and other news from Libya:
Qadhafi’s Crimes
International Federation for Human Rights, Colonel Qaddhafi forces enrollment of African migrants in his army, 10 March 2011, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4d7a060b2.html [accessed 11 March 2011]
http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4d7a060b2.html
Reuters: Demonstrations in Tripoli today were crushed with heavy security and teargas
17:42 Reuters report on how the demonstrations in Tripoli today were swiftly crushed. They state: Libyan security forces used tear gas and fired in the air to disperse worshippers near a mosque in the capital before they could protest against Muammar Gaddafi, a Libyan man said, citing two witnesses. There have been violent clashes after Friday prayers in previous weeks in Tajoura, making it the focus of opposition to Gaddafi’s rule in a city which is otherwise tightly controlled by his supporters. But this time the protest was stamped out before it had even begun, according to a Libyan from Tajoura, now living abroad, who said he had been in telephone contact with two residents.
http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/ongoing-fighting-in-az-zawiyah-bin-jawad-evacuated/
Gaddafi son vows full offensive against protesters
Libya is preparing full-scale military action to crush its rebellion and will not surrender even if Western powers intervene in the conflict, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s most prominent son said on Thursday.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/03/10/141022.html
Libyan government increases attacks; NATO moves ships closer
As forces loyal to Moammar Kadafi pound rebels Thursday, NATO defense ministers meet on the Libyan crisis. The official response continues to be cautious. As attacks by the Libyan government on rebels escalated Thursday, NATO said it was moving more naval ships closer to the North African nation’s coastline but backed away from military intervention in the crisis.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/GjtT0HHicXA/la-fg-libya-nato-20110311,0,5040593.story
Qaddafi Forces Bear Down on Strategic Town as Rebels Flee
Rebels retreated from Ras Lanuf after an assault by forces loyal to the Libyan leader, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, underlining a shift in momentum.
http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=a4cf968d07c63abe9980750fbf32a092
Gaddhafi loyalists pound opposition forces
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is ready to unleash the full might of his forces to crush a three-week-old insurrection, his son said on Thursday as warplanes and tanks struck at the country’s rebel-controlled east. “It’s time for liberation. It’s time for action. We are moving now,” Saif al-Islam told Reuters in an interview. “Time is out now…we gave them two weeks (for negotiations).”
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/03/10/gaddhafi-loyalists-pound-opposition-forces/
Surveying the Aftermath of Shelling in Misrata from Monday
This video portrays the aftermath of the heaving shelling on Misrata on Monday, March 7, by Gaddafi forces. You can see cars blown up and buildings destroyed, and not to mention the hundreds of people he killed.
http://feb17.info/general/surveying-the-aftermath-of-shelling-in-misrata-from-monay/
Video: Mosque bombed in Az-Zawiyah
http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/ras-lanuf-hospital-being-evacuated/
Battle on the Streets of Misrata- Cameraman Shot
This footage comes out of Misrata of the street battles this past Sunday between Civilians protecting themselves and Gaddafi military forces. The brave cameraman, who is taking this footage for the world to see the truth, gets shot in the end.
http://feb17.info/media/battle-on-the-streets-of-misrata-cameraman-shot/
Interviews with patients in Al-Jalaa Hospital, Benghazi
http://feb17.info/general/interviews-with-patients-in-al-jalaa-hospital-benghazi/
Blood on the wall during Libyan State TV broadcast
This is a recording of Libyan State Tv. If you look closely behind the man who is speaking, you will see what looks like blood on the wall. Perhaps an attempt to silence a journalist who did not want to have anything to do with their lies.
http://feb17.info/general/blood-on-the-wall-during-libyan-state-tv-broadcast/
The Resistance
Rebels Hold out in Zawiya, Eastern Ra’s Lanuf as Libyan Civil War Unfolds, Juan Cole
I just want to signal that some caution is in order about reading the military and political situation in Libya. Muammar Qaddafi’s counter-attacks are creating the image in the media of the momentum being on his side, but in fact he is bogged down and making little progress, despite the setback Thursday for the rebels at Ra’s Lanuf (itself taken by a small amateur rebel force only last weekend). Qaddafi’s military appears still not to have taken the city of Zawiya after a massive assault, despite government assertions to the contrary, which some Western news sources have unwisely credited Zawiya is only 30 miles west of Tripoli. Although they have pushed back a poorly organized small force at Ras Lanuf, the big cities of the east remain united against them.
