Libyan Revolution Day 26 part 2 (major defections?)

[joshcryer]

Links to sites with updates: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-15">AJE Live Blog March 15 (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) http://www.libyafeb17.com/">libyafeb17.com

Twitter links: http://twitter.com/#!/aymanm">Ayman Mohyeldin, with AJE http://twitter.com/#!/bencnn">Ben Wedeman, with CNN http://twitter.com/#!/tripolitanian">tripolitanian, a Libyan from Tripoli http://twitter.com/#!/BaghdadBrian">Brian Conley, reporter in Libya http://twitter.com/#!/freelibyanyouth">FreeLibyanYouth, Libyan advocate http://twitter.com/#!/LibyaFeb17_com">LibyaFeb17.com twitter account http://twitter.com/#!/ChangeInLibya">ChangeInLibya, Libyan advocate

Useful links: http://audioboo.fm/feb17voices">feb17voices http://www.google.com/search?q=time+in+libya">Current time in Libya http://www.islamicfinder.org/cityPrayerNew.php?country=libya">Prayer times in Libya

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=644489&mesg_id=644489">Day 26 part 1 here.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-libya-rebels-20110313,0,1893818,full.story">Rebels appear to slow government forces' advance in Libya
Benghazi, Libya (CNN) -- Rebels appeared Monday to have slowed the eastward advance of Libyan government forces toward Benghazi at the town of al-Brega.

But it was not clear late in the day who controlled al-Brega, which contains a large oil refinery and natural gas plant, said CNN's Ben Wedeman, reporting from Benghazi, which is about two hours west. Meanwhile, government planes carried out air raids 40 minutes from al-Brega, in the town of Ajdabiya.

CNN was not able to reach the front lines Monday.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/un-council-deadlock-on-libya-nofly-zone-20110311-1bq9z.html">UN council deadlock on Libya no-fly zone
The UN Security Council is deadlocked over whether to vote on a no-fly zone over Libya and anxiously waiting to see the results of key European Union, Arab League and African Union meetings to decide future action, diplomats say.

There is a split between key countries on the council over a proposed no-fly zone to counter Muammar Gaddafi's assault on rebel forces which one Arab ambassador to the UN called "a major rift".

France and Britain have drawn up a resolution on a no-fly zone which has not been officially sent to other members.
Advertisement: Story continues below

China and Russia oppose moves for the council to approve even tentative military action.

"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

Muhannad O. Bensadik, killed by government forces outside Brega

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/13/955925/-Another-dead-freedom-fighter-in-Libya-This-one-was-family">Another dead freedom fighter in Libya. This one was family.
I never met Muhanned O. Bensadik. And now I never will. He was my step-daughter's cousin. He was killed by pro-Gaddafi forces in their attack on rebel-held Brega, a port city on the southeastern coast of the Gulf of Sidra. On March 4, in my diary here and above, he appears smiling, looking into the camera as young men and boys swarm over a liberated tank in Benghazi.

He was raised in Libya. But he was an American citizen, born in Eden, N.C., on Oct. 9, 1989. Summers he often spent in his mother's speck of a hometown, Martinsville, Va. In fourth grade, he attended school all year there. His two sisters, 12 and 8, still live there with his mother. His brother and father live in Benghazi.

From age 7, he was in the Libyan Boy Scouts and when he got older he became a troop leader. He was a fan of the blues, of Bob Marley and Tupac Shakur. His favorite novel was of the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities. His favorite movies included Saving Private Ryan and Eclipse (of the Twilight series). He loved The Simpsons, South Park and Happy Tree Friends.

[joshcryer]

1. Current time in Libya is 12:03pm March 15.

[pinboy3niner]

2. K&R

[joshcryer]

3. pinboy3niner's comments on the possible defections, trying to find a hard source:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=644489&mesg_id=649400

[pinboy3niner]

5. AJE should have a story or blog post up soon--probably w/a video of Birtley's report

I didn't catch the name of which commander he was referring to. Younis is the Council's top military commander, but there was a recent defection also of a general who had been a top commander for Gaddafi in Chad. Will try to catch the name in the AJE livestream or video.

