Libyan Revolution Day 23 (Al Jazeera, BBC, RT, etc, discussion)

[joshcryer]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=608397&mesg_id=608397">Catherina's last thread (links inside to all other coverage), her reasons are http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=608397&mesg_id=611233">stated here. All the best in the world for her previous efforts, she will be missed. I am will do daily updates every day after I get off work (setting up the formatting is what made me late today, should be easier tomorrow).

Links to sites with updates: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12">AJE Live Blog March 12 (today) http://blogs.aljazeera.net/twitter-dashboard">AJE Twitter Dashboard 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)

"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.)

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".

And so it began.

http://english.aljazeera.net/video/europe/2011/03/2011310193023263578.html">France recognises Libya opposition: France has now officially recognised the National Council, the alternative government set up by the Libyan opposition in Benghazi, and has severed ties with Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

Reports from France, meanwhile, indicate that Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, is also considering lobbying the EU to back air strikes against specific targets in Libya.

Al Jazeera's Tim Friend reports from Paris.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/feb/27/libya-tripoli-unrest-gaddafi-map">Click here for updated and interactive map

Military Installations



Oil Map



http://bit.ly/fe3P">Google Earth DL here to see positions of army and patrolling route of mercenaries

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=212059469427545728757.00049c4df2474b6543347&ll=31.203405,30.058594&spn=96.173452,183.867188&z=3">MAP of Protests across the Middle East

[joshcryer]

1. Time in Libya is 3:32 AM:

http://www.google.com/search?q=time+in+libya

[joshcryer]

18. Libya Prayer times:

http://www.islamicfinder.org/cityPrayerNew.php?country=libya

Remember yesterday the Battle of Ras Lanuf started after noon prayers, this is also important info to look out for.

[joshcryer]

2. AJE Live Blog: 1:07am, No fighting I know of in Benghazi, but sounds are strange and a bit worrying.

1:07am Al Jazeera's online producer Evan Hill tweets:

No fighting I know of in Benghazi, but sounds are strange and a bit worrying. Remember the Rajma ammo dump explosion. All is not well.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

3. Excellent work, Josh!

I'm impressed--really well done! :applause:

K&R :kick:

[joshcryer]

5. All thanks goes to Catherina! I used most of her formatting.

I did have to screenshot + copy/paste the copyright info on the BBC image (noticed that she did that before posting, and felt obliged since it was not on the image). Thanks for all your efforts pinboy3niner, I'll do my best to help you out as this story must continue to be told! LIBYA HURRA!

[uppityperson]

4. k&r with thanks Josh

[sasha031]

6. I didn't get a chance to thank her and say goodbye

:cry: I haven't been here for a few days.....

[joshcryer]

8. She covered Egypt and Libya for almost two months straight, bless her.

I can't blame her for finally having to give it a rest, especially with some of the spats we'd have (I regret those now).

[sasha031]

9. I went to her twitter page, she hasn't posted since 3/10

she does need a well deserved rest. I love Catherina, I became a follower through Libya.

[joshcryer]

7. Libya rebels appeal for air strikes against Gaddafi

Libya's revolutionary leadership has appealed for France and Britain to launch air strikes against an intensive assault by Muammar Gaddafi's forces that has forced the rebel army to retreat towards its eastern stronghold of Benghazi.

The Provisional Transitional National Council said that calls by European leaders for Gaddafi to quit and the threat of more sanctions were not enough as the regime regains its footing after the initial shock of the popular uprising.

The revolutionaries fear that the hesitation by most European states and the US to take direct action is providing a breathing space for Gaddafi to continue his attempts to crush the uprising in areas around Tripoli and to move toward Benghazi.

"If you don't want to do something, you rely on the diplomatic side. It is not enough when people are dying," said Iman Bugaighis, spokeswoman for the revolutionary council. "We need more than diplomacy. We need a no-fly zone but we need more than that. We need air strikes. I think they know where to bomb if they want to bomb. They know how to intervene. It's urgent."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/libya-rebels-air-strikes-gaddafi

[joshcryer]

10. In Libya Revolt, Youth Will Serve, or at Least Try

RAS LANUF, Libya — The bullet the boy held was bigger than his hand. He said he was 15, but then admitted he was 14, and frankly, he looked a year or two younger than that. When an enemy warplane approached, sending the gunmen around him scrambling for cover, the boy, with placid poise, stood and watched.

His friends called him the “smallest soldier.”

“I got here yesterday,” Ali Abdul Karim said Wednesday, after the threat of an airstrike had passed. He left home in Benghazi last week without telling his mother and hitched a ride south with some fighters. At a rebel checkpoint here — one of the most dangerous places in Libya — he sat on the porch of a mess hall and played in the dirt with his bullet, near boxes of ammunition and an antiaircraft gun.

As Ali watched, men with machine guns drove pickup trucks toward the battle with Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi’s troops. “I’m hoping to fight,” he said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/world/africa/12youth.html

:(

[pinboy3niner]

11. One thing neither Libya nor the world needs--more child soldiers!!! nt

[joshcryer]

13. This editorial broke my heart I wish I missed it.

[joshcryer]

12. The Libyan Revolution For Freedom #17 Feb 2011# (touching video):

edit: I should warn you, it's GRAPHIC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XgBHUJfHEI

Was probably posted before but first I see it.

[pinboy3niner]

14. #Gaddafi forces took over residential part of Ras Lanuf,but rebels still hold oil company

Audioboo: LPC: #Gaddafi forces took over residential part of Ras Lanuf,but rebels still hold oil company #Libya #Feb17 http://boo.fm/b300191
less than 10 seconds ago via AudioBoo

[joshcryer]

16. +1

Only way to get them Gaddafi is bomb your own oil plants. Of course, that's not beyond you as you've done it several times already, I'm just saying. Blood for no oil.

[pinboy3niner]

15. defected members of military still fighting #Gaddafi forces @Ras Lanuf. #Libya

LPC: civilians that were fighting have regrouped @Agayla, but defected members of military still fighting #Gaddafi forces @Ras Lanuf. #Libya

[Arctic Dave]

17. My sincere gratitude for taking the torch from Cathrina and carrying on.

[joshcryer]

20. No worries, I only wish I had the time / freedom to update all day.

It will only be updates by night from me.

[pinboy3niner]

19. Timeline of 2011 Libyan uprising

The 2011 Libyan uprising began on 15 February 2011 as a civil protest and has since become a widespread uprising. As of 25 February 2011, most of Libya is reported to be under the control of the Libyan opposition and not the government of Muammar al-Gaddafi. Gaddafi remains in control of Tripoli, Sirt and Sabha.

Timeline of 2011 Libyan uprising
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_2011_Libyan_uprising

[joshcryer]

21. Good link, I've been editing that page occassionally with updates, too.

If anyone is reading here please by all means help contribute in any way you can!