http://www.juancole.com/2011/03/rebels-hold-out-in-zawiya-eastern-ras-lanuf-as-libyan-civil-war-unfolds.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+juancole%2Fymbn+%28Informed+Comment%29
LIVE: Libyan Unrest: Zawiya remains in control of revolutionaries despite attacks from Gaddafi’s forces
We are tracking the latest developments to keep you updated on the situation on the ground. There are interactive maps located in the Protest map page to keep up with the latest movements. You can also click on our links to follow the latest Live Libya Blogs and featured twitters. On the Go? -Follow us on Twitter @Feb17Libya for the same live updates.
http://feb17.info/general/live-libyan-unrest-german-chancellor-has-called-for-libyas-gaddafi-to-step-down-immediately/
Libya rebels face Gaddafi onslaught
Pro-government forces reportedly advancing eastwards as rebels retreat under fire towards Benghazi.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131113523643818.html
Libyan opposition appeals for no-fly zone as Gaddafi loyalists launch assault
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi intensified their counter-offensive on Friday to retake ground from out-gunned insurgents who appealed to foreign powers to impose a no-fly zone to stop the onslaught. Government forces, with air supremacy and a big advantage in tanks, appear to have regained the momentum in the three-week old conflict and if their push proceeds apace it could overtake sluggish international efforts to halt Gaddafi.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/03/11/libyan-opposition-appeals-for-no-fly-zone-as-gaddafi-loyalists-launch-assault/
What is really taking place in Tripoli
March 10, 2011: Nic Robertson of CNN took it upon himself to accomplish the tricky task of getting the truth in Tripoli. He took to the streets and held a secret interview with a brave, unknown person, who was willing to speak to the media about what was really happening in Tripoli.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0P2oSRveJk&feature=player_embedded
The City of Derna Protests and Prays for their Brothers and Sisters Across Libya
On March 10, 2011 the city of Derna men and women came out to protest in solidarity with their brothers caught in battle in and Misurata, Zintan, and the rest of the cities in the West. They raise their voice against the suffering, the injustice, and the tyranny of this criminal regime, the killer of children and innocent people. the bloody massacres, and genocidal war that has been waged against the Libyan people. They are seen here offering a duaa (Prayer) asking God for Gaddafi to receive the same pain that he has inflicted.
http://feb17.info/general/the-city-of-derna-protests-and-prays-for-their-brothers-and-sisters-across-libya/
Misrata Shows Support for the People of Zawiya
On March 10, 2011, the people of Misrata came out to show support and encourage the people of Zawiya to stay strong. They are seen here chanting: “Ya Shabab Zawiya, Keef Al-Layla Dawiya”Translation: “Oh people of Zawiya How the night is so bright!”
http://feb17.info/general/misrata-shows-support-for-the-people-of-zawiya/
The Spiritual Leader of Libya Addresses the People
Sheikh Al-Gheriani has been in hiding since the beginning of the revolution because he called out for the people to kill Gaddafi. As a result the regime has sought to capture him. Despite the dangers, he sent this message to reaffirm Libya’s unity.
