F A N T A S T I C ! #NAFUSA #YEFREN IS LIBERATED #Libya Thank pro-dems !

Building behind Dentistry School is control & monitor centre of security cameras for all Tripoli. #Libya #feb17 @NATO @NATO_ACT
Heinz: FFs will seize lots of weapons tomorrow at Zlitan. Sabha (major GF base in south) is disobeying Gadafi commands. #Libya #Feb17
Heinz: GF tanks that have been recently destroyed in Tripoli by NATO remain on street. GF fail to take them away. (decoys?) #Libya #Feb17
More chopper fireworks tonight at three locations. Expect the fall of some towns and retreat of GF next few days. #Libya #Feb17
freedom of movement and the source is very reliable one <end> #Libya #Feb17 @NATO @NATOpress @NATO_ACT

antenna with a length of 50-55 meters and the rebels say if the NATO attack this building , therefore they will have freedom >>>> #Libya
Salah al-Din,specifically behind the Institution of Ibn Nadhor before , now a dental college that there is a building where the control >>>>
From Tripoli: @NATO_ACT @NATO The FF in Tripoli want to inform the NATO an important information from a reliable source that in the -cont
Helicopters still under command of France/UK & doing limited work. But will be handed to NATO for major operation in Zlitan and east #Libya

http://twitter.com/#!/SecularLibya

Looks as though Heinz statements are showing up on SecularLibya tweets in good English - easier to find than AJE blog messes and read.

[tabatha]

97. The incredible Zintan native who removed 169 Gaddafi land mines yesterday

#Zintan #Libya: The incredible Zintan native who removed 169 Gaddafi land mines yesterday. Holding one in his hand



http://twitpic.com/561ib9

[pinboy3niner]

98. Witness: Alleged Libyan rape victim (Eman al-Obeidy) appears bruised after deportation

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

•A witness says Eman al-Obeidy had a black eye, bruises and scratches

•Qatari officials did not respond to questions about the deportation

•Al-Obeidy tells CNN she was beaten, handcuffed and forced onto a plane in Qatar

•U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees seeks explanation

By Nic Robertson, CNN
June 3, 2011 -- Updated 0422 GMT (1222 HKT)


(CNN) -- A witness who met with Eman al-Obeidy after she was forced back to Libya from Qatar said the alleged rape victim appeared battered and bruised.

Nasha Dawaji, a U.S.-based Libyan pro-freedom activist, said she was with three key members of the National Transitional Council, the rebels' government, when they first learned that al-Obeidy was forced from Doha and arrived in Benghazi on Thursday.

Al-Obeidy had a black eye, like she had been punched, Dawaji said. She also had bruises on her legs and scratches on her arms.

The council members were upset upon seeing al-Obeidy's condition and vowed to open an investigation, Dawaji said.

...


http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/06/03/libya.rape.case/

[pinboy3niner]

104. (UPDATE:) Qatari expulsion of alleged Libyan rape victim upsets U.S.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

•NEW: Al-Obeidy says she is warned from doing TV interviews

•NEW: Amnesty International condemns her deportation

•CNN places numerous calls to various ministries for response without success

•A witness says Eman al-Obeidy had a black eye, bruises and scratches

By Nic Robertson, CNN
June 3, 2011 5:38 p.m. EDT


(CNN) -- The United States is "disappointed" by the expulsion by Qatar of Eman al-Obeidy to Libya, a decision that it said is a "breach of humanitarian norms."

Al-Obeidy grabbed the world's attention this spring when she accused Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's security forces of gang-raping her.

"We've not spoken with Ms. al-Obeidy since she left Qatar, but we have been in contact with senior officials in the Transitional National Council in Benghazi, and we've made clear U.S. interests in her case," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in reference to the rebel government in control of eastern Libya. "I believe she is safe where she is at right now."

...


Amnesty International called al-Obeidy's deportation "outrageous," saying the action taken by the Qatari government "is a serious breach by Qatar of its international obligations."

...


http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/06/03/libya.rape.case/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

[pinboy3niner]

99. NATO jets target Libyan capital

Source: Al Jazeera

Raids on army vehicles and ammunition depots in Tripoli follow announcement of extension of alliance's Libyan mission.

Last Modified: 03 Jun 2011 05:51


Fresh attacks have taken place in central Tripoli, with a series of explosions reported as Nato continues sporadic bombing of the Libyan capital.

