Libyan Revolution Week 27 part 4

[joshcryer]

Links to sites with updates: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya">AJE Libya Live 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=439x1787917">Week 27 part 3 here.

http://www.pogar.org/countries/theme.aspx?cid=10&t=2">The Oppressive Laws of Gaddafi's Libya
The government grants the right of association to official institutions by virtue of Law 71 of 1972, which regulates associational activity in Libya. Law 20 of 1991 on the Promotion of Freedom sanctions the death penalty for anyone whose continued existence would lead to the disintegration of Libyan society. The ‘Code of HonorEof March 1997 institutes a system of collective punishment for wrongdoing, whereby families, towns and municipalities are held responsible for the actions of individuals in their midst and are subject to punishment such as the dissolution of the local People’s Congress or the denial of government services, including utilities, water, infrastructure projects. Associations engaging in political activity are illegal in Libya. Further, political activity is defined by Articles 2 and 3 of Law 71 of 1972 as any activity based on a political ideology contrary to the principles of the Al-Fateh Revolution of September 1, 1969. The Law on Publications, No. 76 of 1972, as modified by Law 120 of 1972 and Law 75 of 1973, govern the operation of the press, reserving all rights to publish.

This is what the Libyan freedom fighters are fighting against. Each and every one, when they went into this, knew that it was all or nothing, they had no choice but to fight. For their very survival.

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

Residents of Gharyan paraded through the streets in celebration after rebel fighters drove pro-Qaddafi forces from the city.

Bob Strong / Reuters


Day 177 August 13

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/08/201181215510690602.html">Opposition fighters control some residential areas outside of oil port city + capture Tawurgha
The rebels took over the residential zone of New Brega, located about 15km from the central oil terminal and port area, on Thursday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/13/us-libya-idUSTRE77A2Y920110813">Libyan rebels advance on Zawiyah
Rebels in western Libya advanced north to within 25 km (15 miles) of the coastal city of Zawiyah on Saturday after a six-hour battle with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/13/libya-war-rebels-zawiya_n_926214.html">Rebels Enter Zawiya, Heavy Clashes
Libyan rebels fought their way into the strategic city of Zawiya west of Tripoli on Saturday in their most significant advance in months, battling snipers on rooftops and heavy shelling from Moammar Gadhafi's forces holding the city.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_E_9y1_Mfs&feature=share">Az Zawiya Road Closed from Tunisia
Libyan rebels have been involved in a gun battle in the key town of AzZawiya, 18 miles from Tripoli

Day 178 August 14

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77C01F20110813?sp=true">Rebels inside Zawiya report intense fighting, expect to liberate the town soon
A rebel spokesman, Mohammed Ezzawi, speaking from inside Zawiyah, said the rebel force was about 800 metres from Martyrs' Square in the city centre.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1146904/1/.html">Libyan rebels tighten grip on Tuarga
Rebels fighting east of Tripoli strengthened their grip on the town of Tuarga on Saturday, winning key battles against Muammar Gaddafi's forces and creating a buffer zone for the city of Misrata.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/13/libya.war">Rebels say they are gaining ground in Libya; government disputes claim
Rebels said Saturday that they were gaining traction in a series of offensives in several parts of Libya controlled by ruler Moammar Gadhafi -- claims that the Libyan government swiftly disputed.
http://news.yahoo.com/heavy-clashes-libyan-rebels-enter-zawiya-171327097.html">Heavy clashes as Libyan rebels enter Zawiya
Libyan rebels fought their way into the strategic city of Zawiya west of Tripoli on Saturday in their most significant advance in months, battling snipers on rooftops and heavy shelling from Moammar Gadhafi's forces holding the city.
http://news.yahoo.com/libya-rebels-fight-key-city-near-capital-121936569.html">Fighting around Zawiya forces convoy of foreign journalists to return to Tunisia
Fighting erupted late Saturday on the road leading to Zawiya, close to the Tunisian border. It forced a convoy of foreign journalists who had just crossed the border and were heading to Tripoli to turn back to Tunisia.
http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77D06920110814">Rebels say capture another town (Surman) west of Tripoli
"The revolutionaries today entered the centre of Surman. They are now in full control of the town. There is no fighting there now," the spokesman, called Abdulrahman, said.
http://libya-alhurra.tumblr.com/post/8882809317/personal-account-of-algerian-fleeing-tripoli-in">Personal Account of Algerian Fleeing Tripoli in February
On Sunday 20th of Feb 2011 I was teaching in Tripoli. I finished my classes at 8 00 pm. I was approached by three men in military uniforms, and I was asked to go with them. They called me by my name and were friendly and assured me that they needed my help and that I was recommended. I got into the car ( a gray Hyundai Sonata 2011 with no licence plates).
http://www.npr.org/2011/08/13/139600683/libyan-teens-news-site-hears-the-rebel-yell">Libyan Teen's News Site Hears The Rebel Yell
A Libyan teen is fast becoming a media star in rebel-held Benghazi. The 14-year-old has established his own online news outlet. His father drives him to press conferences in Benghazi, and he is increasingly well-known among rebel leaders. NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro reports.

Day 179 August 15

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77E00A20110815">Gaddafi urges Libyans to take up arms against NATO
Libyan state television early on Monday broadcast what it said was a live speech by Muammar Gaddafi calling on the Libyan people to arm themselves to liberate the country from "traitors and from NATO."
http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=233838">Libyan interior minister arrives in Egypt with family
The Libyan Interior Minister arrived in Egypt with members of his family on Monday, official sources at Cairo airport said, amid reports that he was abandoning the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
http://news.yahoo.com/libyas-western-mountain-rebels-taste-success-094841713.html">Libya's western mountain rebels taste success
Rebels in the western mountains of Libya spent weeks meticulously organizing in the town of Zintan for what has now become the opposition's most successful advance in months against Moammar Gadhafi's forces.
http://www.juancole.com/2011/08/rebels-advance-surround-tripoli-as-qaddafi-totters.html">Juan Cole: Rebels Advance, Surround Tripoli, as Qaddafi Totters
The long slow slog of the Libyan struggle to throw off the rule of Muammar Qaddafi, accelerated this weekend, possibly decisively, with rebel forces making major advances.
http://news.yahoo.com/gadhafi-forces-try-block-libyan-rebel-advance-140747299.html">Rebels say they have shut down all four main gas/diesel pipelines to Tripoli
"We shut down all four pipelines to Tripoli," said Nurial-Bouaisi, one of the rebels. He also said all coastal roads leading from Tripoli to the Tunisian border at Ras Ajdir were now under rebel control.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/aug/15/no-stalemate-libya-gaddafi">No stalemate in Libya Ethe writing is on the wall for Gaddafi
A quick exit for the colonel matters less than a well-managed transition, preparing the country for representative government
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/us-officials-gadhafi-fires-1111776.html">US officials: Gadhafi fires first scud missile
A U.S. military official says Libyan government forces fired a scud missile for the first time in this year's conflict with rebels, but it landed east of Brega and hurt no one.

Day 180 August 16

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7JG00920110816?sp=true">Rebels encroach, but Libya capital seems unruffled
Rebels may have fought their way into Zawiyah, a strategic city a half hour's drive from the Libyan capital, but for many supporters of Muammar Gaddafi here the battle that may be a turning point may as well be a million miles away.
http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77F0UM20110816">Sniper's bullet ends life-long friendship in Libya
Life-long friends Abdul Ghani and Majdi often played soccer and billiards together as youngsters, went to the same law school and then joined the rebel movement fighting to topple Muammar Gaddafi.
http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLAE58476820110816">Africans stuck in Tunisia after fleeing from Libya
Five months after Sudanese worker Mohammed Hassan fled civil war in Libya he is still stranded in a tent city just across the border in Tunisia.
http://shabablibya.org/news/libya-seen-through-gadhafis-keyhole">Libya seen through Gadhafi’s keyhole
“Mia mia.EIt is an extremely popular phrase, widely used in Libya, that translates roughly to E00 percent.ENine times out of 10, that is what Libyans said when I asked how they were coping with nightly bombardments by NATO warplanes, electricity blackouts that lasted days and rebel forces who were pressing forward on three fronts.