[joshcryer]

6. Thanks, I got to go back to sleep, I saw your PM and wanted to see this up.

See you for day 27!

[pinboy3niner]

8. Thanks, Josh--it makes a difference for dial-up users

They endure enough of a hassle with loading time even on much shorter threads. Starting a new thread from time to time really helps.

Get some rest, you've earned it. You're doing a great job! :toast:

[pinboy3niner]

10. I just saw the repeat of this segment on AJE

The AJE correspondent, Tony Birtley, did not mention the commander's name (my mistake).

I picked up one detail I neglected to mention before--the 8,000 troops who reportedly are defecting with the commander include Special Forces troops.

If AJE posts the video of the segment in time for me to edit, I'll add it to this post.


Ed. to add this post, which AJE put up about 15 minutes ago:


12:26pm

Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley reports from Benghazi that "There is no immediate threat to Benghazi, and the rebels have a new commander, an experienced commander who has defected from Gaddafi forces.

"This is good news for the rebel forces as he is reported to have some 8,000 men with him and heavy weapons too.

"Militarily, it is difficult for Gaddafi to come all the way to Benghazi, there will be street fighting, and Gaddafi will lose men and their morale may go down."


http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-15

[joshcryer]

4. G8 ministers and UN discuss Libya no-fly zone (reference to 8k fighters)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpghdWkG44g

I don't believe these are new fighters or a new addition?

[pinboy3niner]

11. The earlier report indicated this defection is new...

...and that the defecting commander "is bringing" 8,000 troops with him. That suggests to me that these are veteran soldiers (including Special Forces, as Birtley reported earlier) who will be a new addition to opposition forces.

[txlibdem]

16. No fly zone should have been imposed on DAY 1 -- WTF

How can the UN sit there watching a madman launching air strikes against his own citizens?!?

No fly zone! Now!

[pampango]

7. Sounds like it might be the "giant Warfalla tribe"..."that has supported Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi..."

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/world/africa/15tribes.html?_r=1

Akram al-Warfalli, a leader of this country’s giant Warfalla tribe, said only a few words in his interview with Al Jazeera: “We tell the brother Qaddafi, well, he is no longer a brother,” Mr. Warfalli said. “We tell him to leave the country.”

It appeared to be the defection of a powerful tribe that has supported Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi — a powerful inspiration for the revolts that were then taking shape in the east. Some Libyans and scholars outside the country say the system of tribal alliances that has long been Colonel Qaddafi’s most potent weapon is now emerging as perhaps a potential vulnerability, as external wars, failed tribal coups and internal purges have chipped away at his support, even among his own tribe and its allies.

“The Warfalla, like their brethren the Zintan and Awlad Suleiman, are boiling,” he said in a written message, referring to two neighboring tribes. “The only reason we have not seen them participate in combat is the lack of weapons, and the siege that is now implemented upon them. They are simply outgunned, and are vulnerable.” He predicted “a massive tribal attack,” if the tribes could only obtain weapons.

A Qaddafi government spokesman, Abdel-Majid al-Dursi, disputed the Warfalla leader’s account, saying the tribe’s support for Colonel Qaddafi remained strong. From the moment he seized power in 1969, Colonel Qaddafi has surrounded himself with a bulwark of close allies drawn from his family, his own tribe, the Qaddafa, and two larger central and Western Libyan tribes with close ties to his own, the Warfalla and the Margharha. All three tribes — the Qaddafa most of all — have dominated the ranks of Qaddafi militias and armed forces, jobs that carry significant power, prestige and money in Libyan society and culture. They remain his sturdiest base of support.

[joshcryer]

9. That looks like it! Wow! Best news ever! How did I not see this!

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11074/1132121-82.stm

[pinboy3niner]

12. REUTERS: Battle for east Libya swirls around oil town of Brega (neither side in control)

Battle for east Libya swirls around oil town of Brega

Tue Mar 15, 2011 10:34am GMT


* Gaddafi forces battle rebels for Brega

* Warplanes strafe Ajdabiyah

* Tension in Tobruk


By Mohammed Abbas

AJDABIYAH, Libya, March 15 (Reuters) - Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi and rebels were fighting for control of the oil town of Brega on Tuesday as the battle for eastern Libya edged closer to the insurgent stronghold Benghazi.

