And more news from the Arab uprisings:
Qadhafi the War Criminal
Attack by Gaddafi forces kills 25 in Misrata-TV
CAIRO, March 18 (Reuters) – The death toll from an attack by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi on the rebel-held town of Misrata rose to 25, Al Arabiya television reported, quoting medical sources.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/al-arabiya-quoting-medical-sources-says-25-dead-in-bombardment
Libya Threatens Mediterranean Planes, Ships if Attacked
Aljazeera English reports on the eruption of delight in Benghazi at the announcement Thursday evening New York time that the UN Security Council had authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and the taking of all measures necessary to protect civilian life.
http://www.juancole.com/2011/03/libya-threatens-mediterranean-planes-ships-if-attacked.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+juancole%2Fymbn+%28Informed+Comment%29
Gaddafi addresses Benghazi residents
Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, addressed residents of the opposition stronghold of Benghazi late on Thursday, warning them of an impending military operation during which “no mercy” would be shown to any opposition fighters. He said that if citizens laid down their arms, they would not be harmed. He also said that he had been receiving “thousands” of phone calls from Benghazi, from residents who were being held “hostage” and who wanted to be “rescued”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULw5lUG5wl0&feature=youtube_gdata
30 reportedly killed in rebels’ fight to hold off Gadhafi forces
The two sides have been fighting hard around the rebel-held city of Ajdabiya, and a senior hospital official told the Associated Press that 30 people had been killed and at least 80 wounded since Tuesday night.
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/955407–30-reportedly-killed-in-rebels-fight-to-hold-off-gadhafi-forces
Gaddafi jets ‘bomb rebel bastion’
Forces loyal to Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi reportedly launch their first air raids on the main rebel-held town of Benghazi, as the UN considers imposing a no-fly zone.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-africa-12775824
Gaddafi forces bomb airport at rebel stronghold
Libyan rebels shot down at least two bomber planes that attacked the airport in their main stronghold today, according to residents who witnessed the rare success in the struggle against Muammar Gaddafi’s superior air power.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaddafi-forces-bomb-airport-at-rebel-stronghold-2244759.html
Gadhafi tells rebel-stronghold Benghazi: Libya army is coming tonight
Libyan leader threatens rebels hours before UN Security council set to vote on resolution to authorize no-fly zone over Libya and stepped-up sanctions.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/gadhafi-tells-rebel-stronghold-benghazi-libya-army-is-coming-tonight-1.349868?localLinksEnabled=false
Gaddafi Tells Rebel City, Benghazi, ‘There Won’t Be Any Mercy’
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Muammar Gaddafi told Libyan rebels on Thursday his armed forces were coming to their capital Benghazi tonight and would not show any mercy to fighters who resisted them. In a radio address, he told Benghazi residents that soldiers would search every house in the city and people who had no arms had no reason to fear.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/17/gaddafi-benghazi-libya-news_n_837245.html
Libyan battle heads to showdown in Benghazi
Moammar Kadafi’s forces have moved relentlessly eastward, pushing the rebels back to their capital, Benghazi. However, it’s uncertain whether the tactic of airstrikes followed by ground attacks can work in such a large population center. Moammar Kadafi’s military and beleaguered rebel fighters are gearing for a showdown in this opposition stronghold, a battle that will help determine whether the monthlong uprising in eastern Libya can prevail — and, if not, whether a brutal regime can endure an underground resistance movement and the threat of foreign military action.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/UP736I03TUk/la-fg-libya-military-20110318,0,7705795.story
Libya says any attack would threaten Mediterranean
Defense Ministry says foreign military act will expose all air, maritime traffic in Mediterranean Sea to danger; Gaddafi vows to retake Benghazi; offers amnesty to those who surrender, ‘no mercy’ for those who don’t.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4044011,00.html
Kadafi warns rebels to give up and rest of the world to stay out
His forces poised to take two rebel-held cities, Libya leader Moammar Kadafi warned that any armed foreign intervention would result in Libyan attacks on air and sea traffic across the Mediterranean, Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi lashed out at the international community and at his domestic enemies Thursday as his troops stood poised to retake two rebel-controlled cities.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/07L4jx0QCUU/la-fg-libya-kadafi-20110318,0,4106997.story
The Libyan Resistance
Libyan rebels beat back attack on Misrata-rebel
TUNIS, March 18 (Reuters) – Libyan rebels beat back a heavy attack by government forces on the western city of Misrata on Friday, a rebel fighter said. It was not possible to independently verify the report. “God is great. The brave men of Misrata defeated them and pushed them back. Now the shelling has stopped,” insurgent Saadoun told Reuters by telephone. Government forces had bombarded the city, the last big rebel stronghold in western Libya, since Friday morning, using tanks and heavy artillery, residents and rebels had said earlier.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/libyan-rebel-in-misrata-says-rebels-repelled-govt-attack-on-city
Libyan rebel head defiant after Gaddafi threat