http://feb17.info/general/the-spiritual-leader-of-libya-addresses-the-people/
Libyan rebels turn an oblivious eye to defeat
In Benghazi, the party rolls merrily on as Moammar Kadafi has the rebels’ comrades in retreat down the coast in Ras Lanuf. Festive demonstrations were still rollicking after nightfall Thursday along the flag-decked corniche, as they have every night in the 22-day-old uprising against Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/T_LyiK_Hzzs/la-fg-libya-rebel-leaders-20110311,0,866910.story
Media Suppression/Repression
Guardian journalist Ghaith Abdul-Ahad in custody, Libya officials confirm
Correspondent went missing with Brazilian journalist Andrei Netto while reporting from country. Libyan government officials have confirmed that Guardian correspondent Ghaith Abdul-Ahad is in their custody after he went missing while reporting from the country. The foreign ministry in the capital Tripoli said that Libyan authorities were holding Abdul-Ahad along with a Brazilian journalist, Andrei Netto. The two are believed to have been detained close to the coastal town of Sabratha on Monday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/10/guardian-journalist-ahad-custody-libya
In Libya, 7 journalists unaccounted for, 3 others abused
The Committee to Protect Journalists released the following report: New York, March 10, 2011–At least seven journalists covering the conflict in Libya are unaccounted for, according to research by the Committee to Protect Journalists, which expressed deep concern today about their well-being. The most recent to go missing is Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, a correspondent for London’s Guardian newspaper, whose disappearance was reported today.
http://feb17.info/general/in-libya-7-journalists-unaccounted-for-3-others-abused/
Libya frees Brazilian reporter (AFP)
AFP – Libyan security forces freed Thursday a Brazilian reporter detained since March 2 but held on to an award-winning Iraqi journalist working for a British newspaper, their employers said.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110310/wl_mideast_afp/libyaunrestbritainbraziliraqpress
Humanitarian Crisis
250,000 have fled Libya: UN
UNITED NATIONS – More than 250,000 people have now fled Libya into neighbouring countries since the revolt against Moamer Kadhafi started in mid-February, the UN said Thursday. More than 137,400 have crossed into Tunisia, 107,500 to Egypt, 5,400 to Algeria and 2,200 to Niger, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jgWnQvFx-LeQ6mMSzzSFxYc6WIsQ?docId=CNG.cf8ccfd0c8636e4a3df42d9b2e0ab4d1.cc1
Qaddafi counteroffensive is closing world’s window to aid Libya rebels
‘We have God on our side and a just cause, but Qaddafi has better weapons,’ says a rebel fighter in Ras Lanuf, which has come under withering assault by Libya leader Muammar Qaddafi’s forces.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/alo5OwXMh4k/Qaddafi-counteroffensive-is-closing-world-s-window-to-aid-Libya-rebels
White House says will send aid teams to eastern Libya
WASHINGTON, March 10 (Reuters) – Top White House aide Tom Donilon said on Thursday that the United States would soon send disaster relief teams into eastern Libya to provide humanitarian assistance.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/white-house-says-will-send-aid-teams-to-eastern-libya
Developments
Libya Live Blog – March 11
As the uprising in Libya continues, we update you with the latest developments from our correspondents, news agencies and citizens across the globe.
http://english.aljazeera.net/http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-11
Gadadfi could ‘stop support for anti-terror war’
Strongman Muammer Gaddafi threatened Europe on Friday with the withdrawal of Libyan support for the international war on terror and to prevent illegal migration, the official Jana news agency reported.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/03/11/141063.html
Libyan delegation arrives in Cairo
Gulf Arab foreign ministers call on the Arab League to take measures to stop the bloodshed in Libya.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201131174436731341.html
EU heads calls for Gaddafi to go
EU leaders hold an urgent summit in Brussels and say Libya’s Col Gaddafi must go, as his forces make major gains against rebels.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-europe-12711162
EU nations split over Libya action
Britain and France push for military plans and recognition of the Libyan rebel council, but Germany exercises caution.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/europe/2011/03/201131112530316161.html
GCC: Libya regime lost legitimacy
GCC ministerial council says the current Libyan regime has lost its legitimacy.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011310211730606181.html
Sarkozy, Cameron urge EU to draw plans to aid anti-Gadhafi rebellion
In letter to the European Union’s president, British and French leaders say Gadhafi’s regime has lost all legitimacy, adding Europe must ‘end the suffering of the Libyan people.’
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/sarkozy-cameron-urge-eu-to-draw-plans-to-aid-anti-gadhafi-rebellion-1.348455?localLinksEnabled=false
France mulls targeted Libya strikes in order to impose no-fly zone
French officials say President Sarkozy will submit the plan to EU leaders in an attempt to prevent the Libyan people from ‘suffering and massacre.’