Day 181 August 17

http://news.yahoo.com/gadhafis-troops-hospital-doctors-185422331.html">Gadhafi's troops use hospital as base, doctors say
The day Libyan rebels advanced into the strategic city of Zawiya, Moammar Gadhafi's forces clamped down on the local hospital.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/08/16/uk-libya-zawiyah-scene-idUKTRE77E3NP20110816">Libya's Zawiyah on edge after rebel capture
Gaddafi's men have recaptured Zawiyah twice before so the rebels say they are being extra cautious and thorough.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1147451/1/.html">Libya rebels see victory by end of August
Libya's rebels were bolstered by fresh battlefield advances Wednesday, as leaders claimed the six-month-old civil war had entered a decisive phase and could end within weeks.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-16/misrata-once-besieged-relaxes-as-libyan-rebels-advance-against-qaddafi.html">Misrata Returns to Normal After Six-Month Siege as Libyan Rebels Advance
Libya’s rebel-held city of Misrata, under siege by forces loyal to Muammar Qaddafi for the past six months, is experiencing something new: traffic jams.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44166967/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa">Unarmed, unmanned aircraft being used for surveillance missions
The United States stepped up its military assistance to the NATO mission in Libya slightly this week, sending in two additional Predator drones to fly combat air patrols, a senior defense official told NBC News.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iT0Xzr0RAGFGaXmDcTr8UoBP-7Yw?docId=01144f8bc3d549f188002675ce21822f">Rebels battle Libyan forces for Zawiya refinery
Rebels and Moammar Gadhafi's forces are fighting for control of the only functioning oil refinery in Libya in the western city of Zawiya.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/17/libya.war">Advancing rebels in western Libya face snipers, shelling
Rebel fighters in Libya, trying to take over a key western city, faced stiff resistance from Moammar Gadhafi's forces on Wednesday, a rebel commander said.
http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE77A2Y920110817?sp=true">A rebel spokesman said rebels had found the buried bodies of civilians
"We discovered a mass grave containing 150 bodies in Tawargha. These are the corpses of civilians kidnapped from Misrata by Gaddafi's loyalists," he said.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8707413/Libya-Fierce-battle-underway-for-crucial-Zawiyah-oil-refinery.html">Fierce battle underway for crucial Zawiyah oil refinery
A fierce battle was underway on Wednesdy night for outright control of Libya's only functioning oil refinery as opposition forces took on Gaddafi loyalists entrenched in the complex.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/libyan-rebels-advance-stalls-in-zawiyah-as-refugees-stream-west/2011/08/17/gIQAnuZzLJ_story.html">Thousands of refugees from cities still under Gaddafi’s control stream west
Families fleeing Tripoli in new Korean-made sedans drove through the violence in Zawiyah in order to get to rebel-controlled areas.

Day 182 August 18

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904070604576514710263791554.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">Libyan Rebels Move Closer to Tripoli
Fighting raged for a fourth straight day in this strategic coastal city 30 miles west of Tripoli on Wednesday, as rebel fighters battled to mop up pockets of loyalist soldiers and laid siege to the regime's last working oil refinery.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-17/libyan-rebels-push-south-from-misrata-to-cut-road-radio-says.html">Libyan Rebel Forces Push South From Misrata to Cut Key Highway to Tripoli
A column of armed jeeps drove unopposed through the desert to the village of Bir Durfan and is heading for Beni Walid, 40 miles (64 kilometers) away, to link up to the highway to the capital, Libya Freedom Voice in Misrata reported.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpCbzcIugEE">Gaddafi loyalists resisting rebels advance in Az Zawiyah - video
In the battle for Libya, fighting has continued in Az Zawiyah between opposition fighters and forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0818/breaking1.html">Libyan rebels fight for refineries
Rebels to the west and east of Libya's capital fought forces loyal to Muammar Gadafy for control of oil facilities vital to winning the six-month-old civil war.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/08/18/libyan_rebels_battle_for_last_oil_refinery/">Rebels besiege Libya’s last working oil refinery
Dozens of opposition fighters surrounded Libya’s last functioning oil refinery yesterday and laid siege to about 100 government troops, part of a push that brought them closer to seizing this strategic western city.
http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77H09I20110818?sp=true">Libya rebels take Garyan, south of Tripoli
Libyan rebel fighters are in control of Garyan, a town about 80 km south of the capital Tripoli, a Reuters reporter in the town said on Thursday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/aug/18/syria-libya-middle-east-unrest#block-7">Rebels capture Abu Qurayn, 85 miles west of Sirte
Rebels here say forces in west captured the refinery at Zawiyah, if so Gaddafi has lost his last refinery. Rebels here have captured Abu Qurayn, 65 miles south of here and 85 miles west of Gaddafi's birthplace, Sirte.
http://news.yahoo.com/zawiya-becomes-epicenter-libyas-civil-war-091027238.html">Zawiya becomes epicenter of Libya's civil war
Shops are shuttered. Makeshift roadblocks of scrap metal, sand piles and car wrecks block the streets every few hundred yards. Bursts of gunfire and the thud of mortars rattle the streets, sometimes distant, sometimes nearby.
http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16052095">Alex Crawford: Rebels Get Closer To Gaddafi's Tripoli
Libyan rebels are closing in on the country's capital, unseating Colonel Gaddafi's supporters in the nearby port of Zawiyah.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14575444">Rebels 'take' key Zawiya oil refinery
An oil refinery outside the Libyan town of Zawiya, just 50km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, has been taken by opposition forces, according to reports.
http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77H0GU20110818?sp=true">Anxiety mounts in Tripoli as rebels advance
Libya's encircled capital is being painfully squeezed as rebel forces fight their way closer and battles along the coastal highway block the city's chief link to the outside world.
http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7JI3X720110818">Libyan rebels say secure another western coastal city
Libyan rebel forces celebrated the capture of Sabratha on the coast road between the Tunisian border and the capital Tripoli on Thursday, after a four-day battle with pro-Gaddafi government troops.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/18/libya-rebels-zawiya-tripoli-assault">Libya: the importance of Zawiya to the rebels
Control of Zawiya and the road to Tunisia means the rebels have isolated Gaddafi and are well set for an assault on Tripoli
http://news.yahoo.com/libyan-capital-fearful-rebels-eye-tripoli-204039658.html">Libyan capital is fearful as rebels eye Tripoli
"We know he (Gadhafi) is finished," said Mohammed Said, a 50-year-old school teacher who fled Tripoli on Tuesday. "We just don't know when."
http://www.euronews.net/2011/08/18/former-libyan-minister-tells-euronews-of-corruption">Former Libyan minister tells euronews of corruption
Libya’s former energy minister has told euronews that Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif Al-Islam is the brains behind billions of euros-worth of embezzlement from the country;s oil industry.

Day 183 August 19

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/08/18/7407675-libyan-embassy-re-opens-under-new-flag-in-dc">Libyan Embassy re-opens under new flag in D.C.
The Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. re-opened under a new flag on Wednesday, the banner of Libya’s Transitional National Council.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/world/british-forces-sink-libya-ship-near-strategic-port-of-zawiyah/story-e6frg1p3-1226117855540">British forces sink Libya ship near Zawiyah
British warplanes sank a vessel being used by forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi near the strategically vital port of Zawiyah, the defence ministry said.
http://news.yahoo.com/nato-strikes-boat-carrying-gadhafi-troops-100619174.html">NATO initiated rescue of Gaddafi troops after airstrike on their boat
A NATO spokesman says coalition warplanes have targeted a small boat carrying Moammar Gadhafi's troops off the coast of Zawiya as rebels advanced in the strategic city along the Mediterranean.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44192334/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa">NBC: Gadhafi making plans for leaving Libya
Moammar Gadhafi is making preparations for a departure from Libya with his family for possible exile in Tunisia, U.S. officials have told NBC News, citing intelligence reports.
http://www.juancole.com/2011/08/is-qaddafi-really-going-to-flee-to-tunisia.html">Juan Cole: Is Qaddafi Really going to Flee to Tunisia?
I fear that NBC is being used by US intelligence for psy-ops purposes, since the report strikes me as highly unlikely to be true.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/18/libya.war">Brother of Libya's information minister reported killed in NATO strike
A brother of Moussa Ibrahim, the spokesman for the government in Tripoli, was killed Thursday night by NATO aircraft, a government official here said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/08/201181814341888450.html">Rebels report all of Alargop, in Brega area, is liberated
"All of Alargop is now free, liberated," Musa Mahmoud al Mugrabi, the rebel spokesman, said of the area 6km south of Brega.
http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16052748">Alex Crawford (Zawiya): Libyan Rebels Unleash New Foreign Weapons
Libyan rebels attempting to overthrow Colonel Muammar Gaddafi have launched a renewed assault on a town near the capital with newly supplied weapons and ammunition.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/qaddafis-soldiers-looting-foreigners-cars-homes-equipment">Qaddafi's soldiers looting foreigners' cars, homes, equipment
Libyan soldiers have been looting properties of foreigners in government-held areas around Tripoli, residents in Libya said yesterday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-08/19/c_131062061.htm">Gaddafi family members to be evacuated from Tunisia on board Venezuelan plane
A Venezuelan plane has landed on the island of Djerba to evacuate members of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's family, Tunisian radio, Mosaique FM, reported on Friday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/aug/19/syria-libya-middle-east-unrest#block-11">Analysis of NTC "Draft Constitutional Charter"
As might be expected, it contains things that would appeal to a variety of different elements. Parts of it have been copied from Gaddafi's 1969 constitution, and it is interesting to compare the two documents to see what has been included and what has been omitted. For example, the Arab and pan-Arab nationalism has gone. Libya is no longer described as an Arab state, though Arabic will remain as the official language "while preserving the linguistic and cultural rights of all components of the Libyan society". This is a major step towards de-marginalising the Amazigh (Berbers).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8709159/With-Muammar-Gaddafi-on-his-last-legs-we-must-prepare-for-what-comes-next-in-Libya.html">With Muammar Gaddafi on his last legs, we must prepare for what comes next in Libya
Suddenly, the omens do not look so good for Muammar Gaddafi. A dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of rebel fighters battling to end the Libyan dictator’s 42-year rule now sees them challenging for control of the strategically important oil port of Zawiyah, just 30 miles to the east of the capital Tripoli.
http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/08/18/libya-10-protesters-apparently-executed">Libya: 10 Protesters Apparently Executed
Libyan government forces appear to have executed 10 protesters following an anti-government demonstration in the town of Bani Walid on May 28, 2011, Human Rights Watch said today. Earlier on that day government forces fired on apparently peaceful protesters, killing at least two and wounding 10, in the government-controlled town about 170 kilometers southeast of the capital, Tripoli. After the protest a rebel sympathizer apparently killed a government paramilitary commander and two bodyguards.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/18/libya-gaddafi-rebels-tripoli-oil">Libya rebels jubilant as they secure grip on Tripoli's oil line
For Yusuf Hamad, it was a happy moment. Standing under the shadow of a giant oil cylinder, he conjured up a future for Libya without Muammar Gaddafi, where foreign investors would at last be able to renovate the country's largest oil facility. "This is a milestone. This is the biggest refinery in Libya. The Gaddafi regime didn't want us to revamp it. Now we can," he said.

Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Libyan_civil_war">here for updated map. The size of the circles show population, the color represents control, red for FFs, green for tyrants. Note, this week is an animated gif, to show gains made by the freedom fighters.


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.

As of this week the National Trasitional Council has been formally recognized by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_Libyan_Republic#Recognition">34 countries. France (March 10), Qatar (March 28), Maldives (April 3), Italy (April 4), Kuwait (April 13), The Gambia (April 22), Jordan (April 24), Sengal (April 28), The United Kingdom (June 4), Spain (June 8), Australia (June 9), UAE (June 12), Germany (June 13), Canada (June 14), Panama (June 14), Austria (June 18), Latvia (June 20), Denmark (June 22), Bulgaria (June 28), Croatia (June 28), Turkey (July 3), Poland (July 9), Netherlands (July 13), Belgium (July 13), Luxembourg (July 13), United States (July 15), Japan (July 15), Albania (July 18), Slovenia (July 20), Montenegro (July 21), Portugal (July 28), Botswana (August 11), Gabon, Tunisia.

"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E548.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 and stories 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 http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/voices/?ref=main-menu">Voices from the Field

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 and a newborn 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 187 updates below, current time in Libya, 4:35am Tuesday, August 23

[pinboy3niner]

3. Heh, heh

You're learning, Grasshopper! Remember: Wax on...wax off... :rofl:

[joshcryer]

2. Our view: Libyan rebels cheer, but story not over

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/story/2011-08-22/Our-view-Libyan-rebels-cheer-but-story-not-over/50099020/1">Our view: Libyan rebels cheer, but story not over
By now, Americans have grown accustomed to seeing jubilant Arabs, gathered in a public square, rejoicing over the demise of a dictatorship ? first in Iraq in 2003, then in Tunisia and Egypt this year, and now in Libya, where Moammar Gadhafi's brutal 42-year rule is nearing an end.

Gadhafi's loss of control is indeed cause for jubilation, not just in Libya, where he showed no compunction about slaughtering his own people, but around the world, where victims of Libyan-sponsored terrorism included the 189 Americans killed in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland.

But justifiable joy over the crumbling of Gadhafi's regime ? which came suddenly after a six-month stalemate between loyalists and rebels ? is tempered by the knowledge that the fall of a dictator is not the end of the story but the middle, with many chapters yet to be written. In Iraq, as Americans know all too well, the celebrations in Baghdad's Firdos Square and premature triumphalism over Saddam Hussein's ouster were followed by a bloody insurgency, sectarian strife, an emboldened Iran and the rise of an al-Qaeda affiliate where none had existed. So it's far too early for cheers.

As Libya enters a period of high-stakes uncertainty, the to-do list is daunting: Establish law and order to prevent the sort of ruinous looting that broke out after Saddam's fall. Apprehend Gadhafi, whose whereabouts were unknown as of Monday evening, to end the possibility of his own resurgence. Restore electricity and basic services. Get oil and gas flowing.

[pinboy3niner]

4. FFs pushing to Tripoli airport, fought several heavy battles, now control runways

CNN's Arwa Damon is now back in Libya, traveling with ffs who fought at least three heavy battles on way to airport.

One battle was fought near a mil. camp, which ffs captured and also seized weapons. She said ffs are in contol of the runways at the airport, but it sounds like they have not fully cleared the area. They are also expecting to have to fight another major battle at another large military camp soon.

Damon said the airport is the 'jewel' the ffs were fighting to acquire because from there it's a straight shot to Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound.

I'm very happy to see that Damon is back in Libya, where she had done such good work before she was sent to cover the Syrian uprising. Keep an eye out for her reports on CNN.

[ellisonz]

32. Gaddafi will not escape.

[pinboy3niner]

33. From your lips to God's ears, ellisonz

From your lips to God's ears.

[ellisonz]

36. Six feet under...

And straight to Hell!

:grr:

On the Last Day, resurrected humans and jinn will be judged by Allah according to their deeds. One's eternal destination depends on balance of good to bad deeds in life. They are either granted admission to Paradise, where they will enjoy spiritual and physical pleasures forever, or condemned to Hell to suffer spiritual and physical torment for eternity. The day of judgment is described as passing over Hell on a narrow bridge in order to enter Paradise. Those who fall, weighted by their bad deeds, will remain in Hell forever.

The Qur'an specifies two exceptions to this general rule:

1. Warriors who die fighting in the cause of God are ushered immediately to God's presence (2:159 and 3:169); and
2. "Enemies of Islam" are sentenced immediately to Hell upon death.

http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/beliefs/afterlife.htm

[Iterate]

51. Video from the airport posted yesterday

Literal translation - Champions Alzentan battalion controls the Tripoli International Airport and fully God is great
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiO6cvGyoyY&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

[pinboy3niner]

5. The only working hospital in Tripoli has been overwhelmed with casualties

Doctor Mohmed Harisha told Britain's Sky News:

Not enough doctors in our hospital here. We need more doctors, surgeon doctor, orthopaedic doctor and anaesthesia doctor. We need nurse, we need technician for x-ray, we need everywhere. Everybody can give help, who will come here.

Our hospital here, patient from three days back, patient every day will die.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-23-2011-0536

[tabatha]

6. NTC recognition

Look at the bright side Palestine, oman, egypt, morocco recognized NTC today/yesterday

[pinboy3niner]

7. Ambassador Ali Aujali, Envoy of the National Transitional Council:

This new atmosphere is filled with hope, optimism, and a feeling by people of belonging. You have no idea how I felt when the revolution started in Libya, I felt I was born again. I felt like I belonged and I was proud of Libyans and proud of what they did to remove this tyrannical regime. I have become a different person since February 17 I was born again. My head is high and I do my job with joy.

- Reuters

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-23-2011-0538

[joshcryer]

8. NTC said that Saif either escaped, or because of some inexperienced rebels, was set free.

Here's a quick summary of recent developments:

* Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, has appeared with his supporters on the streets of Tripoli.

* It had been reported that he was in the custody of opposition fighters.

* A short time ago the National Transitional Council (NTC) said that Saif either escaped, or because of the inexperienced nature of some of the rebels, was mistakenly set free.

* Opposition fighters appear to be mostly in control of Tripoli. They claim to have secured 80 per cent of the capital. However, there are still some reports of Gaddafi snipers on roof tops.

* There has also been fighting on the road into the city from Zlitan, and at Gaddafi's Bab Al Aziziya compound.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-23-2011-0719

[pinboy3niner]

13. NTC (local Gharyan) president responds to Saif al-Islam's 'escape'

Uploaded by AlJazeeraEnglish on Aug 22, 2011


In a telephone interview with Al Jazeera, Waheed Burshan, president of Libya's National Transitional Council in Gharyan, responded to the escape of Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam.


Speaking from Tunis, he confirmed that Saif had been arrested, but he was unable to say how Gaddafi's son subsequently escaped from his captors.


Burshan referred to questions of "inexperienced youth" and the lack of a "structured military guard".


NTC president responds to Saif al-Islam's 'escape' (1:19):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w9g_0xlbH0&feature=player_embedded

[CJvR]

29. Disgust!

Next time they catch him they have better either use competent guards or simply blow his head off on the spot.