CAIRO, March 17 (Reuters) – Libyan rebels will stand firm and will not be deterred by threats made by Muammar Gaddafi, the head of the rebel council said on Thursday after the Libyan leader threatened to attack Benghazi where the council is based. “We stand on firm ground. We will not be intimidated by these lies and claims,” Libyan National Council head Mustafa Abdel Jalil said, Al Jazeera television reported. “Libyan cities from Ajdabiyah and all of the east are under rebel control.” He was speaking before the U.N. Security Council voted on a resolution that would open the way for air strikes. Abdel Jalil said he would welcome any step that stopped “genocide”. Gaddafi said his armed forces were heading into the rebel capital Benghazi on Thursday night and would not show any mercy to fighters who resisted them
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/libyan-rebels-will-stand-firm-and-will-not-be-deterred-by-gaddaf
Aircraft shot down by Opposition in Bohadi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbInkCFqyJQ&feature=player_embedded
Rebels fight to hold on in Libya
Fierce clashes have been reported from the cities of Ajdabiyah and Misurata, and air strikes by government forces in the opposition stronghold of Benghazi, as the crisis in Libya continues. Opposition fighters say they fear that pro-Gaddafi forces will encircle the towns they control on the country’s east coast, even as government forces launch a renewed offensive against them. Al Jazeera’s Nazanine Sadri reports.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MotKAvme4xk&feature=youtube_gdata
Benghazi, Libya’s rebel capital, braces for a fight
Libya’s rebels are begging for international help as Qaddafi’s forces tighten their siege of Ajdabiya, the last major city on the road to Benghazi.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/3DCuBRbMr7Y/Benghazi-Libya-s-rebel-capital-braces-for-a-fight
Libya opposition a learned group
Engineers, doctors, professors and lawyers, some with Western degrees and all claiming support for a democratic Libya, make up the opposition that aims to topple Col. Moammar Gadhafi.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/mar/16/libya-opposition-a-learned-group/
Libyan opposition council may open US office -US
WASHINGTON, March 17 (Reuters) – The Libyan National Council, representing groups in opposition to Muammar Gaddafi, may set up a representative office in Washington, U.S. Undersecretary of State William Burns said on Thursday. “We’ve made it possible for the Libyan National Council to put up a representative office in Washington,” Burns told a Senate committee. He noted that the United States had suspended, but not formally broken, diplomatic ties with the Gaddafi government. Burns stressed that U.S. does not have a full picture of the Libyan National Council, but said “those that we have met have struck us as being positive and serious.”
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/us-state-depts-burns-says-rebel-libyan-national-council-may-se
Blind Libya cleric a voice of revolt
Yosry Alhadar infuses Koranic verses with patriotism, creating a sense of epic struggle that sends young men with Kalashnikovs and grenade launchers against Moammar Kadafi’s rockets and warplanes. When he was a boy, the blind sheik was forced to read Moammar Kadafi’s Green Book manifesto in Braille, his fingers trying to decipher the erratic mind of a leader who brutalized a nation.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/EjlIdZkWZPU/la-fg-libya-sheik-revolution-20110318,0,801427.story
Frustration and Anger in Benghazi
http://feb17.info/media/frustration-and-anger-in-benghazi/
Libyan Rebels Maintain Benghazi Media Center to Battle Gaddafi Regime through the Internet and Airwaves
Reporting from the rebel-held city of Benghazi in eastern Libya, Democracy Now! correspondent Anjali Kamat visits a new media center established by anti-government forces to report on their struggle against forces loyal to Col. Muammar Gaddafi. Special thanks to videographer Yusuf Misdaq, who contributed to this report. [includes rush transcript]
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/3/17/libyan_rebels_maintain_benghazi_media_center
Humanitarian Crisis
Human Rights Watch Libya: Benghazi Civilians Face Grave Risk
(New York) – The Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s violent crackdown on protests and his long record of serious abuses raise grave concerns for the safety of the civilian population in Benghazi and other eastern cities as the fighting in Libya shifts eastward, Human Rights Watch said today.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/03/17/libya-benghazi-civilians-face-grave-risk
MSF: ‘Dedicated’ Libyan doctors cope with Benghazi’s health needs
LONDON (AlertNet) – Libyan troops pushed forward towards the eastern insurgent stronghold of Benghazi on Thursday and launched air raids on its outskirts as momentum gathered in support of air raids to stop Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/dedicated-libyan-doctors-cope-with-benghazis-health-needs-msf
Libyan refugee numbers jump as Gaddafi pushes east
SALUM, Egypt, March 17 (Reuters) – A trickle of Libyan refugees has become a flood after Muammar Gaddafi’s troops entered the rebel bastion of Ajdabiyah, a key city in the shrinking territory controlled by anti-government forces. At Libya’s eastern border crossing with Egypt at Salum, the number of Libyan nationals joining the thousands of mainly Egyptian and African migrant workers fleeing the country has shot up in the last two days as Gaddafi’s army pushed east.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/libyan-refugee-numbers-jump-as-gaddafi-pushes-east
LIBYA-TUNISIA: Information gap hampers aid response
RAS AJDIR 18 March 2011 (IRIN) – While the UN has just backed a no-fly zone over Libya and “all necessary measures” short of an invasion “to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas”, humanitarian agencies just across the border in Tunisia are trying to prepare for a range of different scenarios.