Government warplanes also strafed rebel forces at Ajdabiyah, about 75 km (74 miles) from Brega on the coastal highway.

"In Brega it is still advance and retreat, we are not in control and they are not either," rebel fighter Hussein al-Wami told Reuters. His report was seconded by fighter Addel Ibriki, who returned to Ajdabiya from Brega on Tuesday morning.

"It is still to and fro," Ibriki said.


More:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/15/libya-east-idUKLDE72E0YO20110315

[pinboy3niner]

13. Opposition leader meets Clinton, asks West to bomb 3 of Gaddafi's airfields

Clinton Hears Requests for Help from Libyan Opposition in Paris Meeting

By Nicole Gaouette - Mar 14, 2011 7:33 PM PT


Libya’s opposition asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for military help in a meeting yesterday, including a request that the West bomb three of Muammar Qaddafi’s airfields, U.S. officials said.

Clinton, in Paris for a meeting with Group of Eight foreign ministers, met privately with Mahmood Jibril, the foreign affairs representative of the Libyan Interim Transitional National Council.

...


The official said the rebels have a number of requests, including bombing the airfields. Clinton told Jibril that the U.S. would supply additional support beyond humanitarian aid but did not get into details, the official added.

...


Clinton also discussed establishing a Libyan no-fly zone in a morning meeting with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. The first administration official said the secretary emphasized that Arab leaders have to take the lead on acting on Libya.


More:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-15/clinton-hears-requests-for-help-from-libyan-opposition-in-paris-meeting.html

[pinboy3niner]

14. G8 to make no reference to Libya no-fly zone, source tells Reuters

"A delegation source" has told Reuters that a communique to be issued by G8 foreign ministers on Tuesday will make no reference to a no-fly zone over Libya. Inclusion of the NFZ issue in the statement reportedly was blocked by Russia and Germany.


G8 to make no reference to Libya no-fly zone-source
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/15/g8-libya-flyzone-idUKPISFEE76A20110315

[pinboy3niner]

15. Libyan rebels lose Zwara, last stronghold west of Tripoli

Libyan rebels lose last stronghold west of Tripoli
(AP) – 2 hours ago


TOBRUK, Libya (AP) —

...


Government troops surrounded the town of 45,000 on Monday and bombarded it with tanks and artillery for hours starting in the morning, killing at least four rebel fighters, several residents said.

...


The fighter, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said rebels were tossing dynamite and shooting at army troops patrolling the town in cars packed with seven to 10 soldiers, many sitting in the open trunks of the vehicles. But he said the attacks were designed to wear down Gadhafi's better-equipped forces, not to defeat them.

...


Rebels also have faced a punishing blockade for days in Misrata, Libya's third-largest city, 125 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Tripoli.

A doctor said naval ships in the Mediterranean port were preventing aid ships from bringing much needed goods.

"We are short on antibiotics and surgery supplies and disposable equipment," the doctor said. "We feel so, so, isolated here. We are pleading with the international community to help us in this very difficult time."


More:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hbEi8FJcW-GlB6WeT7iquK9lkMiA?docId=866d06c7da964672866dc2f3abd6613c

[pinboy3niner]

17. Battle for control rages in Libya

Battle for control rages in Libya

Gaddafi forces inch towards opposition stronghold of Benghazi while wrangle over UN decision on no-fly zone crawls.

Last Modified: 15 Mar 2011 06:13 GMT


Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader's forces and rebels are fighting for control of the oil town of Brega as the battle for eastern Libya edged closer to Benghazi, the so-called "rebel capital" in the east.

Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley reported from Benghazi that "there is no immediate threat to Benghazi, and the rebels have a new commander, an experienced commander, who has defected from Gaddafi forces.