[pinboy3niner]

22. Photo: Thousands protest against Gaddafi in Benghazi

Anti-Gaddafi protesters attend Friday prayers in Benghazi
Photograph: Suhaib Salem/Reuters

[joshcryer]

23. @AJEnglish @BBCWorld @CNN @FRANCE24 Pls stop interviewing #Gaddafi - doesn't deserve any legitimacy

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46393122770522112">Tripolitanian Libyan

@AJEnglish @BBCWorld @CNN @FRANCE24 Please stop interviewing #Gaddafi - doesn't deserve any legitimacy

6 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

24. While politicians talk and talk some more - #Gaddafi kills and kills even more. #Feb17 #Libya

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46395198955196416">Tripolitanian Libyan
While politicians talk and talk some more - #Gaddafi kills and kills even more. #Feb17 #Libya
7 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

25. worried about #Zawya which has been retaken by #Gaddafi - I expect hundreds will be executed

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46395613037854720">Tripolitanian Libyan
Extremely worried about #Zawya which has been recently retaken by #Gaddafi - I expect hundreds will be secretly executed.
5 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

26. Although I'm praying for Japan, I can't help but worry that the world will simply forget about Libya

Sad from our friend Tripolitanian.

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46386210121322496">Tripolitanian Libyan
Although I'm praying for #Japan, I can't help but worry that the world will simply forget about #Libya
48 minutes ago

[bobbolink]

109. All of us who are forgotten need to stand with each other!

[pinboy3niner]

27. "You and whose air force?"

Chris Riddell The Observer, Sunday 13 March 2011

[joshcryer]

28. Good one.

[joshcryer]

29. Brazilian journalist leaves Libya after eight days' arrest

Brazilian journalist Andrei Netto, who was arrested nine days ago while reporting the ongoing unrest in Libya, left the North African nation on Friday, local media reported.

Netto, who was released on Thursday, headed to Dubai and later to Paris.

According to the Libyan embassy in Brazil, Netto was arrested because he failed to provide proper identification documents to Libyan police.

Netto, who works for daily Estado de S. Paulo, lost direct contact with his superiors last week, when he was working in the outskirts of Zawiya, 50 km west of Libya's capital city Tripoli.

http://www.china.org.cn/world/2011-03/12/content_22117836.htm

[pinboy3niner]

30. CNN's Nic Robertson: Gadhafi thugs grabbed me and my crew

Robertson: Gadhafi thugs grabbed me and my crew

March 11th, 2011
08:44 PM ET


CNN Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson and his crew were detained Friday in Tajura, Libya, east of Tripoli by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. This is his account.

...


“Itla, itla” – "Get in the car, get in the car!" – he was screaming. My cameraman, Khalil Abdallah, and I hesitated for a split-second. But that's all it was.

We were staring down the barrel of an AK-47, the weapon was jumping in his hands. He was cocking it, wrenching the handle back, a bullet being slammed into the firing chamber.

...


We are free to go anywhere, any time, talk to who we want, when we want. That's what Moammar Gadhafi’s son told me, that's what Libya told the U.N. We already knew it was all lies – look at any number of our colleagues, arrested, detained, in some cases, beaten – but today it came home to us personally.

...

They'd only just got hold of us. This was no accidental arrest, no fortunate stumbling across a news team. They had planned this all along.

...


http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/11/gadhafi-thugs-grab-cnn-crew/?eref=googletoolbar

[joshcryer]

32. Doh! You must've been scouring LBN right before me. :)

:hi:

[pinboy3niner]

37. Shoulda had your energy drink today. :)

I was checking CNN, because AC360 was going to be on. The show had both Robertson and Ben Wedeman reporting from Libya.

Interesting news--the regime has told journalists that they will take them to Ras Lanuf tomorrow. (They were reporting this at 5:45 AM Saturday, Libya time, so I think they mean they'll be taken there Sunday, but that wasn't clear.)

:hi:

[Turborama]

38. I feel like I have a couple of stalkers now!

Seriously, though, you're doing a great job, Josh & PB3N.

I'm still confused about why Catherina left so abruptly but I've added you to my buddies list to stalk you back! :hi:

ETA I gave the OP it's 5th rec just then, can't believe that it took 2 1/2 hours to get on The Greatest Page.

[joshcryer]

39. Feel free to copy paste your LBN posts here, btw!

I would not have seen that article were it not for you, I'm just following AJE and the AJE dashboard.

[pinboy3niner]

43. Thanks for the job you're doing in LBN, Turborama

The additional info and links you post with your OPs are also very helpful. :fistbump:


:hi:

[joshcryer]

31. Robertson: Gadhafi thugs grabbed me and my crew (Nic's account of being kidnapped):

CNN Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson and his crew were detained Friday in Tajura, Libya, east of Tripoli by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. This is his account.

For a few moments today, for us personally, Libya’s lies and deceit were swept aside and the real deal was brutally exposed.

“Itla, itla” – "Get in the car, get in the car!" – he was screaming. My cameraman, Khalil Abdallah, and I hesitated for a split-second. But that's all it was.

We were staring down the barrel of an AK-47, the weapon was jumping in his hands. He was cocking it, wrenching the handle back, a bullet being slammed into the firing chamber.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/11/gadhafi-thugs-grab-cnn-crew/

[joshcryer]

33. bencnn: Mood among fighters changing. Increasingly angry over Western dithering. "Where is Obama?"

http://twitter.com/#!/bencnn/status/46239774549344256">@bencnn benwedeman
Mood among Opposition fighters changing. Increasingly angry over Western dithering. Everyone asks "Where is Obama?" #Libya
11 hours ago

[joshcryer]

34. Residents of Al-Brega were ordered to leave their homes for fear of Libyan army advance eastward.

http://twitter.com/#!/bencnn/status/46404161348186112">@bencnn benwedeman
Late at night residents of Al-Brega were ordered to leave their homes for fear of Libyan army advance eastward. #Libya
56 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

35. General retreat of opposition forces eastward. Dozens of pickup trucks, cars, heading to Ajdabia.

http://twitter.com/#!/bencnn/status/46404486507413504">@bencnn benwedeman
Appears there is a general retreat of opposition forces eastward. Dozens of pickup trucks, cars, heading to Ajdabia after midnight. #Libya
57 minutes

[joshcryer]

36. Beginning to resemble what happened to Iraqi Kurds, Shia after '91 Gulf war.

http://twitter.com/#!/bencnn/status/46408613203427328">@bencnn benwedeman
Plight of eastern Libya beginning to resemble what happened to Iraqi Kurds, Shia after '91 Gulf war. This could become very ugly. #Libya
42 minutes ago

[pinboy3niner]

40. Wedeman also reported on AC360:

The rebels' hope is to reinforce their defenses around the town of Brega.

If Gaddafi's forces move to assault Benghazi, a city that openly opposed him, "There will be anolther massacre. There will be a bloodbath."