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportId=92228
Media Repression/Suppression/Abuses
Tripoli journalists in lockdown ahead of protest
TRIPOLI, March 18 (Reuters) – Libyan authorities prevented foreign journalists from reporting freely in the capital Tripoli on Friday ahead of anticipated protests against Muammar Gaddafi. Emboldened by a U.N. resolution authorising a “no-fly” zone and military attacks on Gaddafi’s forces, Libyan opposition supporters in the capital said they would gather later in the day to call for the end of the Libyan leader’s rule.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/tripoli-journalists-in-lockdown-ahead-of-protest
NYT Reporter Anthony Shadid Missing in Libya
“Weeks before the war started, I had promised myself that I would stay in Baghdad through the conflict, whatever the circumstances,” wrote NYT reporter Anthony Shadid in July 2010. One of the few unembedded American journalists fluent in Arabic covering Iraq, Shadid shed light on the humanitarian devastation of the war. “I didn’t want the Pentagon to write this story like a screenplay, with expert scene-setting, and the temptation, irresistible in conflict, to manipulate reality… Readers needed to understand how American weapons were fired but just as importantly, where our bombs landed. This war, from the American perspective, might have had democratic aims, but it was still war, horrific – a panorama of terror and grief.
http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/934/nyt-reporter-anthony-shadid-missing-in-libya
‘Nothing new’ on missing NY Times journalists
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The New York Times said Thursday it had nothing new to report on the fate of its four journalists who went missing in eastern Libya, where rebels are battling Moamer Kadhafi’s forces. “Unfortunately, we have nothing new to report,” a Times spokeswoman said by email when asked by AFP if there had been any developments since the newspaper reported on Wednesday that the journalists had disappeared. Editors at the newspaper were last in contact with the four, all experienced war correspondents, on Tuesday morning New York time, according to the Times.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/03/17/nothing-new-on-missing-ny-times-journalists/
Anthony Shadid
“Shadid, who has also worked for the Washington Post and Associated Press during a career that has garnered him two Pulitzer Prizes, was shot in the shoulder on March 31, 2002, while covering an Israeli incursion into Ramallah in the West Bank for the Globe. After the Globe asked for an investigation by the Israel Defense Forces, the IDF said he was not shot by an Israeli soldier, but was more probably shot by a Palestinian fighter. But other witnesses said there was no apparent crossfire at the time and only one gunshot was heard in the area, which had been under Israeli military control for several days.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/03/anthony-shadid_9573.html
Gadhafi War Crimes – Media Journalists under attack in Libya, systematically targeted by Gadhafi in “Campaign of Violence”
Under a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocol I, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, eyewitness accounts and video from Libya indicate beyond a reasonable doubt that Gadhafi forces have been systematically targeting non-combatant journalists in what amounts to war crimes against humanity. On February 23, Gadhafi’s deputy foreign minister Khaled Khaim declared that Gadhafi’s regime “considers [uninvited journalists] as… collaborating with Al-Qaeda and as outlaws and [the regime is] not responsible for their security.” The 42-year regime has kept this brutal promise by illegally detaining, torturing, systematically attacking, and even killing journalists throughout the country.
http://feb17.info/editorials/gadhafi-war-crimes-media-journalists-under-attack-in-libya-systematically-targeted-by-gadhafi-in-campaign-of-violence/
Developments
Amnesty International: Civilians must be protected during Libya military action
Amnesty International calls on any forces that may become involved in the Libya conflict to respect fully the laws of war. Amnesty International has today urged all parties to make the protection of civilians in Libya their top priority, after the passing of UN Security Council Resolution 1973 paved the way for possible military action by international forces. “While we welcome the strong emphasis on the protection of civilians in Libya reflected in UN Security Council resolution 1973, we call on all parties to the conflict, including any external forces acting under the authority of the UN Security Council, to put the protection of civilians above any other considerations,” said Claudio Cordone, Senior Director at Amnesty International.
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/civilians-must-be-protected-during-libya-military-action-2011-03-18
Libya declares immediate ceasefire
Foreign minister announces end to military operations as Western forces prepare to enforce a UN-backed no-fly zone.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/2011318124421218583.html
Libya not afraid of U.N. resolution-Saif al-Islam
CAIRO, March 18 (Reuters) – Libya is not afraid of a U.N. resolution authorising military strikes to protect Libyan civilians, Al Arabiya television quoted Saif al-Islam, one of Muammar Gaddafi’s sons, as saying on Friday. Al Arabiya did not say where or when he made the remark. The Libyan Defence Ministry has warned of swift retaliation, even beyond Libyan frontiers, against any military action against the oil-exporting nation, which is fighting rebels trying to end Gaddafi’s four-decade rule.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/gaddafi-son-saif-al-islam-says-libya-not-afraid-of-un-resoluti
Libya says to protect foreigners after UN move
TRIPOLI, March 18 (Reuters) – Libya said on Friday it would protect all foreigners and foreign assets in the country following a U.N. resolution authorising military action against government forces to protect civilians. “It (Libya) is also obliged to protect all foreigners and all of their assets,” Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa told reporters.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/libya-pledges-to-protect-foreigners-and-their-assets-foreign-min
UN authorises no-fly zone over Libya
Security Council imposes a no-fly zone over Libya and authorises “all necessary measures” to protect civilians.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/africa/2011/03/201131720311168561.html
UN security council resolution 1973 (2011) on Libya – full text
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/17/un-security-council-resolution
Germany: Abstained on Libya no-fly zone due risks
BERLIN, March 18 (Reuters) – Germany said on Friday it had abstained from voting for a U.N. resolution authorising a no-fly zone over Libya because it sees “considerable dangers and risks” in military action against Muammar Gaddafi. Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in a statement after the Security Council vote that German troops “will not take part in a military operation in Libya”.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/germany-says-doesnt-alter-its-position-that-gaddafi-must-stop-w
Benghazi cheers UN no-fly zone
The United Nations has passed a no-fly zone over Libya, just a day after the west gave little indication they were willing to act in the north African state. Pro-democracy supporters were jubilant at the news of the draft resolution being passed. In the opposition-held stronghold of Benghazi, huge crowds were seen waving flags and cheering as fireworks filled the air. Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan reports.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jip9gXW4gDI&feature=youtube_gdata
Libyans in Tobruk rejoice over no-fly zone
Rebels and families take to the streets in celebration of the U.N.’s decision to impose a no-fly zone to check the military gains of Moammar Kadafi’s forces. Rebels and families across this seaside eastern city fired rifles, climbed to rooftops, danced and sped through streets with flags flapping out windows early Friday to celebrate the United Nations’ imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/ISXth3RLpnU/la-fg-libya-tobruk-20110318,0,1589078.story
US Official: “Egyptian arms transfers to Libyan rebels are ‘too little, too late’..”