"This is good news for the rebel forces as he is reported to have some 8,000 men with him and heavy weapons too.

...


"If the rebels do not manage to hold out against Gaddafi and establish some kind of protective zone in the east of the country, it is almost certain in the wake of this, there would be some dreadful purge of those who dared to raise their hands against the Gaddafi administration."


http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131542757285681.html

[steve2470]

18. k&r nt

[pinboy3niner]

19. Al Jazeera: Elite units commanded by Gaddafi sons head to Brega

The television channel said units commanded by Gaddafi sons Saadi and Khamis are heading to Brega, indicating the regime is moving its best-trained, best-equipped forces into the opposition-held eastern part of Libya.

This story is not yet posted at the AJE website, but Reuters has a very brief report citing the Al Jazeera story:

Forces of Gaddafi sons head to east Libya oil town: report
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/15/us-libya-east-sons-idUSTRE72E34N20110315

[pinboy3niner]

20. Ajdabiya hit by fresh airstrikes ("We are civilians. What can we do against heavy weapons?")

Libya: Ajdabiya hit by fresh airstrikes


Fresh airstrikes on the outskirts of the Libyan rebel-held town of Ajdabiya have killed one and wounding another, according to witnesses.


12:22PM GMT 15 Mar 2011


...


Wajid al-Hasi, 31, was killed when a jet dropped a bomb as he drove by the gateway to the city, sending shrapnel smashing into the back of his car and shattering his skull, witnesses and medics said at the hospital.

"We want a no-fly zone and surgical strikes. No-one in Libya would object to that. We want NATO to take out Gaddafi's bases," said Doctor Suleiman al-Obeidi who came from a hospital in the northern town of Al-Bayda to help out.

"We are civilians. What can we do against heavy weapons? Against tanks, Grad rockets and warships?

"Give us tanks, give us planes and we will do it ourselves, we will defeat his machine.

"Unless NATO does this he will slaughter us all."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8383137/Libya-Ajdabiya-hit-by-fresh-airstrikes.html

[pinboy3niner]

21. IEA says Libyan oil exports halted

IEA says Libyan oil exports halted

Mar 15, 2011 8:26am


CAIRO (AP) — Libya's oil exports have "ground to a halt" because of the fighting between rebels and pro-government forces, and it could be months before the country's crude resurfaces on world markets, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.

The Paris-based group, whose members are mainly oil-consuming industrial nations such as the United States, also said that production from the North African nation appeared to have "slowed to a trickle" as the fighting and mounting unrest prompted an exodus of foreign oil workers and led international companies to halt their operations in the country.

The IEA said that while the rebellion against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi continues, "what is becoming clearer is the country's oil production and exports could be off the market for many months due to both war-inflicted damage on oil infrastructure and international sanctions."


http://www.necn.com/03/15/11/IEA-says-Libyan-oil-exports-halted/landing_nation.html?&blockID=3&apID=b9a3665101d74a1d842364f74edf818e

[pinboy3niner]

22. New Republic: Obama Must Face His Fears In Libya

New Republic: Obama Must Face His Fears In Libya

by Larry Diamond
March 15, 2011


Larry Diamond is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and the Freeman Spogli Institute at Stanford University, where he directs the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law.


...


If Moammari Gadhafi succeeds in crushing the Libyan revolt, as he is well on his way to doing, the U.S. foreign policy establishment will heave a sad sigh of regret and say, in essence, "That's the nasty business of world politics." In other words: nasty, but not our business. And so: not their blood on our hands. But, when we have encouraged them to stand up for their freedom, and when they have asked for our very limited help, it becomes our business. On Feb. 23, President Obama said: "The United States ... strongly supports the universal rights of the Libyan people. That includes the rights of peaceful assembly, free speech, and the ability of the Libyan people to determine their own destiny. These are human rights. They are not negotiable. ... And they cannot be denied through violence or suppression." Yet denying them through murderous violence and merciless suppression — with a massacre of semi-genocidal proportions likely waiting as the end game in Benghazi — is exactly what Gadhafi is in the process of doing.