But he also said while the rebels pulled back to take up other positions, reinforcements are being sent to them.

"This fight is not over," he said.

[Turborama]

41. He was just saying on AC360 that there won't be any "losers" if Gaddafi wins, just annihilation

And they're running out of ammo.

This has all the makings of another Rwanda type massacre, now that the tangible support for their freedom and democracy revolution hasn't materialized.

[joshcryer]

42. Thanks guys, don't have cable, but started seeing tweets about that on the dashboard.

[Turborama]

44. I'll post a video clip and transcript when CNN put them online. It was a very chilling report.

They were also discussing how Gaddafi must see the media focusing on the natural disaster in Japan as a godsend - something that had passed my mind, too.

[joshcryer]

45. Also feared by many #libya #feb17 tweeters. And of course it's basically true.

Gaddafi will get a week or more of free massacre time.

[pinboy3niner]

48. The current top 10 most popular news stories on my home page:

• New quakes rock tsunami-devastated Japan

• Calif., Ore. sustained most damage from tsunami

• Giffords makes 'leaps and bounds' in recovery

• 'American Idol' sends home first finalist

• Lohan leaves court with new offer from judge

• Charlie Sheen brings live show to Detroit, Chicago

• Players head to court as NFL labor talks break off

• Interim CEO defends NPR as new video emerges

• Twin sisters give birth to daughters 2 hours apart

• Police open investigation of hit by Bruins player


Gaddafi likely will see this as the perfect time to go all out to try to crush the opposition, brutally and ruthlessly.

[joshcryer]

50. My home page is:

• New quakes rock tsunami-devastated Japan
• Japan quake causes emergencies at 5 nuke reactors
• Libya: Gadhafi forces show growing confidence
• As protests roil neighbors, Saudis quash rallies
• Army: Palestinian kills 5 in West Bank settlement
• APNewsBreak: Aristide returning to Haiti in days
• Euro leaders surprise with crisis deal
• Quake brings modern Tokyo to a standstill
• 2 killed in new Tunisian violence
• US defense chief urging reforms in ally Bahrain

I'm not sure how much datamining it's doing to assemble that for me, I don't have it set to search for anything or whatever.

[pinboy3niner]

51. Wanna trade homepages? :)

My list is of the stories most popular with users, so there's no datamining there.

[joshcryer]

52. Ahh, I have mine set for 'world' I guess I didn't notice that it was defaulting to that.

The 'local' tab (I use Yahoo! for my home page) is as bad as yours. Oh wow the first Survivor winner is going to jail for tax violations...

[Turborama]

57. Here's a tip, if you don't use it already and have a Google account...

http://www.google.com/ig/directory?root=/ig&dpos=top


Along with a the 5 most recent emails into my Gmail, a clock and local weather forecasts, I have BBC World News, CNN, The Guardian, Yahoo News, Google News, Reuters, Al Jazeera English and even DU's LBN "gadget" on my iGoogle homepage - which also self refreshes.

[joshcryer]

58. *nods* I use iGoogle too but Yahoo! is just an old throwback...

...from ancient internet times when Yahoo! was actually better than Google. Haven't really had the urge to change from it.

[joshcryer]

46. Yemen police storm protest site

At least one person is killed and dozens are wounded as Yemen security forces storm a protest site where thousands of pro-democracy protesters have been camped out for weeks, demanding the ouster of the country's leader.

In a pre-dawn raid on Saturday, police are said to have used tear gas and hot water mixed with gas to disperse the demonstrators.

Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from the capital Sanaa, said that despite the clashes, protesters remain undeterred.

"This was demonstrated in the largest protest yet on Friday, calling on president Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down," he said.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201131232754852902.html

[joshcryer]

47. Looks as if we may have to make this a general Middle East Uprising thread.

Yemen is really blowing twitter up. Having a hard time actually finding anything new about Libya (though granted Libya is in the early morning and most of the big stuff already happened).

[pinboy3niner]

49. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 7:05 AM SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Libya time = EST +7 hours, PST +10 hours

[joshcryer]

53. Clemons: No-Fly Zone Over Libya Could Backfire & Undermine Protests in Middle East

In short, a no-fly zone is a high cost, low return strategy that doesn't necessarily create a military tipping point in favor of the Libyan opposition. Gaddafi is at war with his own people, and it's natural and important to try and protect and help unarmed protesters and innocent victims -- but a no-fly zone may harm the situation more than help.

If the US and NATO impose a no-fly zone, it gives Gaddafi a frame he thrives in: Libya against what he calls the imperialistic and neo-colonial interventions of evil America and the West. Last week at the TED 2011 meeting in Long Beach, Al Jazeera Director General Wadah Khanfar underscored the significance that the protests shaking the entire Middle East were occurring without the clutter and distraction and potential delegitimization of foreign intervention.

This is important. A no-fly zone changes what appears on TV and changes the entire frame. What is happening in the Middle East will instantly become about what the West will do and won't do -- rather than on what the citizens who have had enough are doing for themselves.

I still believe we should help and there are ways to do so without a large military footprint.

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-clemons/no-fly-zone-over-libya-co_b_834852.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-7a47yylzQ

---

I will hold out making any more statements on this until we see how Brega goes. If it falls today then the revolutionaries are in trouble and there will be a massacre in Benghazi. Once Benghazi falls the entire war is over, and there will be no more revolutionaries.

I do disagree with him that "intelligence" would help the revolutionaries, for the simple fact that they don't appear to have a command structure, or even in large part a means to communicate. They need that before intelligence can play a role. But I agree if it could be used that'd be fantastic.

[joshcryer]

54. Over 770 injured in Bahrain

Over 700 people have been injured as Bahraini police opened fire on anti-government protesters who were heading toward the Royal Court in Manama.

On Friday, Security forces and pro-government vigilantes carrying clubs and swords beat the protesters near the royal complex, injuring 774 people, 107 of whom were hospitalized for serious injuries and problems in breathing.

The violence occurred as protesters marched on the Royal Court en masse amid tight security in the town of Riffa, a residential area where the ruling Al Khalifah family live, the Associated Press quoted the Bahraini Health Ministry as saying.

Roughly 8,000 people marched toward the Royal Court to force the kingdom to respond to the people’s demands.

http://presstvmobile.com/blog/2011/03/12/over-770-injured-in-bahrain/

[joshcryer]

55. NYTimes, Letters: Should the U.S. Intervene in Libya?

Will yesterday’s opponents of a no-flight zone for Libya — who perhaps, forgivably, assumed that the rebels would win without one — continue to allow the imminent, systematic, but still preventable mass slaughter?

It’s too bad that years of American interventions and favoritism in the region now harm our credibility at a time when we could do good. But do the Libyans deserve to suffer because of George W. Bush’s arrogance in Afghanistan and Iraq? Have we become too self-doubting to save Muslim lives in Libya?

