Libya Protests: Rebel Troops Prepare For Violent Stand-Off Against Gaddafi Forces

[Faygo Kid]

Source: AP (via Huffington Post)

ZAWIYA, Libya (AP) — Hundreds of armed anti-government forces backed by rebel troops who control the city closest to the capital Tripoli prepared Sunday to repel an expected offensive by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi surrounding Zawiya.

An Associated Press reporter who reached Zawiya, 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Tripoli, confirmed the anti-government rebels are in control of the center of the city of 200,000. They have army tanks and anti-aircraft guns mounted on pickup trucks deployed. But on the outskirts, they are surrounded by pro-Gaddafi forces, also backed by tanks and anti-aircraft guns.

There were at least six checkpoints controlled by troops loyal to Gaddafi on the road from Tripoli to Zawiya. Each checkpoint was reinforced by at least one tank, and the troops concealed their faces with scarves.

Gaddafi has launched by far the bloodiest crackdown in a wave of anti-regime uprising sweeping the Arab world. The United States, Britain and the U.N. Security Council all imposed sanctions on Libya over the weekend. And President Barack Obama said it is time for Gaddafi to go. . .

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/27/libya-protests-rebel-troops-gaddafi_n_828758.html

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We are in for an extraordinary week - Libya, North Korea, the Koch brothers' grab for absolute power; stay tuned, my beloved DUers.

[Flatulo]

1. Wait til this spreads to China - should be interesting.

This wave of demands for democracy is simply amazing.

[Faygo Kid]

2. I had not thought of that, but you're right. 2011 will be an extraordinary year.

Unfortunately, in the USA, we will decline, as the Citizens United decision and other dark forces (Koch brothers, Faux News, etc.) extend their dirty hands over the rest of us. As the lamp of liberty is lit elsewhere, ours grows dimmer by the day.

[Flatulo]

3. The pendulum swings back and forth. nt