“… The Egyptian weapons transfers began “a few days ago” and are ongoing, according to a senior U.S. official. “There’s no formal U.S. policy or acknowledgement that this is going on,” said the senior official. But “this is something we have knowledge of.” … The U.S. official also noted that the shipments appeared to come “too little, too late” to tip the military balance in favor of the rebels … “We know the Egyptian military council is helping us, but they can’t be so visible,” said Hani Souflakis, a Libyan businessman in Cairo who has been acting as a rebel liaison with the Egyptian government since the uprising began. “Weapons are getting through,” said Mr. Souflakis, who says he has regular contacts with Egyptian officials in Cairo and the rebel leadership in Libya. “Americans have given the green light to the Egyptians to help. The Americans don’t want to be involved in a direct level, but the Egyptians wouldn’t do it if they didn’t get the green light.”..”
http://friday-lunch-club.blogspot.com/2011/03/us-ooficial-egyptian-arms-transfers-to.html
U.S.: Gadhafi could return to terrorism and violent extremism
In a sharp change of tone, U.S. has begun to advocate for no-fly zone in Libya; France says they believe they can muster enough support to pass UN resolution against Libya on Thursday.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/u-s-gadhafi-could-return-to-terrorism-and-violent-extremism-1.349836?localLinksEnabled=false
Gaddafi likely to cause trouble if he stays-Clinton
TUNIS, March 17 (Reuters) – Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi is likely to cause problems for neighboring Tunisia, Egypt and everyone else if he stays in power, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday. “Tunisia knows very well that if Gaddafi does not go, he will most likely cause trouble for you, for Egypt and for everybody else. That is just his nature. You know, there are some creatures that are like that,” Clinton said during a televised question and answer program with Tunisians.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/tunis-clinton-says-if-gaddafi-does-not-go-he-will-cause-probl
Clinton Says Libya Options Include Drones and Arming Rebels
March 17 (Bloomberg) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that options being considered for action against Libya include the use of drones, bombing air defense systems and arming rebel forces. Clinton, in a reply to questions by reporters on a trip to Tunisia, said “those kinds of specificities are exactly what’s being negotiated and debated as we speak in New York” at the United Nations. Asked in Tunis today if the U.S. was considering sending ground forces to fight troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi, Clinton said “no.”
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-17/clinton-says-libya-options-include-drones-and-arming-rebels.html
Libya crisis: Britain, France and US prepare for air strikes against Gaddafi
British, French and US military aircraft are preparing to defend the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi after Washington said it was ready to support a no-fly zone and air strikes against Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/17/libya-no-fly-zone-united-nations
Pentagon: ‘concern’ about US military action in Libya
WASHINGTON, March 17 (Reuters) – The Pentagon voiced concern on Thursday about the prospect of military action in Libya as pressure grows for U.N. backing of a no-fly zone or air strikes in Libya. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, speaking to lawmakers in recent weeks, has cautioned a no-fly zone would be a risky operation requiring air strikes to cripple local air defenses.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/pentagon-concern-about-us-military-action-in-libya
Arab role in Libya intervention discussed-US
TUNIS, March 17 (Reuters) – Talks are underway about Arab nations possibly taking part directly in any international military action against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday. Clinton’s comment appeared to be the most direct suggestion by a top U.S. official that Washington wants Arab nations to play an active role in such an operation, a step U.S. officials hope will insulate them from potential criticism. Engaged in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States has been hesitant to back a no-fly zone without authorization from the U.N. Security Council and unambiguous Arab support.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/arab-role-in-libya-intervention-discussed-us
Egypt says won’t intervene militarily in Libya
Egypt said on Thursday it would not be involved in any military intervention in its neighbor Libya after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said discussions were under way about possible Arab involvement, as aid agencies on Egypt’s border with Libya were preparing to face a refugee exodus.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/03/17/141986.html
Other
BP: Libya National Oil Corporation Contract Still Valid
LONDON (Alex Lawler/Reuters) – BP Plc said on Thursday it saw its contract with Libya’s National Oil Corporation as still valid, a day after Italy’s Eni became the first Western oil and gas firm to try to rebuild bridges with NOC. BP has no oil and gas production in Libya and in February was preparing for the start of exploratory drilling in western Libya when it suspended the effort due to the uprising against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/17/bp-libya-noc-oil-contract_n_837329.html
Gadhafi’s advance poses Eni expulsion risk from Libyan oil fields
CAIRO: Moammar Gadhafi may expel Western energy companies from Libya should he snuff out the month-old armed rebellion against his regime, draining money from the economy and hurting exporters such as Eni SpA and Repsol YPF SA.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=126137
Analysis/Op-ed
Patrick Cockburn: To have an impact, this kind of intervention needs clear objectives
Western nations will soon be engaged in a war in Libya with the noble aim of protecting civilians. But the course of such a conflict is impossible to predict. The UN Security Council has authorised the use of “all necessary measures”, including aerial bombing, to avert a military victory by Colonel Gaddafi. It was not at all clear what this authorisation will mean in practice. The Americans, the British and the French have come to understand that establishing a no-fly zone is not enough. Colonel Gaddafi’s main strike force consists of tanks and infantry, so inability to use aircraft might not be sufficient to stop him capturing Benghazi and eastern Libya. Given that most of the Libyan population lives in cities and towns close to the sea, air strikes on the main coast road might stop the regime’s motley forces. But it is the tradition of wars in the Middle East that the first days of foreign involvement are always the best.