[tabatha]

9. Who are the libyan 'rebels'?

http://youtu.be/h90OaGFOr9w

[pinboy3niner]

10. Muammar Gaddafi's son Seif al-Islam says Tripoli is still under the control of loyalists

AP August 23, 2011 12:00PM



LIBYAN leader Muammar Gaddafi's son has emerged to say that Tripoli is under the control of the regime, and invading rebels had fallen into a "trap".


"Tripoli is under our control. Everyone should rest assured. All is well in Tripoli,'' Seif al-Islam told journalists outside Gaddafi's compound Tripoli compound, Bab al-Azizya, on Tuesday.


Seif, the Libyan leader's son and expected successor, made an appearance early Tuesday at a Tripoli hotel and was clearly not in rebel custody as claimed, CNN reported.


Rebel leaders and prosecutors with the International Criminal Court, who are pursuing Seif for war crimes, have claimed they had him in custody.


However, television images showed Seif meeting supporters outside the Rixos Hotel, where many Western journalists are based.

...


http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/libyan-rebels-storm-gaddafi-compound/story-e6frg6so-1226120375699

If Tripoli is under regime control and all is well, Why has the rebel tricolor flag replaced Gaddafi's green ones in 80-90 percent of the city? :)

[tabatha]

11. Why are the Rixos journalists not allowed to roam the streets freely?

Why have the FFs taken over Gaddafi's plane, TV station, etc?

Also, Moussa Ibrahim in his last statement said the city was dangerous, there was fear, and killing and chaos.

Who was right?

[pinboy3niner]

12. The Rixos remains under loyalist control

It's Gaddafi's men who will not permit them to leave the hotel.

The ff's reportedly control about 80 percent of the capital, but there are loyalist pockets around the city as well as an ever-present danger from 'sleeper' cells that could become active at any time.

My guess is that the priority for the rebels is to focus on dealing with those loyalists who are actually causing harm--the snipers who are killing and wounding both ffs and civilians.

The loyalist pockets at the Rixos and other places generally have been sitting tight, not actually killing, so they are a lower priority that can be dealt with later. And when Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound falls, loyalists in other pockets may just walk away, without the need for a fight.

That's just my guess about why some known locations of loyalists have not yet been engaged.

[pinboy3niner]

14. "The 'germs' of Syria salute the 'rats' of Libya"

--Message on a placard seen in Syria, described by a guest on CNN's AC/360 (Fouad Ajami, Sr. Fellow at the Hoover Insitution and ME expert).

Ajami said the placard expressed the bonds between the two peoples, "seeking freedom from these two tyrannies."

The background is that Syrian President Assad (who is also a doctor) has called Syria's dissenters "germs," while Libya's "Brother Leader" Gaddafi has frequently called Libyan dissenters "rats."

:rofl:

:thumbsup:

[Amonester]

15. They sure do seem to know (if not 'instinctively) what the sociopathic

authoritarians' Psychological Projection Syndrome is!

Good one! :thumbsup:


Keep' em posting, pinboy3!

[pinboy3niner]

20. I'm having a D'oh moment...

It only now occurs to me that I was neglectful in not including this in my post:

[pinboy3niner]

16. News From Libya Pushes G.O.P. Candidates to Respond

Source: New York Times

“I opposed U.S. military involvement in Libya and I am hopeful that our intervention
there is about to end,” Representative Michele Bachmann said.
(Travis Dove for The New York Times)



By SARAH WHEATON

Published: August 22, 2011


During remarks in New Hampshire in last month, Mitt Romney accused President Obama of “mission muddle” for expanding United States operations in Libya beyond enforcing a no-fly zone to a wider goal of preventing Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi from attacking his own people.


“Now the president is saying we have to remove Qaddafi,” Mr. Romney said at the time, adding, “Who’s going to own Libya if we get rid of the government there?”


But on Monday evening, as the rebels surged through Tripoli, Mr. Romney told Neil Cavuto of Fox Business Network that “the world celebrates the idea of getting rid of Qaddafi.” And instead of assessing Mr. Obama’s actions, he called on a new Libyan government to extradite the man convicted in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.


Mr. Romney’s maneuvering reflected the difficulty for Republican presidential candidates as they reacted to news that could bolster Mr. Obama’s national security credentials. And the candidates’ responses on Monday illustrated the soul-searching within the party over Libya, as several maintained that the United States did not have enough at stake to merit any military involvement.

...


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/23/us/politics/23repubs.html

[ellisonz]

40. I don't think they really want to have this debate and are just grasping at straws...

I challenge all the Republican candidates to a Libya fact challenge. In fact, I'd like to see their results for an Africa geography quiz...lol.

[pinboy3niner]

44. They're stuck between the proverbial rock and the hard place

They either back the President, or get mired in an extremely stupid position opposing him. What's not to love? :)

[Cerridwen]

17. I thought the "crew" here might "enjoy" the videos at this link.

I'm not sure "enjoy" is the correct word but it's the only one coming to mind. Brain drain setting in.

It's called Great Moments in Bad Journalism --- Russia Today on Regime Victory in Tripoli

If you play the one quoting dr. franklin lamb, you might want to follow it with clicking the link to Prominent American Activist Shot By Sniper Fire in Tripoli, Internet Cut I think that's why that video was abruptly ended.

I make no claims about the quality of either link; they are posted for your edification only.

[pinboy3niner]

45. Thanks. Been too busy to look now...

But will do it when I get the chance. Just want to acknowledge that I have it, and it's on the queue.

:hi:

[Iterate]

55. Nothing inflates your self-importance like claiming you were targeted by Nato

I saw the first parts of this story while scouting yesterday. Your post adds a new dimension.

The video in the EA Global piece you posted is from immediately after the mentioned bike trip around Tripoli (where he mentioned no sniper).

The Activist Post article is later and mentions it with this line:
"It's unclear whether Lamb was targeted for his highly-critical reporting of NATO as the aggressor in Libya."

Then there was this from the day after the trip:

Toppling Tripoli- 'Gaddafi plans massive counter-attack', NATO war On Libya
http://youtu.be/atJP_h2q9WU

He holds up the bullet, seems remarkably unaffected, and never considers it's source might have been Gaddifi forces or even a ricochet or falling spent bullet.

He was an early (very early) advocate of the "it's a trap" story. Saif repeated the trap story. Others have even misanalysed AJE footage to claim that this was all produced on an elaborate stage set. Really, an elaborate stage production.

I'll not underestimate how bright he is after hearing him claim that the population might now easily shift its allegiance, as if Gaddafi had their allegiance. It couldn't be that he was wrong from the beginning. No, never. But his ass is covered.

[pinboy3niner]

18. The Libyan Revolution in 27 seconds:

The following map displays rebel forces' progress since the battle for Libya began in February 2011.

Follow the Muammar Gaddafi loyalists in green and the Libyan rebels fighters in red (0:27):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfTDFdyJjy0&feature=player_embedded


http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-23-2011-0921

:)

[muriel_volestrangler]

19. Iran has expressed its backing for the Libyan rebels

The BBC live update page (BST time):

0847: Iran has expressed its backing for the Libyan rebels, BBC Monitoring reports. A statement by the foreign ministry in Tehran says Iran "supports the people's uprising in Libya and hopes that the Libyan people can decide independently on their future".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14610722

[pinboy3niner]

21. Thanks muriel_volestrangler--nice to see you here

The Libyan rebels will express their reaction, but if I was them I'd send a polite diplomatic note in reply:

Thankyou for your support--we are jumping for joy here! Your message would be absolutely PERFECT, really--if it were not a case of 'too little, too hypocritical, too late.'

Thanks, anyhoo...

As ever,

The OPPONENTS of Tyranny

:evilgrin:


:hi:

[muriel_volestrangler]

22. It'a an interesting development, given that Chavez and Iran are fairly close

and Chavez was firmly on Gaddafi's side the last time I looked.

[indurancevile]

23. go pnac!

btw, the cheering crowds look pretty small in that picture -- were they on their way to topple the ghaddafi statue for the tv cameras?

[pinboy3niner]

26. Nonsubstantive, drive-by snark and false equivalencies...

...SUCK!

Love & Peace,
pinboy3niner

:)

[indurancevile]

27. so does this pnac war.

[pinboy3niner]

28. You're free to skip or hide these threads

Other threads are hosting lively debates on these issues, something we tend to avoid here in order to focus on a different sort of project.

[indurancevile]

63. you're free to skip or hide my post

[tabatha]

52. Here is a comment from a Libyan inside Tripoli

@ Dio420.......no one will control our oil......We will decide who gets what......true, France, the US, and Britain will probably receive a bit of favoritism when it comes to distributing contracts, but Libyan oil is for Libyans......we are not Iraq.....we are LIBYA!

You should try listening to more points of view, ESPECIALLY from those of Libyans.