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/france-mulls-targeted-libya-strikes-in-order-to-impose-no-fly-zone-1.348436?localLinksEnabled=false
Gulf states say Libyan regime ‘illegitimate’
RIYADH (AFP) — The Arab states in the Gulf stressed on Thursday that the Libyan regime of Moamer Kadhafi is illegitimate and that contacts should be initiated with the rebels.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=367516
White House: still assessing Libyan rebel council
WASHINGTON, March 10 (Reuters) – The White House on Thursday said the United States was in touch with the Libyan National Council but was still reviewing the goals of the rebel body fighting to end the reign of Muammar Gaddafi. France on Thursday became the first country to recognize the council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, and Britain called its members “valid interlocutors.”
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/white-house-still-assessing-libyan-rebel-council
Intelligence chief James Clapper causes a stir with remarks on Moammar Kadafi and threats to U.S.
James Clapper draws criticism for telling a Senate panel that Libyan rebels probably can’t overthrow Moammar Kadafi and that Russia and China are the biggest threats to the U.S. The White House quickly offers its own views on those issues. WASHINGTON — James Clapper, President Obama’s director of national intelligence, is developing a habit that can cause problems in Washington: speaking his mind, unfiltered.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/kJqfwywfgHo/sc-dc-0311-clapper-20110310,0,1768260.story
Arab League to guide on Libya rebels – EU’s Ashton
BRUSSELS, March 10 (Reuters) – If the Arab League decides the movement fighting to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi is legitimate, the European Union may also recognise it, the EU’s foreign affairs chief said on Thursday. France became the first Western nation to give its full backing to the Libyan National Council on Thursday, saying it now regarded it as the legitimate representative of Libya’s people, a move that adds pressure on Gaddafi to go.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/arab-league-to-guide-on-libya-rebels-eus-ashton
No consensus seen in Congress for US Libya action
WASHINGTON, March 10 (Reuters) – As the Obama administration wrestles over what to do about Libya, the voices on Capitol Hill offer no consensus on military action. Influential senators John McCain, a Republican, and John Kerry, a Democrat, have kept up a drumbeat for U.S. military action such as a “no-fly” zone to aid the rebels fighting Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/no-consensus-seen-in-congress-for-us-libya-action
A tale of two Libyan embassies in Washington, D.C.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told a congressional panel on Thursday morning that the State Department is “suspending our relationship with the existing Libyan embassy” in Washington. Her announcement is only the latest episode in the saga of what is now, essentially, two competing Libyan diplomatic posts in Washington.
http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/03/10/a_tale_of_two_libyan_embassies_in_washington_dc
Saif Al Islam: Dutch soldiers are free, but we’re keeping their helicopter!
http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/saif-al-islam-dutch-soldiers-are-free-but-were-keeping-their-helicopter/
Dutch marines to leave Libya on Greek plane-ministry
ATHENS, March 11 (Reuters) – Three Dutch marines to be released from captivity by Libyan government forces will be evacuated aboard a Greek military plane, a defence ministry official said late on Thursday. A Greek C-130 military cargo plane has already landed in Tripoli and awaits the arrival of the three marines, two men and a woman, the official said. “Estimated arrival time in Athens is 2.30 am local time,” he said.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/dutch-marines-to-leave-libya-on-greek-plane-ministry
Libya’s Largest Gas Exporter Nears Complete Production Halt
LONDON — The chief of Eni, the biggest gas exporter from Libya, said Thursday that oil production across the battle-torn country is near a complete halt and that the Italian company’s output is down to little more than supplying power to Libyan households. Libyan exports normally account for around 2 percent of world supplies, but the violent clashes between forces loyal to longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi and rebels have split the country in half and crippled its lucrative energy sector.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/10/enis-libyan-oil-productio_n_834255.html
Solidarity/Activism
Libyan doctor in UK: ‘Why I’m going home’
Doctor watching Gaddafi on television Despite a good life in the UK, the doctor wants to help Libya’s people. The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross has described as unacceptable that most of Libya is still cut off from humanitarian aid and that ordinary people are bearing the brunt of the violence. One doctor from Libya, currently living in the UK, believes he can help. Just before leaving for Libya, he told the BBC why he has made the decision to leave his life and family behind in order to return to a nation in turmoil. His name is being withheld for security reasons.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12700151
Images: Inside Gaddafi Mansion London from the Libyan People!