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/patrick-cockburn-to-have-an-impact-this-kind-of-intervention-needs-clear-objectives-2245408.html
The UN to the Rescue in Libya: Is it too Late?, Juan Cole
The United Nations Security Council has just authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and implicitly allowed the United States, France and Britain to bomb military forces and facilities loyal to Muammar Qadddafi. Aljazeera live is covering the session and is showing enormous, delirious crowds celebrating in downtown Benghazi, which Qaddafi had threatened to occupy earlier on Thursday. They are deploying celebratory fire, which I’d advise them against, since Qaddafi’s forces are near and the more activist elements of NATO likely to intervene on their behalf rather farther away. They may yet need the bullets.
http://www.juancole.com/2011/03/the-un-to-the-rescue-in-libya-is-it-too-late.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+juancole%2Fymbn+%28Informed+Comment%29
Eissenstat: Libya and Turkey
Libya and Turkey: Ankara’s foreign policy goes off key, For a while, at least, Turkey seemed to be riding high as a wave of protests swept from Tunisia to Egypt to a half dozen other states in the Middle East and North Africa. After a few days of uncomfortable silence as protests were met with violence in Egypt, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan called on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to heed the will of his people and, using language meant to underline Turkey’s role as a regional leader, spoke in explicitly religious language to do so. The speech met with positive media coverage, both regionally and in the West, and Turkey’s image was burnished. Without giving too much thought about what the “Turkish model” might actually be, a lot of commentators suggested it might be a path for the region to take.
http://www.juancole.com/2011/03/eissenstat-libya-and-turkey.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+juancole%2Fymbn+%28Informed+Comment%29
U.N. clips Gadhafi’s wings
The U.N. Security Council voted Thursday to authorize a no-fly zone over Libya and “all necessary measures” – code for airstrikes – to protect civilians hours after Moammar Gadhafi warned the rebel stronghold of Benghazi he would storm the city in the night showing no mercy. “We will come, zenga, zenga [alley by alley]. House by house, room by room,” Gadhafi said.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=126173
Libya will not forget this help | Alaa al-Ameri
A UN resolution on Libya offers a chance to prove intervention can work. Those who don’t want to be involved should stay out of the way. How are the numbers for UN resolutions chosen? I sincerely hope it’s just a poetic coincidence that the resolution authorising international assistance for the democratic movement in Libya bears the number “1973”. This was the year that Muammar Gaddafi began his purge against the “politically sick” which saw students, professors, writers, judges, lawyers, military officers and anyone who questioned his authority hanged in public or murdered in private. How fitting then that the world should finally come to the assistance of the long-suffering Libyan population under this of all banners.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/18/libya-un-resolution-intervention
Rubio: America looks weak on Libya — and Russia and China are enjoying it
Freshman Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) lashed out at the Obama administration’s Libya policy on Thursday, saying that the United States looked weak and naïve in hoping that the U.N. Security Council would act to protect the Libyan people. “The United States, quite frankly, looks weak in this endeavor, it looks unwilling to act,” he said at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Thursday, highlighting that Britain, France, the Arab League, and the Libyan opposition are all calling on the United States to support stronger measures to stop Libyan leader Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi’s assault on rebels and civilians.