[muriel_volestrangler]

24. Are there 2 US congressmen trapped in the Rixos hotel?

This was the report from the BBC's Matthew Price this morning:

There are about 35 journalists in here; there are a couple of US congressmen, an Indian parliamentarian, and a couple of other hangers-on. So about 35 to 40 people who are not Libyans and are not associated in any way with either side in this conflict.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9570000/9570772.stm

(at 4:00 into the audio)

But earlier, there was this:

In response to rumors that an American congressman was among those trapped in the Rixos, which was reported earlier by a correspondent for Russia Today television, the official said, "to our knowledge, there are no sitting members of Congress currently in Libya."

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/08/23/free-and-defiant-saif-al-_n_933735.html#134_state-department-concerned-about-security-in-tripoli-rixos-hotel

[pinboy3niner]

25. I haven't seen reports on that

Price is pretty good--we should keep an eye on updates from him, as well as checking other sources.

Seems unlikely, though, that any U.S. reps would put themselves in that position at this time.

Thanks for the heads-up on this.

[ellisonz]

39. I doubt they would have gotten permission to enter Libya.

Why would Gaddafi want to put the Rixos in a position where you could see NATO ground forces acting to protect foreign dignitaries and press? I don't think he wants an escalation in the level of NATO force.

[pinboy3niner]

42. More good reasons to discount this report

I'm not buying it, either.

[ellisonz]

43. State Department would never clear such silliness.

[muriel_volestrangler]

100. Looks like it's former Rep Walter Fauntroy

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-del-eleanor-holmes-norton-says-her-predecessor-walter-fauntroy-is-in-safe-place-in-libya/2011/08/23/gIQAxMc8YJ_story.html

"Fauntroy is amongst those holed up in #Rixos." http://twitter.com/#!/mchancecnn/status/106081821569204224

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/472804-CPJ_Urges_Libyan_Forces_Not_to_Harm_Journalists.php

[pinboy3niner]

30. Rebels are 500 metres only from Bab Al-Aziziyah (Gaddafi's compound in Tripoli)--Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera correspondent in Libya says:

"Rebels are 500 metres only from Bab Al-Aziziyah."

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-23-2011-1305

[pinboy3niner]

31. “I was wrong to oppose military intervention in Libya – wrong, wrong, wrong”

Interesting article posted in GD by our dear friend, Waiting For Everyman:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1795741

Unfortunately, unreccers are hitting it hard, and it deserves consideration and discussion--not just knee-jerk litmus test reactions.

[Waiting For Everyman]

47. Thanks for the good input.

You guys are much more current on things than I am. 'Preciate it.

[joshcryer]

34. Libyan rebels tell Tripoli rescue ship not to dock

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/230298/world/libyan-rebels-tell-tripoli-rescue-ship-not-to-dock?asid=20c0ee01">Libyan rebels tell Tripoli rescue ship not to dock
GENEVA - Libyan rebels told a rescue ship not to dock at Tripoli port on Tuesday because conditions were "not optimum," leaving thousands of foreigners stranded at their embassies and waiting for the all clear to leave.

"Until yesterday we believed that the port area was under the control of the opposition forces but overnight they told us to wait and not to dock," Jean-Phillipe Chauzy, spokesman for International Organization for Migration which chartered the vessel, said at a regular news briefing in Geneva.

He said about 1,700 Filipinos, 2,000 Bangladeshis and 1,500-2,000 Egyptians had asked to be rescued and were "ready to go" and thought to be waiting near their embassies.

[ellisonz]

35. Al Jazeera: Rebel reinforcements arrive from outside Tripoli

25 min 12 sec ago - Libya
Opposition fighters from towns outside Tripoli have been streaming into the capital to help fight the remaining pro-Gaddafi forces.

33 min 12 sec ago - Libya

Smoke seen rising from Libyan leader's fortress as loyalists and rebels battle for control of Tripoli's streets:

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

[ellisonz]

46. 2,000 from Zlitan.

Middle East live blog

12.48pm: The rebel National Transitional Council's representative in London, Guma al-Gamaty, has told my colleague Julian Borger that 2,000 rebel reinforcements broke through government lines Zlitan yesterday and arrived in Tripoli last night. "They should make a difference," he said, adding that the NTC leadership will not make the trip from Benghazi to Tripoli "until the situation has stabilised".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/aug/23/libya-tripoli-battle-live-updates

[pinboy3niner]

37. CNN reporting very heavy battle now at Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound

At the Rixos Hotel, correspondent Matthew Chance says he can hear the battle, but it's impossible to see it from the Rixos.

I've only caught some parts of this coverage, and am waiting to hear more from CNN's Arwa DAmon.

[ellisonz]

41. Al Jazeera correspondent in Libya: "Rebels enter the first gate into Bab Al-Aziziyah camp".

3 min 54 sec ago - Libya

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

Could be a matter of hours...not days.

[ellisonz]

38. Al Jazeera: Libyan Rebels Advancing West from Brega

1 hour 5 min ago - Libya

Al Jazeera has learned that the Libyan rebels have taken control of Al-Akila in eastern Libya, and are heading towards the oil port of Ras Lanuf.

Our correspondent: "Rebels take control of Al-Akila in the East and move towards Ras Lanuf".

[CJvR]

48. Cleanup ongoing.

It seems the final assault on Gaddafi's bunker is underway. Heavy figthing reported on AlJaz along with recent NATO airstrikes to crack open the complex.

[CJvR]

49. Gaddafi in Tripolis?

According to AlJaz Mad Dog have had a chat with a Russian diplomat in Tripolis.

[Iterate]

50. #Sirte

I don't expect media reporters on the scene. These seem to be the most reliable reports.

MUSTAPHASMA1 DR MUS
Alarabya: caller in #Misrata: regime loyalists, 150 strong came from #Sirte to Misrata, was stopped by opposition fighters. #LIbya 17 hours ago

feb17voices Feb 17 voices
OppContact: forces from #Sirte included 3 Buses, several 4x4s. Misrata fighters routed them: they are no longer 'combat effective' #Libya 16 hours ago

FreeBenghazi Libya.elHurra
Misrata thuwar destroy pro-Gaddafi convoy bound for Tripoli, from #Sirte. #Libya youtube.com/watch?v=eQ6N6K…
10 hours ago

9:02am: Libyan rebels clashed with an army convoy coming from the city of Sirte, killing tens of Gaddafi’s troops, Al Arabiya TV reported on Tuesday.
It did not say where the clash had happened. Sirte was heavily bombed by NATO just before rebel forces moved into Tripoli.
http://feb17.info/news/live-libyan-unrest-august-23-2011/

10:26am: Pro-Gaddafi forces fired three Scud missiles towards Misrata on Monday, Nato says, according to the AFP news agency.
“We can confirm reports concerning the firing of three surface-to-surface Scud missiles from the vicinity of Sirte,” chief Nato spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. “They landed in the coastal area of Misrata,” she added, indicating no knowledge of casualties.
http://feb17.info/news/live-libyan-unrest-august-23-2011/

BNN_News_Intl BNN News Int'l
AFP Reports #Gaddafi has fired 3 more SCUDs at #Misratah from #Sirte today - #Libya #feb17 #battlefortripoli 5 hours ago

TheDailyOrgan The Daily Organ
#Gaddafi troops retreating towards his hometown of #Sirte - Al Jazeera reporter (reuters). #Libya #Tripoli 2 hours ago

Sirte_Feb17 Sirtawi
#Gaddafi brigades retreating fast towards #Sirte, #Sabha, #Widdan 1 hour ago

RRowleyTucson Robert Rowley
#Freedomfighters have now reached #BinJawad close to #Sirte after securing #RasLanuf #Libya #Feb17 1 hour ago

Nakaza82 Mathieu Dejean
Gaddafi forces have retreated to Sirte from the Eastern Front. the Libyan National Army is now at Bin Jawad 130km from Sirte #Libya 1 hour ago

Sirte_Feb17 Sirtawi
BREAKING Aljazeera: Air strikes target Gaddafi militia in #Sirte now. 49 minutes ago

ETA: Thought I might add this, posted yesterday from Brega. The center of attention for months, it was hardly noticed.
http://youtu.be/ggXLgJkBrzw

[CJvR]

53. Rebs at the airraid monument!

Live on AlJaz, rebel troops at the monument over Reagan's bombing where Mad Dog held his February 'speech'.

[tabatha]

54. It is really cool to see the Libyans doing this all themslves.

Some in flip-flops !!!!!

They OWN this revolution, just as they will all OWN Libya.

[Iterate]

56. Zenga Zenga! Dar Dar!

Here you go Mo:

6:30pm: Opposition forces have breeched Gaddafi’s home and compound and iconic BabAlAzizya.
http://feb17.info/news/live-libyan-unrest-august-23-2011/

[catchnrelease]

64. From the same link

7:00pm: The Independence Flag of the Libyan Opposition has been raised over Gaddafi’s home and compound BabAlAzizya

[CJvR]

57. Flash!

Rebels have captured Gaddafi's golden Kalashnikov - live on AlJaz!!!