Is President Obama going to emulate Bill Clinton’s intervention to save lives in the Balkans, or instead what Mr. Clinton has called his biggest regret of his presidency, his failure to save lives in the Rwandan genocide?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/opinion/l12libya.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimesopinion&seid=auto

[joshcryer]

56. Russia objects to foreign military intervention in Libya

Moscow, March 12 : Foreign military intervention in Libya is inadmissible in any form, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said France and Britain are ready to launch "targeted air strikes" on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces if they use chemical weapons or warplanes against civilians.

"Foreign military intervention should be ruled out," the Russian foreign ministry said.

The ministry's statement welcomes the recent African Union resolution, which supports Libya's sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemns any foreign military intervention.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20110312/162965407.html

---

No comment.

[WCGreen]

59. Are the Russians just being the obstinate go my own way ass hole....

How could they possibly think what is happening in Libya isn't for the better...

[joshcryer]

62. They had insane arms deals with Libya.

And don't appear remorseful.

[WCGreen]

68. Well, we look the other way in Saudi Arabia...

[joshcryer]

75. We wish. It's only a matter of time.

The internet is screwing everything up! :)

[Desertrose]

60. Thanks for doing these Josh....the map has changed since I last looked

More green & black and less red. I don't like that at all!

My heart is still with the Libyan people......

[joshcryer]

63. No problem, I only wish I was as good as Catherina.

Also, I have been following Libya really closely so it's only a little effort to copy/paste. I'm getting slightly better at it. I only wish excerpting didn't require 22 characters every time just for the opening code...

[Desertrose]

65. Catherina is definitely a tough act to follow...but you are doing great!

Thank you!!

This is getting to be quite a mess to sort out...does anyone know what is really happening over there?

[joshcryer]

66. Looks like the revolutionaries spread themselves thin and then got their asses handed to them.

They're also untrained, mostly unarmed (small arms, some rockets, etc), effectively out gunned. I just hope that they can organize themselves and get it together and make some advances, because there hasn't been any victory for them in the past 2-3 days. It's been defeat after defeat.

[steve2470]

61. k&r nt

[joshcryer]

64. AJE Live Blog 8:56am: African Union sets up ad hoc panel to help end the violence.

The leaders of South Africa, Uganda, Mauritania, Congo and Mali will form a panel that will travel to Libya shortly to help end the violence there, the African Union announced late on Friday.

"The ad hoc committee was set up ... to engage with all parties in Libya, facilitate in an inclusive dialogue among them, and engage AU partners ... for the speedy resolution of the crisis in Libya," the bloc said.

At a meeting of heads of state on Thursday, the head of the AU's Peace and Security Council, Ramtane Lamamra, said events in the north African country needed "urgent African action" to bring about an end to the hostilities.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

67. AJE: Arab League will meet to consider recognizing Libya's transitional National Council

From AJE Libya Live Blog - March 12:

9:10am < (2:10 AM EST) >

A senior official at the Arab League told Al Jazeera's Ayman Mohyeldin that the Arab League will on Saturday be considering cutting off ties with the government of Muammar Gaddafi and acknowledge and recognise the National Council in Benghazi as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people.

This will still require a vote by the member States but it will be on the agenda for discussion along with endorsing a no-fly zone.

The Arab States are divided and there is no guarantee this will happen, but nonetheless, the proposal will be discussed.

(Because the Arab League could not physically impose a no-fly zone, so this would require foreign, non-military intervention to impose one. Yet the body has already issued a statement rejecting foreign intervention in Libya).

The Arab League at the end of the day may also issue a statement calling on Gaddafi to step down from power a step already taken by European countries and the US, Mohyeldin notes.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[joshcryer]

69. Breaking News: Pakistan army exports new mercenaries to kill Bahraini protesters

The Overseas Employment Services (OES) of the Fauji Foundation is recruiting hundreds of ex-servicemen to serve in the Bahrain National Guard (BNG).

Advertisements in an Urdu language daily and on the OES website state that the BNG “immediately” requires people with experience and qualifications as anti-riot instructors and security guards.

While an official at the Fauji Foundation said there were 800 vacancies and 6,000-7,000 applications had been received, another at the OES said there were 200 to 300 vacancies and a number of people had been selected.

The advertisement states that a BNG delegation is visiting Pakistan from March 7 to March 14 to recruit people from the following categories: officers (majors), Pakistan Military Academy drill instructors, anti-riot instructors, security guards, and military police as well as cooks and mess waiters. Civilians were required as security guards, while the rest of the categories required experience in the military or security forces. The requirement for anti-riot instructors was NCOs (non-commissioned officers) from the Sindh Rangers or officers of an equivalent rank from the Elite Police Force.

http://criticalppp.com/archives/42347

The link goes to a blog type site but it cites the full article which is slightly less controversial but by all accounts these "security forces" are mercenaries (in the same vein as Blackwater etc).

[joshcryer]

70. E.U. Unites Against Gaddafi, But Not on What's Next

European leaders have struggled to find a collective voice since the uprisings began in North Africa two months ago, but at a Brussels summit on Friday they articulated a rare and robust message of unity in the face of a defiant Muammar Gaddafi. With the Libyan strongman cranking up his attacks against rebels, the European Union delivered an unequivocal call for him to depart as soon as possible so the country can begin a peaceful transition of power. "European leaders were united, categorical and crystal clear: Gaddafi must go," British Prime Minister David Cameron said. "We demand Gaddafi's immediate resignation," echoed German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "The problem has a name: Gaddafi," said European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. "He must go."

But making bold statements is easy. The tricky bit is working out what to do if, as seems likely, Gaddafi doesn't get the memo. European leaders agreed to consider military action if backed by the Arab League and United Nations, but most are wary of getting their own hands dirty. And when it comes to the next step, Europe is as divided as ever.

(Note: two paragraphs because they're big.)

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2058534,00.html

[joshcryer]

71. To give an idea: EU leaders reject Cameron's call for Libya no-fly zone

DAVID Cameron was isolated yesterday as European leaders snubbed his call for a no-fly zone in Libya.

The PM’s gung-ho stance was called “headline-grabbing desperation” by an official at the EU summit.

Speaking afterwards, the PM put a brave face on the setback, saying the EU had made it “crystal clear” that Gaddafi should go.

But he condemned Gaddafi’s “barbaric acts” and said the international community must “be ready to act” if the slaughter continued.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/03/12/eu-leaders-reject-cameron-s-call-for-libya-no-fly-zone-115875-22983720/

(In some ways it'll be resolved quickly, if Benghazi falls what are the revolutionaries going to do but die?)

[joshcryer]

72. Cameron urges stand against Gaddafi

David Cameron has insisted the international community "cannot stand by" while Colonel Muammar Gaddafi "brutalises" Libyans in his counter-offensive against the rebel uprising.

As the Libyan dictator's forces began to claw back territory in the country he has ruled for 41 years, the Prime Minister warned Britain's allies that "words are not enough".