http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/03/17/rubio_america_looks_weak_on_libya_and_russia_and_china_are_enjoying_it
Libya finally forces Barack Obama’s hand as he goes for broke
With a boldness that the world had begun to believe he lacked, Barack Obama has gone for broke. The US wants Muammar Gaddafi‘s head. It will not rest until he is deposed and there is regime change in Libya. And it will fight to get it.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/17/libya-forces-barack-obama-hand
Saif Gaddafi and the democracy project – audio | Brian Whitaker
As British and French war planes prepare to launch air strikes on Libya, another western military visit to the country comes to mind. In January 2004, a US navy plane made the first recorded visit by an American military aircraft since President Reagan ordered the bombing of Tripoli and Benghazi in 1986. This time, though, the plane was carrying six members of Congress on a goodwill mission and, along with several other British journalists, I was there to witness the event.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/audio/2011/mar/18/saif-gaddafi-archive-interview-audio
Khalifa Crimes
Violence continues across Bahrain
Bahrain’s largest opposition group has urged Saudi Arabia to withdraw its forces and called for a UN inquiry into the the government’s on-going crackdown. Clashes between security forces and anti goverment protesters continue, spilling into villages across the country. Our special correspondent, whom we are not naming for security reasons, filed this report.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBYMB2oQKyo&feature=youtube_gdata
Bahrainis to bury dead protester amid crackdown (Reuters)
Reuters – Bahrainis prepared on Friday to bury an activist killed in a crackdown on mainly Shi’ite Muslim protesters that has angered Iran and raised tensions in the world’s largest oil-exporting region.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110318/wl_nm/us_bahrain_protests
VIDEO: ‘Braving the bullets’ in Bahrain
The UN human rights chief has condemned the “shocking” use of force by security forces against protesters in Bahrain.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-middle-east-12775704
Raw Video: Unarmed Protester Brutally Shot by Bahrain Police
http://www.abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=231974
Human Rights Watch Bahrain: Injured People Denied Medical Care
(Manama) – Bahraini authorities refused to let injured people reach the country’s largest public health facility on March 16, 2011, and interfered with medical services at other facilities as well, Human Rights Watch said today. Security forces prevented ambulances transporting injured people from reaching the hospitals.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/03/17/bahrain-injured-people-denied-medical-care
Bahrain: takeover of hospitals ‘violation of international law’
The UN rights chief, said in a statement she was “deeply alarmed by the escalation of violence by security forces in Bahrain, in particular the reported takeover of hospitals and medical centres” in the country, which she called a “shocking and a blatant violation of international law.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/bahrain/8387931/Bahrain-takeover-of-hospitals-violation-of-international-law.html
UN warns of ‘shocking’ abuses in Bahrain
MANAMA – The United Nations warned on Thursday of “shocking and illegal” abuses in Bahrain where the US-backed Sunni Muslim rulers are waging a bloody crackdown on Shiite-led protesters. The violence in the strategic Gulf kingdom has alarmed Washington and sparked furious condemnation from Iran, Shiite leaders in Iraq and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Dissidents were rounded up at gunpoint in midnight raids and armed police stood outside Manama’s main hospital, amid reports the authorities were beating doctors and denying treatment to the wounded.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/03/17/un-warns-of-shocking-abuses-in-bahrain/
UN warns Bahrain over crackdown
Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon calls King Hamad to express his “deepest concern” about use of force against protesters.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2011/03/201131855056179376.html
Crackdown: Why Bahrain’s Military Has Taken Over a Hospital
It was supposed to be a routine trip from Sitra, a poor Shi’ite neighborhood here in Bahrain. On Tuesday an ambulance loaded with two paramedics, a doctor and critical patients was on its way to Salmaniya Medical Center, the island-nation’s largest hospital, when it was stopped by a group of 20 government soldiers. According to one of the paramedics, all passengers were ordered out of the car, the injured thrown onto the street. The paramedic was forced to kneel on all fours while they took turns kicking his head from side to side. The female doctor was commanded to strip, “so that we all may see your body.” When she refused, they beat her.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20110318/wl_time/08599205965400
The footage that reveals the brutal truth about Bahrain’s crackdown
The unarmed, middle-aged man in the video seems to pose no threat to the Bahraini security forces. He gesticulates at a group of soldiers or policemen, dressed in blue jumpsuits and white helmets, just a few feet away.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/the-footage-that-reveals-the-brutal-truth-about-bahrains-crackdown-2245364.html
Developments
Bahrain tears down pearl statue, symbol of protests
MANAMA, March 18 (Reuters) – Bahrain tore down on Friday the statue at the centre of Pearl roundabout, focal point and symbol of weeks of pro-democracy protests in the Gulf island kingdom. Drills and diggers cut away at the six bases of the statue for hours, until it collapsed into a mound of rubble and steel bars. Trucks stood by to take away the debris. The concrete statue of six dhow sails holding up a pearl was erected in the early 1980s to mark a summit of formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/bahrain-tears-down-pearl-statue-symbol-of-protests
US Fleet Commander Met Head of Bahrain Defense Forces Before Crackdown
I continue to be surprised by the claims coming from Washington that the White House and Pentagon had no idea the Saudis were heading into Bahrain or that the crackdown was prepared for this week.
http://firedoglake.com/2011/03/17/us-fleet-commander-met-head-of-bahrain-defense-forces-before-crackdown-opposition-leaders-arrested/
US and Germany Offer ‘Feeble Opposition’ to Bahrain Crackdown
On Thursday, the situation on the ground in Bahrain’s capital city of Manama had reportedly quieted down a day after government troops forcibly cleared a central plaza, Pearl Square, where anti-government protests had been gathering. Three protestors and two security officials were killed in the crackdown, which was backed by helicopters and tanks.