[CJvR]

58. Gaddafi's head kicked around!

Well unfortunately only a bronze head from a statue, is being kicked around in front of the airraid monument.

[CJvR]

59. If...

...I read the AlJaz images and Google satelite images right the heavy smoke seems to be coming from the bunker complex, the rest of the site seems to have fallen.

EDIT: It might be the leader's tent...

Have not seen any images from inside the bunker complex.

[tabatha]

61. Try this from Sky

http://go.sky.com/vod/content/Home/content/videoId/eefdd9d2c3e5f110VgnVCM1000001f5012ac________/content/detachedLiveTv.do#url=http://go.sky.com/vod/content/Home/content/changeDetachedChannel.do?videoId=eefdd9d2c3e5f110VgnVCM1000001f5012ac____

[CJvR]

62. Intresting.

Thanks!

[tabatha]

60. From a regular Libyan poster on AJE

tripoli liberated faster than any other libyan city or town..it was a lightning blitz attack, plus the whole city was waiting...amazing, and beautiful.

[joshcryer]

65. OMG, best lunch break ever. Alex Crawford interviewing guy with Daffi's hat:

http://bit.ly/qT6nL1

I love Alex Crawford and the Libyan rebels, who have fucking hearts of gold.

[Iterate]

66. He was really good, sincere -

hope they put it up as a vid for others to see.

Faux Breaking - Nato drops 2000 lbs of shovels on Bab al-Aziziya

ah! here. Screenshot of our guy:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=194477537284737&set=a.134799406585884.28447.133738650025293&type=1&theater

[joshcryer]

67. This guy on AJE is going to be a good Libyan orator, wow.

LOL @ how quickly Tripoli fell to the rebels. GTG now. :( Someone record this! I hope AJE replays them.

[al bupp]

68. They just replayed the interview right now /nt

Agreed, great interview.

[CJvR]

69. It was...

...Gadaffi's 40 anniversary hat that was liberated - along with his golf-car!

It seems as if the man who promised to hunt down the rebels like rats is the one who have disappeared down a rat hole.

[Iterate]

70. The interview: Libyan wears Gaddafi's hat

Libyan wears Gaddafi's hat
http://youtu.be/YhoGNlWsObg

Gaddafi's cart
http://youtu.be/dxmjS4s1Nls

[Amonester]

71. That's 'generally' what Projection is all about.

We all know it too well here... 8 years... ok, they r still at it (will never stop)

They surely do know it there also.

[tabatha]

72. BREAKING: Qaddafi's Tripoli Compound Falls! - Clay Claiborne

See also the Witnessing Revolution Live Blog team here on Daily Kos
http://www.dailykos.com/blog/Eyes%20on%20Egypt%20and%20the%20Region

This morning, PST, the tweets started coming in indicating that Bab Al Azizyah, Qaddafi's heavily fortified compound in the heart of Tripoli has been taken by the freedom fighters. Although this is not the end, It is a major breakthrough. THE END IS NEAR!

Photo: Freedom Fighter in Bab Al-Aziya compound, standing on golden fist.
Here is a map showing the current battle lines for Libya and Tripoli.

Here is the CNN live blog report on the breeching of the compound:

Live blog: Rebels say they have taken Gadhafi compound

An historic building inside Moammar Gadhafi's vast Bab al-Aziziya compound has been burned and the fighting at the compound is over, a Libyan rebel told CNN's Sara Sidner.
Sky News showed video they said was from inside the compound. In the video, rebel forces surrounding the iconic sculpture of a raised fist crushing a U.S. plane in Gadhafi's compound.

CNN's Sara Sidner said rebels told her the "fight is finished" at Gadhafi's Bab Al Aziza compound.
“They could even swim in the swimming pool” Sidner said rebels told her.
Rebels said the blasts being heard are celebratory.

An Al Jazeera reporter inside Gadhafi's Bab Al Aziza reported there is no resistance anymore inside the compound.

People in Tripoli are displaying files they say are from Moammar Gadhafi's compound, CNN's Sara Sidner reported Tuesday.
The documents, files and receipts have the official regime stamp and Gadhafi's name on it, Sidner reported.
"This neighborhood has gone wild," Sidner said.
Sidner is being handed even more documents by the rebels.
Rebels told Sidner they are going room-by-room to clear the compound.
One of the documents is a medical file that has the name of Gadhafi's son Saif al-Islam, Sidner reported.

Rebels are saying they have made it into Gadhafi's Bab Al Aziza compound, CNN's Sara Sidner reported.
"They have been able to take some of the weapons off of the Gadhafi forces," she said.
Rebels are telling Sidner "Gadhafi is nearly finished."
Sidner said that rebels said they are still inside trying to secure the area, but are celebrating as fighting continues.
“Now they’re going to try and clear the compound," Sidner said rebels told her.
Sidner said that she is less than half a kilometer from the compound and can see more smoke coming from the area.
Sidner said rebels are hugging each other and crying on the streets. Loud chants can be heard in the background.
Rebels shouted "God is great, God is great" in celebration Tuesday.

CNN's Sara Sidner, reporting from a neighborhood close to Gadhafi's Bab Al Aziza compound, said there are "massive blasts and lots of gunfire" in the area.
"We have confirmed a civilian that has been hit by sniper fire according to a nurse" at the local clinic, Sidner reported.
This is a dangerous place to be," she added.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/08/23/1009657/-BREAKING:-Qaddafis-Tripoli-Compound-Falls

[tabatha]

73. How tweets and texts helped the rebels take Tripoli

Libyans are free to text, call and blog again after a long telecommunications blackout, in a powerful symbol of how the rebels are ringing the changes.

Libyan rebel sympathisers in Tripoli used Twitter and Facebook to give anti-Gaddafi forces the map co-ordinates of pro-Government snipers and heavy artillery as the battle for the capital unfolded.

The episode demonstrates how important an issue the control of new media has been in the battle for Libya, with the rebels apparently making a concerted effort to wrest control of mobile phone and internet resources before attempting to attack the state television station’s Tripoli headquarters.

Members of the Free Generation Movement, a dissident group who have been making secret broadcasts and podcasts from inside Tripoli throughout the six-month uprising, posted the map references of places where they said loyalist gunmen were holding out as the rebels swept into the city on Sunday.

http://feb17.info/news/how-tweets-and-texts-helped-the-rebels-take-tripoli/

[tabatha]

74. I am shocked at the statements made by Matsanga from the African union

I am shocked at the statements made by Matsanga from the African union. what he fails to understand is that there are no rebels in libya just a people who want to have a say on how their government is ran. He does not represent the view of africans from the south of sahara especially us young people.

In the true sense of the word Gadaffi no longer had a government because he lacked the confidence of his people,a government should ideally represent the will of its people and when fellow african countries fail to realise this then they think they are supporting a government yet in actual sense it has lost its mandate and it thus ceases to be called a governmnet.

We salute our Libyan brothers for their bravery and when the rest of Africa wakes up we will be able to have well run governments that repreasent and protect their people. Once African leaders even those who claim to be democratically elected start working for their people we will develop like the rest of the world and issues like post election skirmishes and fights for power will be over. Gadaffi used the wealth of libyans to buy support from other leaders in Africa but they should now make ammends with the libyan people and support the new government. As Africans we owe it to the libyan people to support them and to promote democracy in Africa.

Chemutai Koech, Law sudent. University of Nairobi.

[ellisonz]

75. Ras Lanouf has fallen; Gaddafi forces back almost to Sirte.

Libya Live Blog
Libyan rebels declared the Gaddafi era over after storming Tripoli

Al Jazeera staff and correspondents update you on important developments in the Libya uprising.

Al Jazeera is not responsible for content derived from external sites.

AJE Live Stream - Special Coverage: Libya Uprising - Tweeting revolutions
23 min 48 sec ago - Libya

Opposition fighters in eastern Libya took control of the oil port of Ras Lanuf on Tuesday as soldiers loyal to Muammar Gaddafi retreated toward the leader's home town of Sirte, an opposition spokesperson said.

Rebels appeared to be in the final phases of a six-month uprising aimed at ending Gaddafi's 42-year rule, having stormed his compound in Tripoli earlier on Tuesday, though Gaddafi's whereabouts remained a mystery.

"We have taken Ras Lanuf. They just ran until the Red Valley," opposition spokesperson Mohammad Zawawi said, adding the Red Valley was in the direction of Sirte.

Zawawi said there was no damage to the oil facilities in Ras Lanuf and the only damage at Brega, taken by the rebels on Monday, was an oil storage tank that was on fire.

Ras Lanuf is home to one of the OPEC-member nation's six main oil export terminals and handled about 195,000 barrels per day before the war. Marsa El Brega exported about 51,000 bpd before the fighting began in February.