His comments came at the end of an emergency summit of EU leaders which demanded an end to Mr Gaddafi's rule and said "all necessary options" were on the table.

But the communique failed to explicitly threaten a no-fly zone, which Mr Cameron and French president Nicolas Sarkozy have been talking up.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jsHLvqasJKc7znUer1Urcs2eoJIA?docId=N0441471299902360086A

[joshcryer]

73. Ouch, last post for the night, look at this essay: Dubai on Empty

The only way to make sense of Dubai is to never forget that it isn’t real. It’s a fable, a fairy tale, like The Arabian Nights. More correctly, it’s a cautionary tale. Dubai is the story of the three wishes, where, as every kid knows, with the third wish you demand three more wishes. And as every genie knows, more wishes lead to more greed, more misery, more bad credit, and much, much, much more bad taste. Dubai is Las Vegas without the showgirls, the gambling, or Elvis. Dubai is a financial Disneyland without the fun. It’s a holiday resort with the worst climate in the world. It boils. It’s humid. And the constant wind is full of sand. The first thing you see when you arrive is the airport, with its echoing marble halls. It’s big enough to be the hub of a continent. Dubai suffers from gigantism—a national inferiority complex that has to make everything bigger and biggest. This includes their financial crisis.

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2011/04/dubai-201104

Amazing read.

[joshcryer]

74. One more: UN sounds alarm on human rights issues in Bahrain, Yemen and Saudi Arabia

11 March 2011 – The United Nations human rights office voiced concern today about the ongoing situation in Bahrain, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, three Middle East countries where public protests against long-term leaders or regimes have been mounted in recent weeks.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has received an allegation that a message is circulating on social networking websites calling for three human rights defenders in Bahrain to be “killed and liquidated,” OHCHR spokesperson Rupert Colville told journalists today in Geneva.

The names, addresses, telephone numbers and other personal details about the three human rights defenders are identified, and their photographs are also shown, Mr. Colville said, noting that the message describes the three defenders as “traitors” and “heads of sedition and incitement.”

He said OHCHR was “extremely concerned about these threats, which clearly constitute incitement, and calls upon the authorities to ensure effective protection for the three named individuals.”

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37746&Cr=bahrain&Cr1=

This was yesterday but I didn't see it posted before (new to me).

[joshcryer]

76. Time in Libya 11:00 AM. LIBYA HURRA!

[joshcryer]

77. Time in Libya 12:45 PM. Too quiet. LIBYA HURRA!

Dang reactor explosion kept me up all night, but my eyes are killing me and I must go now. :P

[pinboy3niner]

78. RAS LANUF: Libyan rebels lose oil port, but vow to regroup

Libyan rebels lose oil port, but vow to regroup

By PAUL SCHEMM Associated Press
March 12, 2011, 4:25AM

AJDABIYA, Libya —
...

Gen. Abdel-Fattah Younis was the country's interior minister before he defected to the rebel side. He said Saturday that Moammar Gadhafi's forces now control both the town and the oil refinery in Ras Lanouf. But he vowed a comeback by Sunday "at the latest."

...


A 43-year-old government employee said the shelling of <Zawiyah> started on Friday and was nonstop until Wednesday, the day the government claimed victory.

"Many people were killed on Friday. The youth were marching in the square," he said. "I don't know whom to blame — the leader, the son of the leader, the government or the rebels. It was peaceful. I don't know why this happened. I never imagined that I would see Zawiya, my hometown, like this."

He said at least 24 of the protesters had been buried in the square but the pro-Gadhafi forces had used bulldozers to remove their bodies. The claim couldn't be independently verified, although the area was flattened.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7469208.html

[pinboy3niner]

79. Libya: Gaddafi's jets break bodies but not the rebels' spirit

Libya: Gaddafi's jets break bodies but not the rebels' spirit

It started with the boom, boom, boom of decrepit anti-aircraft guns shooting wildly into the open blue sky. Then came the screeching engines of an invisible warplane, hurtling towards the rebel position.
____________________________________________________________________________



A government counter-offensive has turned the tide of the war and stopped the rebels' westward march Photo: AFP
____________________________________________________________________________

By Rob Crilly, Ras Lanuf and Richard Spencer in Tajoura
12:28AM GMT 12 Mar 2011

...

As the warplane circled somewhere high in the sky, rebels searched among the debris left by its payload. They pulled a victim from the sand, and carried what was left of him in a carpet above their heads.

"The martyr is loved by God," they chanted, not stopping even when the jet roared back across the road.

...


Across Tripoli, the continual arrests of those photographed at previous demonstrations dampened the Friday prayers protests.

...


Despite two previous weeks of violence outside the central mosque, hundreds, if not thousands, of men gathered after prayers again, chanting "Time for Gaddafi to go." Police rounded up one group of journalists who also arrived at the mosque early and drove them back to Tripoli. But the Telegraph was able to hide out, while residents approached and described their feelings about the continuing struggle.

...


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8377206/Libya-Gaddafis-jets-break-bodies-but-not-the-rebels-spirit.html

Libyans told reporters about friends (protesters) taken away, they don't know where. They said no one taken away has been released. "They will be executed, hanged," said one.

[joshcryer]

81. "They will be executed, hanged." :(

[pinboy3niner]

80. Libyan rebels in retreat

Libyan rebels in retreat

Gaddafi forces reverse rebels' advances as they recapture key towns and now threaten Benghazi, an opposition stronghold.

Last Modified: 12 Mar 2011 09:46 GMT

...


Brega, the scene of a fierce battle just over a week ago, is the latest town recaptured by Libyan government forces on Saturday, as rebel fighters retreated in the face of intense air and ground firepower.

Al Jazeera's Nick Clark, reporting from the town of Tobruk, said that Gaddafi forces "are now in a good position to take on Benghazi," Libya's second largest city and a rebel stronghold.

Diplomatic pressure is having little impact on the fighting, as forces loyal to the Libyan leader continue to push eastward into territory held by the rebels.


...