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,751508,00.html#ref=rss
Kuwait says navy heading to Bahrain soon-ambassador
KUWAIT, March 18 (Reuters) – Kuwait’s navy plans to head to Bahrain soon to protect the Gulf Arab island nation’s waters, Kuwait’s ambassador to Bahrain was quoted as saying on Thursday. On Monday, Bahrain asked for support under a Gulf defence pact after weeks of protests by pro-democracy activists, mainly majority Shi’ites who complain of discrimination by a Sunni monarchy. The ambassador, Sheikh Azzam al-Sabah, was cited by Kuwait’s Watan news service, which gave no further details. Kuwaiti officials could immediately not be reached for comment. Some 1,000 Saudi soldiers and 500 police officers from the United Arab Emirates entered Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet, earlier this week as Bahraini security forces led a crackdown on protests that have been going on for over a month. The leader of Bahrain’s largest opposition group on Thursday urged Saudi Arabia to withdraw its forces and called for a U.N. inquiry into a crackdown on mainly Shi’ite protesters that has raised tensions in the oil-exporting region.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/kuwait-says-navy-heading-to-bahrain-soon-ambassador
Bahraini opposition calls on Allawi to interfere
Iraqiya Bloc affirmed that Bahraini opposition called on leader Iyad Allawi to interfere in order to ease discord among the people in Bahrain. Iraqiya bloc urges stability in Bahrain and the region, spokeswoman Maysoun Al Damlouji told Alsumaria News. Al Iraqiya is willing to play a positive role in helping Bahrain restore the country’s security, Damlouji stated. Parliament’s suspension in Iraq was made to show a supportive stand with Bahraini people, she added. Al Damlouji called on Iraq’s foreign Ministry and influential figures in the region to work on resolving Bahraini’s crisis.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-61767-Bahraini-opposition-calls-on-Allawi-to-interfere.html
Saudi troops must leave Bahrain – opposition leader
MANAMA, March 17 (Reuters) – The leader of the largest Bahraini opposition group on Thursday called on Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah to withdraw his forces from the Gulf Arab state, which has been rocked by protests over the past month. “The military should withdraw from Bahrain, the military of Saudi Arabia, and this is a call to the Saudi king, King Abdullah,” Sheikh Ali Salman, head of the Wefaq group, said in a telephone interview with Al Jazeera television. “We call for an investigation by the United Nations into what has happened from February 14 up to now. If protesters were in the wrong, then they should be held to account,” he said. “(Protesters) should stick to peaceful methods in their opposition.”
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/leader-of-bahrain-opposition-group-wefaq-calls-on-saudi-military
Bahrain says Iran complaints harm Gulf security
DUBAI, March 17 (Reuters) – Bahrain said on Thursday Iranian complaints to the United Nations over its crackdown on mainly Shi’ite Muslim protesters did not serve the security and stability of the Gulf region. Bahrain called in forces from fellow Sunni-ruled Gulf Arab states this week to help it end weeks of protests by the Shi’ite majority, a move which has drawn rare U.S. criticism and raised tensions with Shi’ite Muslim power Iran.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/bahrain-says-iran-complaints-harm-gulf-security
Bahrain opposition vows more ‘peaceful’ protests
MANAMA (AFP) — Bahraini opposition activists vowed at a press conference on Thursday to press on with “peaceful” pro-democracy demonstrations, despite the military force used to try to quell their protests.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=369807
Bahrainis negotiate checkpoints, hoard food amid fears
MANAMA, March 17 (Reuters) – The few cars on the streets of Bahrain on Thursday picked their way nervously through the rubble and roadblocks, their occupants stopping to show identity cards to soldiers brandishing rifles and backed by tanks. Overturned skips and shopping trolleys still block side roads but the main streets have been opened up since security forces drove demonstrators off the streets on Wednesday and cleared the Pearl roundabout, focal point of weeks of protests.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/bahrainis-negotiate-checkpoints-hoard-food-amid-fears
State Dep’t official: Force not answer in Bahrain (AP)
AP – A top State Department official says military force is not the answer to the sectarian fight raging in Bahrain.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110317/ap_on_re_us/us_us_bahrain
Solidarity
Iraqi Shiites decry Sunni crackdown in Bahrain (AP)
AP – Thousands of protesters rallied Friday in mostly Shiite cities across Iraq against what some are calling “sectarian attacks” by security forces against Shiite-led protesters in the Sunni-ruled kingdom of Bahrain.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110318/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq
Saudi Shi’ites call for Bahrain troop withdrawal
RIYADH, March 17 (Reuters) – Saudi Shi’ites held more protests in the kingdom’s oil-producing east on Thursday in support of Shi’ites in Bahrain and called for the withdrawal of Saudi forces from there, activists said. They said hundreds attended four protests in and around the eastern region’s main Shi’ite centre, Qatif, and also called for the release of Shi’ite prisoners in the kingdom, where the austere Wahhabi version of Sunni Islam is applied.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/saudi-shiites-call-for-bahrain-troop-withdrawal
Saudi Shiites rally for Bahrainis: witnesses (AFP)
AFP – Hundreds of Saudi Shiites rallied late on Thursday in the east of the kingdom to show solidarity with their fellow Shiites at the centre of protests in Bahrain, witnesses said.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110317/wl_mideast_afp/bahrainpoliticsunrestshiitessaudi
Iraqis eyeing Bahrain protests with anger, caution
Concerns over clashes in Bahrain between Shiite protesters and security forces from Sunni Arab states spilled over into Iraq on Thursday, as thousands of Shiite protesters converged on holy shrines and in Baghdad in a a show of support.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jzywqwJDzuGiyuWT-ojHZsk1FWIw?docId=8928210a7c6b433ebe21d4a2ded14c24&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Analysis/Op-ed
Bahraini blogger talks to Al Jazeera
Global Voices Online editor Amira Al Hussaini talks to Al Jazeera about the protests in Bahrain. March 14, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y78MQZhUHbI&feature=youtube_gdata
Bahrain bleeds from American bullets
In Bahrain the monarchy, now with the help of its neighbors in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, continues to violently crackdown on anti-government protesters. Meanwhile, the US remains focused on Libya, overlooking violence at the hands of its ally. The Bahraini government has arrested top political opposition figures and yet the US imposed economic sanctions against Libya and pushed for military options in response to reported violence at the hand of the government against the opposition there.