...


There is much more that can be done beyond imposing a no-fly zone. No one in their right mind is calling for putting American boots on the ground in Libya. But we can jam Gadhafi's communications. We can, and urgently should, get humanitarian supplies and communications equipment, including satellite modems for connection to the Internet, to the rebels in Benghazi, where they can be supplied by sea. And we should find a way to get them arms as well. Benghazi is not a minor desert town. It is Libya's second largest city, a major industrial and commercial hub, and a significant port. Through it, a revolt can be supplied. If Benghazi falls to Gadhafi, it will fall hard and bloodily, and the thud will be heard throughout the world.


...


Oh yes. There is also the danger that China will veto a U.N. Security Council Resolution calling for a no-fly zone. Part of us should hope they do. Let the rising superpower — more cynical than the reigning one ever was — feel the first hot flash of hatred by Arabs feeling betrayed. Go ahead, make our day.

Presidents do not get elected to make easy decisions, and they certainly never become great doing so. They do not get credit just because they go along with what the diplomatic and military establishments tell them are the "wise and prudent" thing to do. This is not Hungary in 1956. There is no one standing behind Gadhafi — not the Soviet Union then, not the Arab League now, not even the entirety of his own army. That is why he must recruit mercenaries to save him. Gadhafi is the kind of neighborhood bully that Slobodan Milosevic was. And he must be met by the same kind of principled power. For America to do less than that now — less than the minimum that the Libyan rebels and the Arab neighbors are requesting — would be to shrink into global vacillation and ultimately irrelevance. If Barack Obama cannot face down a modest thug who is hated by most of his own people and by every neighboring government, who can he confront anywhere?

...




http://www.npr.org/2011/03/15/134559666/new-republic-obama-must-face-his-fears-in-libya

[pinboy3niner]

23. BREAKING - Al Jazeera: Gadaffi forces have reached the western gate of Ajdabiya

Reported about 20 minutes ago.

[pinboy3niner]

24. Gaddafi says shocked by 'betrayal' by former European friends; threatens to ally w/Al Qaeda

Gaddafi says shocked by former European friends
Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:57am GMT


* Gaddafi "shocked" by betrayal by former European friends

* Says economic ties will be damaged

* Says if west attacks, will ally with Al Qaeda

* No-fly zone would only unite Libyan people


ROME, March 15 (Reuters) - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said he felt betrayed by former European allies like Italy's Silvio Berlusconi who have turned against him and said business links with Europe risked lasting damage.

Gaddafi dismissed demands by world powers for a no-fly zone over Libya or the possibility of airstrikes, telling Tuesday's edition of the Italian daily Il Giornale that: "We will fight and win. A situation of that type will only serve to unite the Libyan people."

The Libyan leader said French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has officially recognised the rebel Libyan National Council and called for targeted airstrikes, had a "mental disorder".

...


If western forces attacked Libya, he would join forces with the radical Islamists. "We will ally ourselves with al Qaeda and declare holy war," he said.


(Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Jon Boyle)


http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE72E0DK20110315?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true

[CJvR]

41. LOL!

I thought he was fighting A-Q, at least that is what he said earlier when he wanted aid.
Now it seems he just want's non-intervention so he can crush the Libyans in peace so - "mess with me and I'll invite Bin Laden for tea!"

[pinboy3niner]

61. I could've sworn Gaddafi unfriended Osama on FB...

...after he caught him putting hallucinogens in the Nescafe...






:rofl:

[pinboy3niner]

25. BBC: Rebel fighters "hiding inside the oil installation in Brega in the daytime"

15 March 2011 Last updated at 03:45 ET


Libya: Government and rebels still battling for Brega


...


But the focus has also moved east to Ajdabiya, the last town before the rebel base in Benghazi.

It seems rebel fighters have been hiding inside the oil installation in Brega in the daytime, in the belief that the government does not want to shell the facility, says the BBC's Jon Leyne in Benghazi.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12742858

[CJvR]

42. That is a dangerous gamble.

If the cost of digging them out of there is ever thought to be greater than rebuilding the facilities then they rebs will fry in a hurry...