"We're hearing the opposition forces are back in control of Ras Lanuf at the moment, although during the day, Gaddafi forces come back in," Clark said.


http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131281658181773.html

[pinboy3niner]

82. Update #OpLibya: Brega falls to Gaddafi forces, push towards Ajdabiyah

ShababLibya http://bit.ly/eoS8pS Gaddafi war crimes in Zawia, #Libya #Feb17 #TNC #Gaddaficrimes
59 minutes ago · reply

whichoneamI RT @livewordcanada: Update #OpLibya: Brega falls to Gaddafi forces, push towards Ajdabiyah http://liveword.ca/go/kzb #libya #feb17

libyans_revolt RT @ShababLibya: http://bit.ly/eoS8pS Gaddafi war crimes in Zawia, #Libya #Feb17 #TNC #Gaddaficrimes

LocketsChat RT @Freedom_7uriyah: The two choices now are Free Libya or no Libya, it's over #Gaddafi #Feb17 #Libya
2 minutes ago · reply

BRQNews #libya :Igdabiya hospital , been in the morgue , ICU , met e' missing , injured dead team shocking numbers from different cities #feb17

[joshcryer]

83. Very bad news.

[pinboy3niner]

84. AJA reports (unconfirmed) that #Gadaffi is using cluster bombs against #feb17 fighters

hotfrog63 RT @ahmadbaker31: AJA reports (unconfirmed) that #Gadaffi is using cluster bombs against #feb17 fighters in #libya

[pinboy3niner]

85. aghliw #libya about 228 missing people in Bengazi , 82 missing in #igdabiya

aghliw #libya about 228 missing people in Bengazi , 82 missing in #igdabiya #feb17 some were engineers going to their works
4 minutes ago · reply

mags340 RT @ZahratTrablis: Eyewitness reports of protests, being arrested and reality of situation in #Tripoli since #Feb17 #Libya http://tiny.cc/hdmt5

[pinboy3niner]

86. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 3 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Libya time = EST +7 hours, PST +10 hours

[pinboy3niner]

87. Al Jazeera reporting Syrian ship full of supplies to #Gadaffi heading towards #Libya

mamadelbosque RT @ChangeInLibya: History repeating itself? While #Japan deals with a possible Chernobyl, #Libya continues to deal with Hitler himself #Gaddafi #feb17

Sienda RT @ChangeInLibya: The NATO fleet outside #Libya 's shores must intercept that Syrian ship and check for possible violations of arms embargo #libya #feb17

jpglutting RT @ChangeInLibya: Gaddafi is digging up graves and burning bodies so that no proof remains of his crimes when ICC investigates later on #libya #feb17

donatelladr RT @ChangeInLibya: Al Jazeera reporting Syrian ship full of supplies to #Gadaffi heading towards #Libya #feb17 #Nato #UN #USA DO SOMETHNG!

[pinboy3niner]

88. Omani Foreign Minister: "Arab intervention" needed in Libya

From AJE .Libya Live Blog - March 12:

3:01pm < (8:01 AM EST) >

Youssef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the Omani foreign minister, has called for "Arab intervention" in Libya in his opening remarks at the Arab League meeting.


He said the Libyan crisis poses a threat to the stability of Arab states.


"What is needed now is Arab intervention using mechanisms of the Arab League and at the same time in accordance with international law," the foreign minister said.


http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

89. RT @LibyaFeb17_com: BREAKING: Reports of an attack on Misrata

1monic1 RT @ChangeInLibya: All #Gaddafi army soldiers & generals have had their families kidnapped or taken hostage to prevent them from defecting #libya #feb17

Some Youths Elude His Grasp | http://nyti.ms/dJpPxs #Feb17 #libya
2 minutes ago ·

_TheZee RT @ZeroMOne: God be with the brave people of #Misrata and #Brega, drive the tyrant back and reclaim what you have lost, with God' help #Libya #Feb17

dovenews RT @LibyaFeb17_com: BREAKING: Reports of an attack on Misrata - #feb17 #libya - http://t.co/TV5zszr

tigerbalsam1 RT @ShababLibya: Reports that the city of Misrata may now be under the attack of Gaddafi forces #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes #TNC

1monic1 RT @kazkazom: #Libya #Feb17: NoFlyZone and Targeted air attacks/strikes will be hugely appreciated by almost all Libyan people.

1monic1 RT @Egyptocracy: Updates from the Arab League: Delegates trying to convince #Sudan to approve a no fly zone over #Libya. #Feb17

sara055 AP Interview: Libyan rebels plead for no-fly zone |WashPost| http://wapo.st/hpsAD9 #Libya #Feb17

[pinboy3niner]

90. While focus on Japan, #Gaddafi is unleashing tanks & fighter jets against the people

whichoneamI RT @FlightSim95: #Libya & #Japan!!!! RT #libjp Inshallah allah will help the Libyans and Japanese #feb17 http://twitpic.com/48rdfp #prayforjapan #tsunami


fluutekies RT @OmarAlmu5tar: Gaddafi is probably happy that the media shifted its attention to Japan for now #Libya #feb17

manjaedo RT @MushuThaLohari: I would like to know AL & UN's definition of the word 'emergency'. #Feb17 #Libya #Gaddaficrimes

FreeBenghazi @ajenglish | EU running out of road on Libya | http://t.co/psaPgtn #Libya #Feb17

MilitantNews #Libya David Cameron hilarious "We demand Gaddafi's immediate resignation" What pressure. I'm sure #Gaddafi will be considering it #feb17

altahawi RT @LiberateTunisia: While World news r focusing on Tsunami in #Japan, #Gaddafi is unleashing tanks & fighter jets against the people of #Misurata, #Libya #Feb17

[pinboy3niner]

91. If #Gaddafi forces reached Benghazi, he said this would mean the death of half a million

gervis RT @walidshaari: #LIBYA telecom services gathered hundreds of Activist numbers including #TNC 2 spy/send fabricated sms part of info warfare #FEB17
53 seconds ago · reply

BouaziziYouth RT @LiberateTunisia: LNC chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil:Asked If #Gaddafi forces reached Benghazi, he said this would mean the death of half a million"#Libya #Feb17

ashraf9999 Save #Libya from the Gangsters of Gaddafi !!!! #feb17


BouaziziYouth RT @LiberateTunisia: Question: Why #Assad of #Syria objects to No-Fly Zone (#NFZ) in #Libya? Answer: Protect syrian pilots bombing insurgents of #Feb17 !!

Ala_Baptista: RT @Jikiri: Yea Im watching the #tsunami coverage but I didnt forget about #libya The world is still watching the butcher of #tripoli #feb17

Avadhutika: RT @Tripolitanian: While politicians talk and talk some more - #Gaddafi kills and kills even more. #Feb17 #Libya

[pinboy3niner]

92. AJE: Rebels concede defeat at Ras Lanuf, vow to fight back

Libyan rebels concede defeat at eastern oil port town of Ras Lanuf to pro-Gadhafi forces, but vow to fight back.