http://rt.com/usa/news/usa-double-standard-libya-bahrain/
Saudi-backed Crackdown in Bahrain Exposes U.S. Hypocrisy
Critics accuse the U.S. of employing a double-standard – reluctant to oust the monarchy in Bahrain but more than willing to encourage Libyans to topple Moammar Gaddafi.
http://www.examiner.com/geopolitics-in-national/saudi-backed-crackdown-bahrain-exposes-more-u-s-hypocrisy
As Bahrain arrests the opposition leaders, no one is left for dialogue
MANAMA, BAHRAIN – American calls for Bahrain’s government to negotiate with protesters fell on deaf ears Thursday after the arrest of seven movement leaders in early-morning raids left it unclear who could speak for the opposition. The leaders – some of whom had for weeks dominated a stage set up in Pearl Square, which protesters had occupied until security forces cleared it Wednesday – are now behind bars. The stage was leveled Thursday along with much else, even the palm trees. And the vastly outgunned opposition appeared to have few viable options as evening curfews continued to quiet the capital.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/17/AR2011031704802.html?wprss=rss_world/mideast
Bahrain’s king as a royal wedding guest? What an dreadful message | Graham Smith
Being ‘royal’ doesn’t stop you being a violent dictator. Why are such people receiving invitations to Prince William’s wedding? I have written a letter to Prince William and Kate Middleton calling on them to remove the king of Bahrain and other vile men from their wedding invitation list. The king, who has reportedly received a personal invitation to the wedding from the Queen, has violently crushed the pro-democracy movement in his country. I reminded the couple of this country’s duty to support the oppressed and the democrats over the despots and oppressors, and warned that it would send an “appalling message to the world were any dictators of the Middle East – royal or otherwise – seen enjoying the hospitality of your family and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars and politicians at your wedding”.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/17/bahrain-king-royal-wedding
Yemen
Yemen forces open fire at protest, 30 dead, 200 wounded
SANAA, March 18 (Reuters) – Yemeni security forces and unidentified snipers opened fire at a protest in Sanaa after Muslim prayers on Friday, killing at least 30 people and wounding 200 others, medical sources and witnesses told Reuters. Security forces at first fired into the air to prevent anti-government protesters from marching after prayers from their headquarters at Sanaa University.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-forces-open-fire-at-protest-10-dead
Yemen opposition: No compromise possible with govt
SANAA, March 18 (Reuters) – Yemen’s opposition said on Friday there was no longer any way to reach a mutual understanding with the government after 30 people were killed when security men and snipers fired into a protest. “We condemn these crimes,” said Yassin Noman, rotating president of Yemen’s umbrella opposition group, asking President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step aside. “There is no longer any possibility of mutual understanding with this regime and he has not choice but to surrender authority to the people.”
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/yemen-opposition-says-no-longer-any-possibility-of-mutual-unders
At least 84 wounded in new Yemen clashes, say activists
Yemeni security forces used live fire and tear gas today on protesters demanding an end to the rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, wounding at least 84, activists said.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/at-least-84-wounded-in-new-yemen-clashes-say-activists-2244869.html
Other Mideast
Muhammad Diya’ Dughmush
The repressive Syrian government arrested a number of activist. One of them is Muhammad Diya` Dughmush who is known to comrades in Lebanon as a progressive Arab nationalist who supports resistance to Israel. http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/03/muhammad-diya-dughmush.html
Jordanians take to streets to protest
Hundreds of Jordanians calling for reforms demonstrated peacefully today, rejecting the beginning of a national dialogue as insufficient.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/jordanians-take-to-streets-to-protest-2245889.html
Thousands in Iran march in support of Arab revolts (AFP)
AFP – Thousands of Iranians marched on Friday in Tehran in support of the revolts rocking Bahrain, Libya and Yemen, state television reported.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110318/wl_mideast_afp/iranpoliticsbahrainlibyayemen
Trying to ward off protests: Saudi Arabia’s king announces huge jobs and housing package
King Abdullah appears on television to promise 60,000 security force posts and 500,000 new homes in attempt to prevent unrest. Saudi Arabia’s king promised a multibillion-pound package of reforms, pay rises, cash, loans and apartments on Friday in what appeared to be the Arab world’s most expensive attempt to appease residents inspired by the unrest that has swept two leaders from power.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/18/saudi-arabia-job-housing-package