[pinboy3niner]

26. Legalising military intervention in Libya

15 March 2011

Legalising military intervention in Libya

Donald Rothwell and Hitoshi Nasu


The international community is fast approaching another crossroads in its attempts to respond to the continuing violence in Libya.

...


While there may have been some early doubts as to the status of the conflict, the International Committee of the Red Cross has now conceded that the level of violence is that of a non-international armed conflict which carries significant implications under international humanitarian law for protection that should be afforded to the civilian population. In other words, Libya has now descended into a bloody civil war.

What more can the international community do? Debate has been ranging in various European capitals and in Washington over the merits of a NATO imposed no-fly zone over Libya. Could such a zone be imposed by NATO alone, or would a UN mandate be required? Resolution 1970 uses the language of the responsibility to protect, recalling the Libyan authorities’ responsibility to protect their population. Australia’s former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans has been a leading advocate of the “Responsibility to Protect” concept in the last decade; an idea that received unanimous support from world leaders in 2005. The basic tenet of the concept is that when national authorities are manifestly failing to protect their populations, the responsibility to protect them will shift to the international community.

...


Whatever the outcome, the UN and the international community have already taken sides. If responsibility to protect is to have any future then decisive international action must be taken to bring about a resolution of the ongoing violence in Libya. Legalising intervention will go that step.


Professor Donald R. Rothwell and Dr Hitoshi Nasu teach International Security Law at the ANU College of Law, Australian National University.


http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/45166.html

[pinboy3niner]

27. libyafeb17.com: Gaddafi's Libya State Media website continues to be repeatedly hacked

Here are screenshots of the first two hack attacks, lol:


1




2

[pinboy3niner]

28. Libyan rappers broadcast to front lines

Two young Libyans whose rap music is being broadcast to the front line by rebel Benghazi radio hope they are helping to maintain the morale of fighters outgunned by Gaddafi forces.

"Rap does not physically change things, but it invigorates the soul of people fighting and sends a message to all Libyans," 16-year-old Imad Abbar, sitting perched on a paint can in the patio of his home in Benghazi, told AFP news agency.

Hamza Sisi agreed, and the lyrics - in Arabic - he wrote for their rap song "Shamat Al-Medina", or "Candles of the City", say all:

The candles of the city shine to tell the world what we want,
The candles of the city won't rest and won't give up,
The blood of the fighters is our own,
We won't surrender until the regime falls.


http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-15

[pinboy3niner]

29. WaPo: Rebel council seeks to transform Libya

Rebel council seeks to transform Libya

By Sudarsan Raghavan, Monday, March 14, 10:29 PM

BENGHAZI, LIBYA — They are a rebel leadership who meet in secret places in their own stronghold. Some change residences every few days. Others worry their cellphones are tapped or walk with bodyguards. Their chairman is seldom seen in public: Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi has placed a $400,000 bounty on his head.

...


It is a leadership of lawyers and intellectuals who profess ambitions of creating a Libya governed by democratic ideals, possibly altering the face of the Arab world and inspiring more autocratic regimes to fall. But it is also a leadership that is realizing that revolutionary zeal alone will not end Gaddafi’s 41-year rule on a landscape that is increasingly feeling like civil war.

...


Many of its leaders have no political experience, raising questions about their ability to create and run a post-Gaddafi government. In Egypt, deposed president Hosni Mubarak allowed political parties, elections, trade unions, rights groups and a vibrant free press that ultimately provided vital political training to his opponents. Gaddafi has muzzled the press and banned independent trade unions, political parties and non-governmental organizations.

...


They envision a parliamentary rather than a presidential system, largely because there was a parliament under King Idriss, whom Gaddafi deposed in a bloodless coup in 1969. Sensitive to comments by Gaddafi that they were linked to al-Qaeda and wanted to create an Islamic emirate, rebel officials stressed that while Islam would be the official religion, a post-Gaddafi government would be secular.