A Libyan government official, speaking on condition of anonymity to the AP news agency, said on Friday that at least 10 NATO raids hit targets in and around Tripoli.

Nato confirmed on Thursday the attacks, which it said hit military vehicles and ammunition depots, a surface-to-air missile launcher and a fire-control radar.

The attacks took place just hours after NATO and its partners said it would extend the Libyan mission for 90 more days in support of the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's four-decade rule.

"This decision sends a clear message to the Gaddafi regime: We are determined to continue our operation to protect the people of Libya," Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the NATO secretary-general, said.

...


http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/06/20116341054115467.html

[pampango]

100. Juan Cole: Libya Rebels take Key Western Mountains, Train Women Fighters

http://www.juancole.com/2011/06/libya-rebels-take-key-western-mountains-train-women-fighters.html

The Free Libya forces centered at Benghazi are turning out to have a vivid political imagination. For instance, they are training female soldiers for the fight against the Qaddafi brigades: {video}

The pro-Free Libya newspaper Birniq is reporting that forces in the Western Mountain area have inflicted a decisive defeat on the Qaddafi brigades that had been besieging those cities. It says that Free Libya fighters put Qaddafi brigades to flight, capturing an astonishing quantity of weapons and chasing them away, and so liberated cities such as Zintan, Nalut and Rahibat. They say they are giving chase and continue to engage the Qaddafi brigades as the latter head north toward the Mediterranean. The towns of the Western Mountain region have been under siege for nearly three months, subjected to shelling by tanks, artillery and Grad rockets.

Deutsche Press Agentur also summarizes this report and says that the Free Libya forces in Benghazi say that they are preparing an assault on the capital of Tripoli. The Arabic report is here.

Meanwhile, Major General Umar al-Hariri, now a commander of the Free Libya forces but originally one of the young officers who helped Qaddafi make his 1969 coup, has told a pan-Arab newspaper that he believes that 60% of Qaddafi’s arms have been destroyed by NATO. He also called Egypt a key ally of the revolutionaries. The USG Open Source Center translates the interview from al-Sharq Al-Awsat:

[Yosarian71]

101. Interesting to see what happens next in WMA

I suspect it will follow the same pattern of Benghazi and Misurata, where a rebel victory is followed up with a stalemate because the rebels can not project their power beyond their home turf.

Hopefully this recent victory at Yefren will put be permanent. Gadhafi has now effectively lost two full brigades trying to take western mountains that have little strategic value to him at this point in the conflict. I have seen estimates that Gadhafi's remaining forces in the mountains are anywhere from 2,000 to less than 200. There may be 2,000 Gadhafi troops that are currently unaccounted for, but I suspect many are dead or on the run at this point. Sabha has been ravaged by NATO attacks in recent days, so I don't know if Sabha can continue to reinforce Gadhafi's mountain units, which has always been a terrible strategy by Gadhafi. Gharyan is under some attacks right now from the rebels, but even if the rebels take it, this will probably be the extent of their advance.

The rebels have no chance of advancing across the open plains despite the fact that basically nothing stands between them and Tripoli. They are poorly armed even relative to the other rebel army groups, and have few vehicles. Their military success has depended in a large part on their advantage over poorly led mercenaries in the mountains. In the open plains, they lose that advantage.

[tabatha]

102. RRowleyTucson updates

Nalut revolutionary uses 100 yrs old rifle to fight
http://youtu.be/qV0ce5okows

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
#AlQalaa: Clashes between the #Freedomfighters & #Gaddafi forces happening now in the area of #Sifit #Libya #feb17
#Gaddafi OIL TANKER "ALYARMOUK" showing movement E of #Malta w/ no dest. listed. #Libya #feb17
@Desertandy two of those roads are covered with underground bunkers large enough for fighter jets, much like those found in Iraq
#Zintan: Clashes between #Freedomfighters & #Gaddafi mercenaries east of #Zintan. #Libya #feb17

#Yefren: #BirAyyat under #Freedomfighter control & aid shipment making its way into Yefren. #Libya #feb17
@AbirKopty We only have her story so far and many believe there is a LOT more to it
#Anonymous strikes again: #Iran and #UAE governments hacked' http://goo.gl/hLJzO merci @KevinJRawlinson
Very odd, #Gadhafi TV is showing documantaries about factories in #Misrata as Gadhafi's achievements. Is something in the works to attack?