The Gaddafi mansion in London was “taken over” yesterday by a group called “Topple the Tyrant.” Since then Libyans have been roaming about, rightfully so, as it was purchased with the people’s money.
http://feb17.info/general/images-inside-gaddafi-mansion-london-from-the-libyan-people/
Manchester Protests Against Gaddafi In solidarity with the Libyan People
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJW7QLOlo5c&feature=player_embedded
Athens in Solidarity with the Libyan People
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5YDSoc3W5c&feature=player_embedded
Analysis/Op-ed
U.S. officials are at odds over Libya outcome
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper expects Moammar Kadafi to ultimately defeat rebels, but the White House has a different view. With forces loyal to Moammar Kadafi continuing to pound and push rebel forces into retreat, America’s top intelligence official said the Libyan dictator was likely to prevail in the long term, a fresh indication that the current reliance on diplomacy by Western nations may not be enough to topple him.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/XZ9JlkYOg4I/la-fg-us-libya-20110311,0,7481496.story
Both sides of Libya’s conflict attempt to woo a divided Europe
Muammar Qaddafi sent envoys to Europe ahead of an EU summit Friday on the Libyan conflict. Libyan rebels are also courting European support and won recognition from France.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/Uj3_EWtC_vk/Both-sides-of-Libya-s-conflict-attempt-to-woo-a-divided-Europe
How Qaddafi is blackmailing oil markets
Push me too far, and I’ll push global oil prices through the roof, seems to be the message of Col. Muammar Qaddafi as he launches the first strikes on Libya’s oil assets.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/t9QF34aCK1w/How-Qaddafi-is-blackmailing-oil-markets
Qaddafi Reaches Into Schools but Some Youths Elude His Grasp
The Libyan government’s violent crackdown on the revolt has already left a deep impression on the country’s children and young adults
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/world/africa/11tripoli.html
Radical squatters: Taking back what’s theirs | Laurie Penny
Occupiers of the Gaddafi mansion in London are striking a blow against international elites. What does a dictator’s house look like? In a leafy Hampstead cul-de-sac, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi owns a £10m mansion. The London base of the Libyan dictator’s son is held by a company based in the British Virgin Islands for tax reasons, and boasts a swimming pool, a private cinema – and, now, a dozen activists squatting in the living room.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/11/radical-squat-gaddafi-mansion
Chomsky Warns Over Libya Conflict
Linguist and philosopher Professor Noam Chomsky talks to Jeremy Paxman about the impact of uprisings in the Middle East and Africa.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article27657.htm
Kicking The Intervention Habit, Richard Falk
What is immediately striking about the bipartisan call in Washington for a no-fly zone and air strikes designed to help rebel forces in Libya is the absence of any concern with the relevance of international law or the authority of the United Nations.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article27650.htm
Ron Paul Says No-fly Zone Over Libya Is An ‘Act Of War,’ needs approval from Congress
“You have to bomb a lot of anti-aircraft sites and a lot of military establishment. So the war is on.”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article27651.htm
Why Gaddafi will never go quietly
The current situation in Libya is reminiscent of the situation in Iraq in 1991. Back then, it was expected that Saddam Hussein would soon be overthrown by a popular revolt. Saddam used his powerful military forces to crush the uprising. Despite international sanctions, he remained in power for another 12 years. Turning to Libya, it should be no surprise to anyone with a military background that in a desert environment with few large towns and extended lines of communication, Gaddafi’s sub-standard military forces are managing to contain an over-extended and largely disorganised revolutionary rabble – even though its fighters might number in the thousands.
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/44984.html
Steve Bell on a Libya no-fly zone and civilian deaths in Afghanistan – cartoon
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cartoon/2011/mar/11/steve-bell-libya-no-fly-zone