Watch news report on YouTube (1:33):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0KrdiU0Lv8&feature=player_embedded


http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

93. Algeria and Syria blocking Arab recog. of #NTC and NFZ proved supporting Gaddafi #libya

AGrandKerfuffle: RT @ChangeInLibya: Algeria and Syria, the countries blocking Arab recognition of #NTC and NFZ are two regimes proved to be supporting Gaddafi #libya #feb17

RssMasrEn: #Egypt #Libya Yemen Police Attack Protesters, One Dead http://bit.ly/gk0lPY #Feb17

[pinboy3niner]

94. RT @AlArabiya_Eng: EU, US waiting for regional anti-Gaddafi push

nuevaondacuba RT @rstripolina: With regime cleaning up evidence collecting war crimes evidence more crucial than ever. #Libya #Feb17

rockhen67 RT @omaralmukhtar: Bravest 14Yr Old Girl. Cries for Benghazi Brs & cant lie now. RT @septimius_sever: Tripoli upside down http://nyti.ms/g5ejrG #libya #feb17

jocarva RT @AlArabiya_Eng: EU, US waiting for regional anti-Gaddafi push: http://goo.gl/ZUjKf #feb17 #libya #gaddaficrimes #egypt #tunisia

xitsawrap RT @WatDabney: Anyone gonna police these Sanctions then? #libya #feb17 #syria #gaddaficrimes #UN

[pinboy3niner]

95. AP Interview: Libyan rebels plead for no-fly zone

AP Interview: Libyan rebels plead for no-fly zone

By RYAN LUCAS
The Associated Press
updated 6 minutes ago 2011-03-12T14:59:33


BAYDA, Libya — A rebel leader pleaded Saturday with the international community to approve a no-fly zone over Libya as Moammar Gadhafi's forces gained strength in the east, securing a key port city and oil refinery.

Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, the head of the opposition's interim governing council, also expressed disappointment over the failure to act by the United States and other Western countries, which have expressed solidarity with the rebels in their fight to oust Gadhafi but stopped short of approving any military action.

"If there is no no-fly zone imposed on Gadhafi's regime, and if his ships are not checked then we will have a catastrophe in Libya," Abdul-Jalil told The Associated Press in an interview in a professors' lounge at the Omar Mukhtar University in Bayda, where he is also head of the city council.

...


".... All the people around the country want Gadhafi to leave and there is no way we can negotiate another option," he said. "We let the international community face its responsibilities. The people don't want him to rule them any more. They are between two choices, either to be killed or to fight to the end."


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42045993/ns/world_news-africa

[pinboy3niner]

96. Misrata, last remaining rebel holdout city in west of Libya, under attack

From AJE Libya Live Blog - March 12

4:40pm < (9:40 AM EST) >

Libyan government forces have launched an attack on the town of Misrata, seeking to retake the last remaining rebel holdout in the west of the country.

"They are trying to get into Misrata, they are now 10km away," Gemal, a rebel spokesman, told the Reuters news agency.

"We are hearing shelling. We have no choice but to fight," he said.

Another rebel, Mohamad Ahmed, said he could hear the sound of anti-aircraft guns getting closer to the city centre.

A resident, who gave his name only as Mohammed, confirmed an attack by Gaddafi's loyalists was under way: "I think they are 5km from the town now, I can hear loud explosions. Everybody is rushing home, the shops have closed and the rebels are taking positions in the neighbourhoods".

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

97. US sub, destroyer heading thru canal enroute to Med to be close to Libya

Egyptian officials say two US vessels have crossed the Suez Canal en route to the Mediterranean Sea to be close to Libya.

The nuclear-powered submarine USS Providence and Destroyer USS Mason have entered the canal from the Red Sea.

The officials said the warships are part of the American carrier battle group led by the USS Enterprise. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

US military officials have ordered warships into the Mediterranean in case they are needed for Libya-related operations ranging from humanitarian assistance to possible military action.


http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

98. SecDef Gates: US & allies cd impose NFZ, but unclear if it would be a "wise" move

Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, said the US military and other allies could impose a no-fly zone on Libya but it remains unclear if it would be a "wise" move.

"This is not a question of whether we or our allies can do this. We can do it," Gates said aboard his plane after a visit to Bahrain.

"The question is whether it's a wise thing to do and that's the discussion that's going on at a political level."


http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[Desertrose]

107. Oh just do it...stop the murders!! Freeze G's money is a start.

I wish there were some clear answers to help these brave people!!!!!!

What a horrible mess.

[pinboy3niner]

99. Der Spiegel: Germany freezes 193 Libyan accts in 14 banks ($13.8 billion)

Via AJE:

German banks including the Bundesbank have frozen over $13.8bn in Libyan assets following a European Union decision, Der Spiegel reported in its edition to be published on Monday.

The frozen funds are in 193 accounts in 14 banks, including one with a balance of $2.72bn at the central Bundesbank, the German newsweekly said.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

100. AJE: Despite rumors, Arab League may NOT call for no-fly zone

6:58pm < (11:58 AM EST) >

Al Jazeera is hearing reports that despite earlier rumours the Arab League will not call for a no-fly zone but instead will ask the UN Security Council to discuss the issue.

According to reports, the League could not get a unanimous vote which is required under article six of the Arab League constitution which states that when a member country is threatened by an Arab League proposal - the vote must be unanimous.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

101. Edit: Reports Arab League asks for NFZ are only rumors, may be false

Twitter is going crazy with this rumor, but I can find no solid confirmation. Some media, including Reuters, cited Egyptian State TV as the source, but there has been no statement from the Arab League as yet.

[pinboy3niner]

104. ARAB LEAGUE CALLS ON SEC. COUNCIL TO IMPOSE LIBYA NO-FLY ZONE

The League's unanimous resolution was read (covered live by AJE), and the Q & A with reporters is continuing.

The stmt said a NFZ is necessary to provide protection to the Libyan ppl and to expatriate ppl, both Arab and non-Arab.

The stmt also rejects any foreign intervention in Libya in any way, shape or form and under any pretext; and called for a NFZ to be ended promptly when it is no longer necessary.

[pinboy3niner]

102. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 7 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Libya time = EST +7 hours, PST +10 hours

[pinboy3niner]

103. Freed reporter urges Gaddafi regime to release his colleague

A Brazilian reporter who was freed from detention in Libya has urged Gaddafi's government to release a colleague from a British newspaper who is still held in the violence-wracked country.

Andrei Netto says he believes he was released after eight days because of "good ties'' between Brazil and Libya.

He fears for the fate of colleague Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, an Iraqi national working for The Guardian.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

105. Gaddafi's army will kill half a million, warn Libyan rebels

Gaddafi's army will kill half a million, warn Libyan rebels

Rebels flee Ras Lanuf and call on UN to impose no-fly zone as Gaddafi's forces recapture strategically important towns



Libyan rebels have called on UN to impose a no-fly zone. Photograph: Patrick Baz/Getty


Chris McGreal in Benghazi
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 12 March 2011 18.14 GMT


Muammar Gaddafi's army won control of a strategic rebel-held Libyan town and laid siege to another as the revolutionary administration in Benghazi again appealed for foreign military help to prevent what it said would be the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people if the insurgents were to lose.

...


The head of Libya's revolutionary council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, claimed that if Gaddafi's forces were to reach the country's second-largest city it would result in "the death of half a million" people.

The Arab League, meeting in Cairo, called on the UN security council to impose a no fly-zone on Libya as Gaddafi's forces also began to move against Misrata, a city of 300,000 people about 125 miles from Tripoli. Misrata is the only town in the west of the country still under the control of the insurgents after their defeat in a vicious battle for Zawiya. The rebels said that Misrata was now surrounded by Gaddafi's forces, which included tanks.