“It will never be an Islamic regime,” Daghili said. “The revolution seeks advancement for both men and women. The women here are well educated. It is far from a Taliban-like state.”


http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/rebel-council-seeks-to-transform-libya/2011/03/14/ABdDPtV_story.html

[pinboy3niner]

30. Reuters: Ominous deja vu as Saddam's victims watch Libya

Ominous deja vu as Saddam's victims watch Libya


'God willing, the rebels in Libya will still succeed. But I fear the casualties will be huge'


By Peter Graff

updated 2 hours 52 minutes ago 2011-03-14T10:06:48


BAGHDAD — ...


A survivor of the failed 1991 uprising against Iraq's Saddam Hussein, Saidi knows what it feels

like to believe the international community will help you overthrow a dictator, only to find your

town abandoned to merciless revenge.

...


"God willing, the rebels in Libya will still succeed. But I fear the casualties will be huge."

...


Soldiers banged on the door with rifle-butts and ordered people to leave their homes and gather

in an open area in the desert. Thousands walked on foot to the staging ground, where young

men were herded into waiting trucks and driven off.


Nasir. Ali. Saidi calmly recalls the names of his childhood friends who were driven off that day,

never to be seen again.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42067389/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/

[pinboy3niner]

31. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 4:45 PM TUESDAY, MARCH 15

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

[pinboy3niner]

32. BREAKING: Revolutionary airforce destroy 2 Gaddafi warships and damage a third

16:16 Al Jazeera Arabic News that the Free Libyan Airforce have destroyed and sunk 2 Gaddafi warships and hit a third off the coast of Ajdabiya and Benghazi


http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/march-15-updates/

[pinboy3niner]

33. MORE from AJE:

4:30pm < (10:30am EDT) >

Anti-government activists said that rebels commanding fighter jets have destroyed two of Gaddafi's warships off the northeast coast of Ajdabiya.

The opposition also claimed to have hit a third naval ship in the air attack, according to opposition website Libya al-Youm.

A number of army generals and soldiers, particularly in the Libyan Air Force, have defected to join the rebels and have an arsenal of weapons and fighter jets at their disposal.

The alleged attack comes as Gaddafi's forces continue to battle for control of Ajdabiya and the nearby city of Brega in order to advance on to the opposition stronghold of Benghazi.


http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-15

[pinboy3niner]

35. The two planes that sunk the #Gaddafi warships left from #Benghazi

The two planes that sunk the #Gaddafi warships left from #Benghazi. They were planes that were repaired & used to bomb the warships. #Libya
4 minutes ago via web

[pinboy3niner]

38. Video report by AJE's Tony Birtley (2:30):

Latest on Libya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeo_EEZjpHg&feature=player_embedded

[pinboy3niner]

45. Reuters: Libyan website reports rebels sink Gaddafi ships

Libyan website reports rebels sink Gaddafi ships
http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE72E2F120110315

[joshcryer]

71. Oh my god! So great! Will update day 27 soon!

[pinboy3niner]

34. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 5:40 PM TUESDAY, MARCH 15

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

[pinboy3niner]

36. iyad_elbaghdadi Azzawiya is now being searched and looted by mercenaries, door to door, house to hou

iyad_elbaghdadi Azzawiya is now being searched and looted by mercenaries, door to door, house to house. #Libya
40 minutes ago

[pinboy3niner]

37. "We have lost Brega completely. We could not face Gaddafi's forces."

From AJE:

4:45pm < (10:45am EDT) >

The eastern Libyan oil town of Brega has been retaken Gaddafi's forces who have advanced steadily along the coast deep into rebel-held territory, a rebel told the Reuters news agency.

"We have lost Brega completely. We could not face Gaddafi's forces," said a rebel, who identified himself only as Nasser, in the town of Ajdabiyah further east which was also under attack.

One witness, Ahmed Mohammed, who was filling up his car with fuel on his way out of Ajdabiyah, said: "Gaddafi forces entered into the centre of Ajdabiyah that is when we were shot at."