@Gheblawi In a word? HELL NO! Criminal gov of #Russia backs the International Criminal #Gaddafi and all #Libya knows it!
PLEASE SIGN & RT: Petition: No to #Gaddafi Representative in #OPEC petitiononline.co.uk/petition/no-to… #Libya #feb17
#Freedomfighters in the east claim to be preparing for "big movements" next week once essential preparations are completed. #Libya #feb17
Anyone know if @NATO has bombed this yet? http://goo.gl/MrgXZ #Libya #feb17

@LibyaFeb17_com Heard from some who know her, she was not well liked even b4 all this...bad reputation. More 2 story than we are hearing
Beautiful photostream from #NafusaMountains via @live2Tripoli http://goo.gl/7lTX0 #Libya #feb17
#Jadu: Libyana & Al-Madaar cell networks coverage returned as has the electricity. Landlines are still down. #Libya #feb17
William Hague British Foreign minister will arrive tomorrow in #Benghazi to hold meetings with members of the #NTC. #Libya #feb17

@LibyaFeb17_com What is the other side of the story? What is Qatar saying? Have been hearing some not so nice things.
#Tripoli: #Gaddafi's mercenaries are housed in #AliAlkeylani's farm on Tareak AlMatar. #Libya #feb17 @NATO @stavridisj @UKMilOps
At 6:35am local time, approximately two-thirds of all Syrian networks became unreachable from the global Internet. http://bit.ly/isXye5
#Libya #NTC OIL TANKER "ANWAAR AFRIQYA" now enroute from #Tobruk to #Benghazi ETA: 2011-06-04 10:30 (UTC) #feb17

#Yefren: Reports of clashes between #Gaddafi forces and #Freedomfighters near #BirAyyad now. #Libya #feb17
Heinz: “If #Gaddafi starts killing civilians in #Tripoli, then #NATO will have no choice but to send choppers to Tripoli”. #Libya #feb17
#Yefren: #Gaddafi forces were firing GRAD rockets from near #Alawayniyyah this morning, injuring 3 children. #Libya #feb17
Abdullah Senussi: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/22/gaddafi-abdullah-senussi-brutal-right-hand-man #Libya #feb17

#Tripoli: #NATO struck Abdulla Senousi & Khwealdi Elhamedi houses in Alsedi Street, destroying them completely. #Libya #feb17
#Jalou: #Freedomfighters withstood an assault by #Gaddafi forces, captured 3 vehicles & truck filled with ammunition & guns #Libya #feb17
Unconfirmed: Large defection amongst the #Sehban Brigade in #Gheryan with large protests after Friday prayers today #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: If reports of #Gaddafi State TV defections are true then one wonders. where is Hala the Ho? #Libya #feb17

Reports that a number of "news" presenters from #Libya State TV, including sports presenter BilrasAli have defected & escaped to #Tunisia
Name: Muhammad Milad Al-Ashgar. Joyous and kind young man. Died in explosion of Weapons' Workshop in Derna yesterday. http://goo.gl/8foqx
Someone @ the military just reported that President Saleh is in ICU, implying his injuries are critical.. this has not been confirmed #yemen
#Yefren: 11:00h #Awlad Atiyah, Quarries & the road between #Sook district & #BiirAyyad are clear of #Gaddafi forces. #Libya #feb17

Former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney in #Libya admits she wants #Gaddafi-style government in #US theblaze.com/stories/green-… #feb17 #WhackJob
#Tripoli: Unconfirmed: #NATO has targeted houses of senior pro #Gaddafi figures Abdullah Alsanussi & Khewldi Alhmedi. #Libya #feb17
#Tripoli: Unconfirmed: Fighting & clashes happening in Fashloom Street & the streets adjacent #Libya #feb17
#Gharyan,Western mountains Protests today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d12h7FPfWbY #Libya #feb17 #Nafusa

VIDEO: #Tripoli: Today: After Juma'a Prayers Fashloum St. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_ptDwGuTQo #Libya #feb17
Royal Air Force Tornado aircraft destroyed two main battle tanks & two armored personnel carriers in #Yefren yesterday #Libya #feb17

This guy is a democrat who is solidly behind the FF in Libya - tweets back and forth to them. I am betting he will visit Libya when this is all over - he seems to have a couple invitations already.

Have read from more than one source, that next week there will be some planned action. I think it will be over in 15 days. My guess is that NATO has been allowing the rebels to fight only where they are on an equal footing. Where Gaddafi has been able to hurt civilians, NATO has acted.