"We are bracing for a massacre," Mohamad Ahmed, a rebel fighter in the city, said. "We know it will happen and Misrata will be like Zawiya, but we believe in God. We do not have the capabilities to fight Gaddafi and his forces. They have tanks and heavy weapons and we have our belief and trust in God.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/12/gaddafi-army-kill-half-million

The rebel fighter quoted, Mohamad Ahmed, added:

"The fighters here and the people of Misrata hold the international community responsible for the fall of Zawiya and for all the deaths that happened. Gaddafi is responsible, but they are partners in crime."

[pinboy3niner]

106. BREAKING: Al Jazeera cameraman killed in ambush in Libya

BREAKING: Al Jazeera cameraman killed in ambush in Libya
Just announced live on Al Jazeera English; no details yet except that it occurred near the Eastern city of Benghazi.

AJE Live Stream link:
http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

[pinboy3niner]

108. AJ cameraman Ali Hassan Al-Jaber killed in ambush near Benghazi reportedly by Gaddafi forces

9:34pm:

Al Jazeera cameraman Ali Hassan Al-Jaber has been killed in an ambush near Benghazi reportedly by Gaddafi forces.

Al Jazeera chief says the network will not be silent after the death of Al-Jaber.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

[pinboy3niner]

110. More details from AJE:

(Times are local in Libya, GMT + 2 hours)


9:40pm

At least three Al Jazeera Arabic team members were with Al-Jaber in the car when the attack occurred.

Bibah Wild Mehadi, who was sitting next to Al-Jaber, was unhurt in the attack.

Bibah said the Al Jazeera cameraman was shot with more than one bullet, one of which probably hit his heart. The attack happened on Saturday afternoon, around 4:30pm local time.



9:34pm: Al Jazeera cameraman Ali Hassan Al-Jaber has been killed in an ambush near Benghazi reportedly by Gaddafi forces.

Al Jazeera chief says the network will not be silent after the death of Al-Jaber.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12


NOTE: On air just moments ago, the AJE anchor, in reporting this story, made reference to the Gaddafi regime's "campaign targeting Al Jazeera and its staff.

[joshcryer]

111. Oh god no. :( Once Benghazi falls there will be no resistance anymore.

This is horrible. And the west did nothing.

[joshcryer]

112. Tripolitanian's updates, going to bang out a few of the choice comments:

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

[joshcryer]

113. #Libya fighters say they don't see an army, all they see is bombs being dropped on them || #NFZ

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46595598211760128">@Tripolitanian
#Libya freedom fighters say they don't see an army they can fight, all they see is bombs being dropped on them || #NFZ
5 hours ago via web

[joshcryer]

114. People from #Algeria and #Syria - protest against your gov. for backing #Gaddafi!

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46595866701742080">@Tripolitanian
People from #Algeria and #Syria - protest against your gov. for backing #Gaddafi!
5 hours ago

[joshcryer]

115. The #ArabLeague and #AU don't speak for #Libya, #Libyans speak for #Libya and they need #NFZ

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46597728049963009">@Tripolitanian
The #ArabLeague and #AU don't speak for #Libya, #Libyans speak for #Libya and they are in desperate need for #NFZ
5 hours ago

[joshcryer]

117. #Yemen announces it's against a #NFZ in #Libya - THEY DON'T SPEAK FOR #LIBYA

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46603597147947008">@Tripolitanian
Libyan
#Yemen announces it's against a #NFZ in #Libya - THEY DON'T SPEAK FOR #LIBYA
5 hours ago

[joshcryer]

119. Urgent: Send a message NOW @Avaaz to the UN to impose a no-fly zone in #Libya and protect civilians:

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46605458693300225">@Tripolitanian
Urgent: Send a message NOW @Avaaz to the UN to impose a no-fly zone in #Libya and protect civilians: http://www.avaaz.org/en/libya_no_fly_zone_1/?twi
4 hours ago

[joshcryer]

120. Oman has come out as a strong supporter for #NFZ in #Libya

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46618927815593984">@Tripolitanian
Oman has come out as a strong supporter for #NFZ in #Libya
4 hours ago

[joshcryer]

121. No excuses left - World governments must act now, we cannot forget the mistakes made in the past

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46650764256481280">@Tripolitanian
No excuses left - World governments must act now, we cannot forget the mistakes made in the past | #Feb17 #Libya
2 hours ago

[joshcryer]

122. Please sign for #NoFlyZone by UN over #Libya: (almost reached a million!)

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/46656479792611328">@Tripolitanian
Please sign for #NoFlyZone by UN over #Libya: http://bit.ly/hK5zxx (almost reached a million!)
1 hour ago

[pinboy3niner]

116. MUST READ: Tears for a Journalist: Change in the Middle East Comes at High Cost

Tears for a Journalist: Change in the Middle East Comes at High Cost

If I ever hear a disparaging remark against the quality of Al Jazeera journalism or the "tilts" in their coverage, I will say "shame" on that person or that Fox News commentator. Shame because Al Jazeera has been fighting hard to keep its cameras in the field and to keep its people from being hunted down by ruthless leaders that see the free press as an enemy to their power.

Tonight, while sitting in a private meeting with Wadah Khanfar, Director General of Al Jazeera Network, I saw him get called out for an emergency call. I watched his face. I eavesdropped a little -- and I instantly knew that a tragedy had happened.

What the writer didn't know at that moment was that an Al Jazeera cameraman--Ali Hassaon Al Jaber--had been ambushed and executed by Gaddafi regime forces outside the city of Benghazi in Eastern Libya just that day.

He continues:

Once most of the people in the private meeting left the room, I saw Khanfar turn to a corner of the room and start sobbing, tears running down his cheeks. I touched his shoulder and told him how sorry I was for the member of his team who had been lost. What I didn't say was murdered.

He cried. He took a deep breath. He sat down -- and then I could see that his resolve to keeping this story going was strengthened.

To do any less would dishonor his colleague and those risking so much in the field not only in North Africa now but in many rough spots around the world.

-- Steve Clemons

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2011/03/tears_for_a_jou/

[joshcryer]

118. +1, it will go in Day 24 updates. Very touching article.

Was going to post it after I baned out Tripolitanian's updates.

[pinboy3niner]

123. Al Jazeera has issued this statement:

Al Jazeera condemns the cowardly crime, which comes as part of the Libyan regime's malicious campaign targeting Al Jazeera and its staff.

Al Jazeera reiterates the assault can not dent its resolve to continue its mission, professionally enlightening the public of the unfolding events in Libya and elsewhere.

Al Jazeera stresses it will relentlessly prosecute and bring to justice all perpetrators and their accomplices.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-12

R.I.P. :patriot:

[joshcryer]

124. Day 24:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x626812

[Turborama]

125. Thanks, I've been looking for this

:kick: & R