Zawawi said NATO aircraft were attacking the Gaddafi soldiers in the Red Valley about 50 km (30 miles) west of Ras Lanuf. It was not clear if the soldiers were headed for Sirte, believed still to be a stronghold of the long-time leader.

Libyan government forces fired three Scud-type missiles on Monday from the area of Sirte towards the rebel-held coastal city of Misrata in central Libya, NATO said on Monday.

The western alliance said initial reports showed the rockets landed most likely at sea or on the shore, and NATO was not aware of any casualties or damage.

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

[Iterate]

77. Sirte update

Most of the news in these tweets is actually hours old.

Sirte_Feb17 Sirtawi
Mahmoud Werfalli: #FFs in #Sirte preparing way for #FFs on the outside to facilitate taking over Gaddafi loyalists without harming locals. 5 minutes ago

ShababLibya LibyanYouthMovement
NTC say no fight for sirte, town will let FF enter freely RT @rmooj100 reuters reporting #gadaffi loyalists all heading for #sirte #Libya 18 minutes ago

ShababLibya LibyanYouthMovement
NTC official: Today we will go into Sirte and Beni Walid. Sebha is witnessing an uprising. by Friday they will all be liberated #Libya 38 minutes ago

LibyaInMe Libya In Me
AJA: Elders of Sirte are negotiating with FFs leaders to enter Sirte without bloodshed #Libya 1 hour ago

ShababLibya LibyanYouthMovement
Word at the moment is that Sirt will NOT be putting up a fight RT @freelibya_ Is there any chance of #Sirte be occupied tomorrow? 1 hour ago

[tabatha]

76. Tweets

Lindsey Hilsum
lindseyhilsum Lindsey Hilsum
by hominoid555
Met a group of hotel workers from Niger held 'for their own safety' by rebels in #tripoli. They were not accused of being mercenaries.
8 minutes ago

mchancecnn Matthew Chance
by hominoid555
It's been very quiet for the past hour, probably because it's iftar. #Rixos4 #Libya #Rixos #cnn
9 minutes ago

TrablesVoice Freedom Fighter
by hominoid555
Still no news about the rixos, but the FFs are aware and going by a very clever plan. I guess they should prepare to be out soon.
14 minutes ago

dovenews Libyan™
by hominoid555
#FF have freed 450 prisoners from #Alhofra prison in #Aseka road. #Tripoli #Libya
18 minutes ago

feb17voices Feb 17 voices
by hominoid555
AJA Jaloud says #Gaddafi probably not spending more than 3 hours in same location, hiding in civilian residences #
19 minutes ago

SyriaTime Time
by hominoid555
@
@ShababLibya Wow, #Gadafi abandons his most strident supporters, allowing them to die so he can escape.
24 minutes ago

[tabatha]

78. Some of Borowitz's tweets on Libya

BorowitzReport Andy Borowitz
BREAKING: Republicans Scramble to Find Something Bad to Say About Libya Success #Libya
22 hours ago

BorowitzReport Andy Borowitz
Michele Bachmann: "The Libyan people have greeted us as Labradors." #Libya #Bachmann #TeaParty #Labradors
22 Aug

BorowitzReport Andy Borowitz
#LIBYA: Aides to #Gaddafi say he is becoming so disconnected from reality he may soon run for the Republican nomination.
21 Aug

BorowitzReport Andy Borowitz
#LIBYA: Sources on the ground worry if situation becomes more chaotic it could resemble Republican presidential race.
5 hours ago

[Iterate]

79. AJE's James Bays speaks with two supporters of opposition fighters,

1 hour 32 min ago - Libya

Al Jazeera's James Bays speaks with two supporters of opposition fighters, just outside Muammar Gaddafi's main compound in Libya's capital city, Tripoli.

One of the men called Tuesday: "A day of freedom... A day of opportunity... A day to look forward to a great future."

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-23-2011-2140

or

http://youtu.be/8klE20A_Aho

A good video for the few remaining hand-wringers to begin calming themselves.

[ellisonz]

80. I think the Gaddafi's are all in the Rixos.

Safest place in town.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/23/world/africa/23press.html?hpw

[CJvR]

82. If they are...

...then they are trapped.

The only solution for Gaddafi & co is to get out of Tripoli and get to Sirte before it too implodes. Waiting at the Rixos while the Rebels dig up Mad Dog's tunnel system would be stupid. (Sky reporters mentioned that there is a tunnel to Rixos from the compound.)

[pinboy3niner]

94. I remember the tunnel to the Rixos from when G made an appearance there

And the way Saif was driving around freely in Tripoli, he probably used a tunnel into the city as a personal highway.

It may take quite a while for the ffs to discover and clear all of the tunnel complex. And it probably has multiple avenues of escape for Brother Leader and family.

[ellisonz]

102. Being captured at the Rixos could guarantee his life...

...anywhere else he could end up like Mussolini.

For all his talk, Gaddafi does not have a death wish.

[al bupp]

81. The Atlantic: Libyan Rebels Storm Qaddafi Compound (Photos)

There are some interesting photos at the link below. Here's the lead-in:

Earlier today, rebel Libyan forces stormed into Bab al-Aziziya, the fortified compound of Muammar Qaddafi in Tripoli, Libya. Qaddafi loyalists put up a fierce firefight for a time, but rebels were able to take control of the compound by this afternoon. Qaddafi himself and his sons (who apparently have escaped captivity) remain at large, and gunfire and explosions continued to erupt sporadically across the capital city as night fell. Collected below are some of the scenes from the fall of Qaddafi's compound today. Entry will be updated with more photos soon.

From: http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/08/libyan-rebels-storm-qaddafi-compound/100134/

Here's an example:



(Photo added on edit.)

[tabatha]

88. I am glad you added that photo.

I was thinking of posting it - it is my favorite.

[Amonester]

97. WOW! Merci beaucoup ! Thanks a lot ! 8D

Enregistrer l'image sous... (Copy Image As...) :fistbump:

Ok, I'll 'risk' this: With all the great Nurses, Doctors, Pharmacists, et al the Libyan civilians have, I bet they will have SPHC before the US... Although I would so wish all civilians of both countries will get it kinda 'together' ASAP.

Sauvegarde l'image ! Image kept safe!!! :wow:

[al bupp]

101. C'est mon plaisir, messieur

Por moi, c'est le meilleur de l'ensemble.

I think you are very likely to be right about them getting universal health care before Americans do.

[Amonester]

103. Bien ! :-) I've got a positive idea: why not launch a JFK-style 'competition'!

Yes, a positive idia like 'competition' between the two countries, like a land-a-man-on-the-moon and bring-him-back-home-safely one! ;)

But this time, instead of the moon, make it about which one of the two will implement a 'Medicare-For-All' or Single-Payer HC (the name of the program is not important, only the good it does is).

Let's propose these kinds of ideas (could be made through FB or Twitter, or any other stuff I'm too old to understand how to use effectively... :(

:thumbsup: mon ami :fistbump:

[al bupp]

104. C'est une très bonne ideè

But it needs a pithy & catchy title like "Space Race" to go viral. Humm, have to mull that over a bit.

A la prochaine!

[Amonester]

105. If only I was a 'master' at that social-media thingie, but I may just be

dreaming about this.

I wish it could be feasable, but perhaps not, or not yet. :(

Thanks for posting these positive images again, and GO BRUINS! (CH 'fan' here!) ;)

[Iterate]

83. #Ajeilat update - liberated

On the 18th, FFs withdrew from the southern part of Ajeilat when faced by some resistance and "human shields" in the northern part. They began negotiating, but were soon shelled by Gaddafi forces to the north. The negotiation ended.

EmadDlala Emo Libya
Breaking: FFs are entering #Ajeilat from the soth. Fierce fighting going on!! 19 Aug

EmadDlala Emo Libya
BREAKING: #Sabratha is being shelled by Grad missiles from #Ajeilat side! Sabratha can't be safe until all western cities are free. #Libya 20 Aug

EmadDlala Emo Libya
#Sabratha: Deaths and injuries caused by indiscriminate shelling by G forces in #Ajeilat. #Libya 20 Aug

EmadDlala Emo Libya
Breaking: #Ajeilat is uprising! People are armless facing G mercenaries!! Needs urgent help!! #Sabratha #Zawiyah #Zintan #Jadu #Fanusa 21 Aug

Then they got help.