[pinboy3niner]

103. Rebel fighters make gains in western Libya

Posted in LBN by pampango:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4872177

[pinboy3niner]

105. NYT's John F. Burns blogs on underground opposition to Gaddafi in Tripoli

...


There is, too, the ground fire; in Baghdad more than in Tripoli, volleys of automatic rifle and antiaircraft fire, mostly unthreatening to the attacking aircraft because of the prior destruction of command centers and air-defense radars that sit, twisted and blackened, on heights around the two capitals. Beyond this, in Tripoli, sometimes only minutes after the bombs and missiles have exploded, comes a fresh staccato of automatic-rifle and machine-gun fire from districts across the city.


These clattering exchanges, one fusillade prompting another, suggest that the anti-Qaddafi underground may be profiting from the confusion caused by the bombing to attack checkpoints and watchtowers guarding key intersections and buildings. Government officials are evasive when asked. But local people, emboldened to speak when no minders are present, say the underground, pervasive in some of the more restive districts, organizes hit-and-run attacks in the wake of the airstrikes, before melting back into the alleyways of neighborhoods like Tajoura, Feshloom and Souk al-Juma.


These are districts that rose up in protest against Colonel Qaddafi in the revolt’s early stages in February, only to fall back into a sullen vigil, with thousands of men and youths imprisoned, or press-ganged into service with pro-Qaddafi militias, according to accounts from some who live in the districts. Like much else in Tripoli, where official eyes and ears are never far away, and reporters know that they can put Libyans at risk simply by talking to them with no minders present, these accounts are beyond corroboration. But they are powerful nonetheless for what they convey of a seemingly widespread anti-Qaddafi feeling in a city whose 2.5 million residents represent more than 40 percent of the Libyan population.

...


http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/history-repeats-for-a-correspondent-in-tripoli/

[tabatha]

106. Press Release: Announcement from Yefren & Al-Qala’a

June 3, 2011
Posted in News, Press Release | 23:44

To whom it may concern,

It is our pleasure to announce on Friday the 3rd of June at 2100 hrs Libyan Time that the North Western route into Yefren via Ber Ayad is now open. This route connects the region of Yefren to Zintan and there after to Tunisia. This route is now open to the World press and humanitarian aid as well as a path which secures the exit of civilians.

The security of the route is at Orange Alert (Highlighting a potential attack) and requires NATO air support to protect the humanitarian route. The region of Yefren and the Nafusa mountains is threatened by the below co-ordinates:

Al Galaa
A. Almliab forest (VERY IMPORTANT)
Position: 31°58’38.03″N, 12°40’26.62″E
Site: on left hand side when going from Gharian to Nalut on motorway.
Force: Large force including at least 4 tanks, grad, ammunition, personnel, etc. It is the main army supply to the area (substation) for forces heading west.
Method of observation: eyewitness
Time: Friday, June 3rd

B.Command and Control centre at Almliab forest
Position(s):
31°58’59.04″N, 12°40’30.84″E
31°58’58.35″N, 12°40’32.39″E
31°58’57.80″N, 12°40’33.29″E
31°58’57.84″N, 12°40’34.21″E
Site: Almliab scouting camp and agriculture centre.
Force: Command and control is highly suspected to be in one or more of the 4 buildings given above.
Observation: eyewitness
Time: Friday, June 3rd

Yefren
A. Forest near Awiniya
Position: 31o59’00.84” N, 12o29’36.16” E
31o59’05.29” N, 12o29’34.24” E
31o58’56.64” N, 12o30’45.62” E
31o59’00.49” N, 12o30’44.18” E
Site: Forest on both sides of Gharian-Nalut road near to Awiniya village
Force: Large army force with various equipment and personnel
Method of observation: Telescope
Time: Friday June, 3

B. New Man-Made River Company camp
Position: 31o58’58.49” N, 12o30’09.92” E
Site: A new camp that was used by Man-made river company
Force: Missile launcher
Method of observation: telescope (Sand/smoke in air was seen)
Time: Friday June,3
The brutality of the Gaddafi forces in these regions and in all Libyan regions must not go unimpeded. We implore upon the Libyan people and the Libyan free communities, the UN, the LNTC, NATO and all international humanitarian agencies involved to continue to uphold the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 and take all necessary action to protect civilian lives and to free all regions of Libya from this human disaster.