EmadDlala Emo Libya
Heavy clashes between FFs and G finished thugs in the #Ajeilat #Libya 22 Aug

EmadDlala Emo Libya
BREAKING: CONFIRMED: #Ajeilat is liberated after very fierce fighting. #Libya 23 hours ago

EmadDlala Emo Libya
At least 3 martyrs and several injured in #Ajeilat. City is liberated, #Libya 17 hours ago

[tabatha]

84. Would be nice if Zimbabwe were next.

Bulawayo, August 22,2011—-The mainstream Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) youths led by Prime Minister Tsvangirai said
they will not allow ousted Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gadhafi to settle in Zimbabwe adding that he is a criminal who should be hanged. Aljazeera reported this morning that there is a possibility that Gadhafi will settle in Zimbabwe or Angola.However speaking to Radio VOP Clifford Hlatswayo the spokesperson for MDC-T youth assembly said they are not going to allow another dictator to settle in Zimbabwe adding that the country is already under dictatorship.“We will not allow that. He was rejected, dejected, defeated and he is a criminal. He has caused harm to his own people, killing them because of power. We will not tolerate such nonsense. We are already occupied by one dictator here in Zimbabwe. Hlatswayo said the MDC-T is greatly shocked by such reports; saying they are detrimental to peace and security in Zimbabwe. “Gadhafi is a security threat. We don’t want him. Zimbabwe is not a haven for criminals let him stay in his own country and face the music.”

[Iterate]

85. #Zuwara - still under siege

OmarAllibye Free Libya
Six months ago in #Zuwara #Libya #Pro-Democracy Demonstration ---youtube.com/watch?v=4X7sM8… via @youtube 19 Aug

LIBYA - LIBYE - BREAKING NEWS - 18 February 2011 - This video shows peaceful demonstrations taking place on 18 February 2011 in main street of Libyan city of Zuwara ("zuwara" زوارة "zwara" is city located 120 kms west of capital Tripoli, estimated 120,000 inhabitants, majority berbers amazigh population) and confims that this city is joining the "17 February Revolution," all security forces escaped or neutralized, and people express support for Benghazi struggle and request end of Gaddafi's regime.

Uploaded by ImazighenLibya on 22 Feb 2011
Berbers of Zuwara against Gaddafi
http://youtu.be/4X7sM8iTrmQ

Since then very journalist has passed the outskirts of the city on the way to Tripoli. It was often described as "depopulated", with most residents fleeing to Tunisia.

Khossito Houssem Missaoui
@ShababLibya if #Zuwarah is liberated so #Rasjdir is liberated as well which couldnt be missed so pls be sure about the situation in #Zuwara 21 Aug

SamehBrill Sameh Brill
#Zuwara city is under Rebel's control now. #Confirmed #Libya #Tripoli #Feb17 #MermaidDawn 21 Aug

emmaomo2011 emmaomo
#Zuwara: Zuwara has been liberated via Nalut media #Libya #feb17 21 Aug

Zuaralibya One4All4One
#Zuara Grad missiles landed outside city. Some phone lines are back. City still under FF control. All quiet at the moment. #Zuwara #Zwara 21 Aug

moooonlight22 Libya Free Forever.
@libyanproud #Gadafi forces are leaving #Aljimail to attack #Zuwara. 22 Aug

moooonlight22 Libya Free Forever.
Confirmed #FF are heading to #Ra'as Jdir #Tunisia Libya border after liberating #Zuwara and #Aljimail #Libya 22 Aug

The GFs then moved back into position and started shelling:

FreeSocrates Harald Hertler
#Zwara #Zuwara #NATO Attack on Zuwara from three sides 22 Aug

Zuaralibya One4All4One
@NATOpress @nato #Zuwara being attacked by G forces. People need help. Listen to this woman. http://youtu.be/fMSlxXh4w18 (Arabic, no translation) 22 Aug

KC_Tripolitania Nusaybah
#Zuwara : the people of #Zwara are currently under heavy attack by #Gaddafi forces (via @afelyun) #Libya #Feb17 #Pray4Zuwara 22 Aug

KC_Tripolitania Nusaybah
BREAKING : People of #Zuwara are being massacred - under heavy attack by #Gaddafi forces. #Libya #Zuwara #Massacre #Feb17 22 Aug

KC_Tripolitania KC
#Zuwara is under heavy shelling by #Gaddafi forces . #ZuwaraBleeds #Libya 23 hours ago

Alexblx (@Alexblx)
Posted Tuesday 23rd August 2011 from Twitlonger
SIEGE OF #ZUWARAH: #Zawiya #FF need to send a battalion - to #Zuwara - the city is under serious siege like #Misrata was – and needs urgent help.

Also @NATO MUST provide immediate air support - send in the Apaches to stop the shelling that is raining into the city - from three sides - east, west, and south

#Gaddafi is trying to wipe out this city - to do to #Zwara - what #Hitler did to #Stalingrad - with the same satanic spite of the sore loser.

@africom @AndersFoghR @UKMilOps @NATOpress @NTC_of_Libya

4Adam Adam Libya
AJA - Gaddafi forces shelling #Zuwara, 110km west Tripoli. #Libya #Feb17

19 minutes ago

ETA:
1 hour 2 min ago - Libya
Reuters reports that forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi were shelling Zuara, a Libyan port town about 60km (40 miles) from the Tunisian border, Al Arabiya television reported on Tuesday night.
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-24-2011-0026

[pinboy3niner]

86. LIBYAN REVOLUTION DAY 188: CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 12:15 AM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24

Libya time = EDT +6 hours, PDT +9 hours, UTC +1 hour, GMT +2 hours

[Iterate]

87. Hmmm, you're afk and things happen in Tripoli...

Once, coincidence, but twice...I don't believe in coincidence. C'mon, give it up. I'm thirsty and looking for a high. :toast:

[pinboy3niner]

91. Shhhh! I'd tell you, but then I'd have to...well, you know :)

Some days seem harder than others to catch up. By the time I do get caught up, I'll have to leave to go to a 2-3 hour meeting tonight. When I get home, you'll probably fill me in on the capture of Gadafi that I missed. :)

You thirsty AGAIN, cuz? Be careful, or we may have to detox and 12-step you...

[Iterate]

95. Ahhh, that hits the spot

Catchup In Am. got it.

[tabatha]

89. Besides #TripoliPrisoners - many other Regime crimes will be revealed soon.

Besides #TripoliPrisoners - many other Regime crimes will be revealed soon. One was the massacre of 100's of young #Benghazi police cadets at the #Tripoli Police Academy in March 2011 - who were slaughtered in their classrooms - in an #AbuSalim like fit of spite by #Gaddafi - after #Benghazi started the revolution - & the tyrant doubted their loyalty.

The mostly teenage boys massacre was the subject of several tweats - including an account of a witness report saying he heard the cadets saying "NO NO" when they realized they were just about to be butchered - following by machine gun shots - and then silence.

This #TripoliPoliceAcademyMassacre was of course covered up by the Regime - but will now be fully exposed.

#GaddafiCrimes #Libya

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/cjjcki

[Iterate]

92. One of the newly freed prisoners form EinZara prison had been there for 30 years!

MushuThaLohari MushuThaLohari
#Libya Alahrar: One of the newly freed (by the #FFs) prisoners form #EinZara prison had been there for 30 years! #Feb17 #Gaddaficrimes 18 hours ago

ceoDanya Danya B Mohammed
My close friend @Maram_Zbaeda TWO cousins have JUST been released from PRISON in #TRIPOLI! allahuakbr cant wait 4 my cousins to be released 3 hours ago

I'm just not seeing the prisons mentioned and releases announced from Tripoli that I expected. Don't know if everyone is preoccupied, or just haven't announced it, or haven't gotten to them yet. The numbers are huge though. I hope there's an official accounting at some point.

Speaking of accounting, we've heard for six months from multiple independent sources about the 400-700 protesters killed over a couple hour period on Feb 22nd, but of course there was no way to verify. That one has to be a priority as well. If nothing else, dictators are usually fond of keeping count and there should be records.

[joshcryer]

90. Gaddafi planning to address his nation according to Sky News...

...starting a new thread.

[joshcryer]

93. Week 27 part 5 here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1801426

[MedleyMisty]

96. OMG you guys!

I've been down for the count all summer, and I missed you. Had a misdiagnosed ulcer. Was put on NSAIDs for the pain. Yeah. So I sort of had to go to the ER the other week and then spend five days in the hospital getting three units of blood and so on.

But I am finally feeling okay, just in time to celebrate with the Libyans! :)

Man - the haters are STILL at it? I imagine three years from now they'll be claiming all the pics and videos and tweets of a free and renewed Libya are CIA fakes.

Finally feel okay enough to be on the computer, and I found all my old Libyan friends on Twitter and have been crying and laughing with them, and then I wanted to come share the joy with you guys too. :)

[pinboy3niner]

98. Welcome back, MedleyMisty!

Sounds like you had quite an ordeal. I'm glad to hear that you're recovering and feeling better. Nice timing, too! :)


:hi:

[Iterate]

99. Good to hear from you

Have been thinking of you often and at every big event. You're right, some minds don't change, which is too bad because everyone could benefit. As it is, Libyans look forward to a democratic and socialist/pluralist future, but will get no credit for it.

Get better and post often, even if it's only a :hi:. We'll know you're in the struggle, getting better every day, and can offer a best wish.