Regards,
Abdo. Al Herrari
Libyan Humanitarian Coordinator
Libyan Youth Movement – Tripoli and Yefren Region (cities of Yefren, Al-Galaa and Kekkla)

http://shabablibya.org/news/press-release-announcement-from-yefren-al-qalaa

[Yosarian71]

110. Map of the Western Mountain

http://twitpic.com/56nj3m

Twitter reports by several sources are that Garyan could fall soon. That would put the rebels within 60 kms of the outskirts of Tripoli, but without the capability of attacking.

[tabatha]

107. Libya's tale of two cities

I have visited Libya twice in the last six months: Tripoli in December, and Benghazi last week. I might as well have visited two different planets.

My visit to Tripoli in December was full of dark threats and ominous portents. The fear was palpable. One Libyan official told me that if you so much as dared to speak of Qadhafi’s paranoia and quirks you would be killed. Qadhafi’s thugs had taken to harassing our embassy personnel. It was a harbinger of worse things to come – violence and vicious threats directed not at foreign officials, but at Libya’s own citizens. Then in March, Qadhafi launched attacks on peaceful protesters and threatened to hunt them down “like rats.” The international community had no choice but to respond.

Last week in Benghazi, though, I saw what Libya could become – and it was clear as day why it is in the U.S. interest to see the Benghazi vision for Libya succeed over Qadhafi’s. The collective sense of joy and opportunity was unlike anything I have experienced in my diplomatic career – and that includes my posting in Budapest in 1989.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56221.html#ixzz1OGWbG5Og

[al bupp]

108. NATO attack helicopters increase pressure on Qadhafi regime

04 Jun. 2011

NAPLES – Attack helicopters under NATO command were used for the first time on 4 Jun 2011 in military operations over Libya as part of Operation Unified Protector.

The targets struck included military vehicles, military equipment and fielded forces.

“This successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters,” said Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard, Commander of Operation Unified Protector. “We will continue to use these assets whenever and wherever needed, using the same precision as we do in all of our missions.”

The use of attack helicopters provides the NATO operation with additional flexibility to track and engage pro-Qadhafi forces who deliberately target civilians and attempt to hide in populated areas.

NATO forces are constantly reviewing their operations and use of available assets, including attack helicopters, to best maintain the momentum and increase the pressure on pro-Qadhafi forces.

NATO’s operation is being conducted under the United Nations Security Resolution 1973, which calls for an immediate end to all attacks against civilians and authorized all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in Libya.

Source: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_75021.htm

[bluestate10]

115. Bravo to NATO. Way past time to take the gloves off.

The Libyan madman and his brutal sons must be either driven out of Libya, or killed there.

[pinboy3niner]

109. Battle for Libya: Rebels move closer to Tripoli

Al Jazeera Video report (2:12):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWoAxaF7oVE

[pinboy3niner]

111. House Roll Call: How they voted on Libya resolution

By Associated Press, Published: June 3


The 268-145 roll call Friday by which the House adopted a resolution declaring that the president shall not deploy, establish or maintain the presence of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in Libya, and for other purposes.

How each member voted:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/house-roll-call-how-they-voted-on-libya-resolution/2011/06/03/AGcwfLIH_story.html

[Yosarian71]

113. Republicans choose party over country, again

Republicans can not tolerate that the President may have a military and foreign policy victory, so they pass a resolution undermining the President's effort in Libya. Republicans blindly supported Bush's incompetent efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq where we ended up with unpopular American puppets at the cost of over a trillion dollars and thousands of American lives. In Libya, a war that we are winning with no American casualties to date, where the Libyans are doing the actual fighting and dying and whoever emerges will have legitimacy, the Republicans decide to back the murderous, raping, terrorist

There is literally no limit to the Republicans' willingness to choose party over country.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

114. Or, Republicans and some Democrats support the President

I thought Prez Obama got into this to enforce a no-fly zone, and there would be no boots-on-the-ground. This resolution seems to enforce the no-boots-on-the-ground strategy.

It's not "party over country". Our country is not seriously threatened by Qaddafi, and our country will not be improved by his demise. Likely we'll just get stuck in another expensive nation-building quagmire.

I'll agree with you that Iraq and Afghanistan are too costly. We should get out now. Get out of all three wars.

[pinboy3niner]

116. This really is a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy

The U.S. first led the intervention, then stepped back into a supportive role.

President Obama established a clear boundary: The U.s. would no longer be the policeman for the world, but would merely be a participant in UN ops.

[joshcryer]

112. Week 16 here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1226813