The rear window of his car was shattered. "They shot through the window, they shot through the window," said one of two women in the back of the car, where there were also five children. The car had shattered glass scattered inside.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-15

[muriel_volestrangler]

39. AJE: Key town 'falls' to Gaddafi forces (Ajdabiya)

Libyan rebels are retreating from the strategic town of Ajdabiya under heavy bombardment by Muammar Gaddafi's forces, according to reports, as the international community continues to debate a possible no-fly zone to protect an anti-government uprising.

The town on Libya's east coast is all that stands between the advance of Libyan government troops and the rebel stronghold of Benghazi and lies on a road junction from where Gaddafi's forces could attempt to encircle the city.

Libyan state television claimed on Tuesday pro-Gaddafi forces were now "in total control" of the town. Rebel fighters told Al Jazeera that they were pulling out.

Meanwhile, Gaddafi's forces, who have halted and reversed last month's rebel advance along the east coast, also appear to be gaining control of the nearby oil town of Brega.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131514547162811.html

[pinboy3niner]

40. Earlier Al Jazeera report on what happened in the fighting at Ajdabiyah:

14:27 Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent has given a complete update on the current situation in Ajdabiya and the neighbouring areas:

1.The area we are in is being bombarded with rocket launchers and planes.

2.We were on our way to Brega, but there was heavy bombardment. One shell landed close to us.

3.We moved back to Ajdabiya where the city is being bombed in different areas.

4.The asphalt motorway is being bombed in an attempt to make it difficult for revolutionaries.

5.The revolutionaries are trying to block the planes with anti-aircraft guns and rockets

6.Gaddafi forces are said to be cornered somewhere between Ajdabiya and Brega. They are trying to make a way out.

7.We saw cars for revos retreat to the gates of Ajdabiya due to the heavy bombarding.

8.There are ambulances that are driving towards the battle areas, they cannot move too forward due to the heavy shooting.

9.We really don’t know if there is an attempt for Gaddafi’s forces to move forward. Are they trying to move towards Ajdabiya or are they only trying to break the seige imposed around them

10.There are reports that Khamis and AsSaadi battalions are moving towards Brega

11.Colonel Hamid said that Brega is still in the hands of revolutionaries but that fighting to keep it is ongoing

http://www.libyafeb17.com/

[pinboy3niner]

43. Source: bloc of 5 will present draft no-fly resolution to Sec. Council today, despite G8 inaction

G-8 Split on Libya No-Fly Zone With Russia, Germany Opposed
March 15, 2011, 11:59 AM EDT

By Patrick Donahue and Robert Hutton

...


The U.S., Britain, France, Germany and Lebanon will present a two-part draft resolution to the UN Security Council today authorizing a no-fly zone over Libya and strengthening sanctions adopted last month, according to a Western diplomat who spoke on condition of not being identified because the plan hasn’t been made public.

No-Fly Zone

Lebanon, on behalf of the Arab League, would present the first part of the text, authorizing the no-fly zone, with exceptions for evacuations of foreign workers, delivery of humanitarian aid and enforcement.

Britain, France and Germany will take the lead on the second part of the text, which would ask nations to bar flights to Libya when there is reason to suspect they are carrying mercenaries, authorize interception of ships at sea or planes when there is reason to believe they are violating the UN arms embargo on Libya, and designate additional government officials and companies for the travel ban and asset freeze imposed last month.

...


“The message being sent to Qaddafi is that Western resolve is weakening and this has emboldened him,” Shada Islam, a Middle East and Asia expert at the Brussels-based Friends of Europe policy-advisory group, said in a phone interview. “We’ve been talking about a no-fly zone for three weeks and if we’d acted three weeks ago we wouldn’t be where we are now.”


http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-15/g-8-split-on-libya-no-fly-zone-with-russia-germany-opposed.html

[pinboy3niner]

44. News from Ajdabiya not confirmed, #Gaddafi army remains unable to take it. #Libya

‎idrobinhood‎ RT @feb17voices: AJA reporter live from #Benghazi: news from Ajdabiya are not confirmed, revolutionaries say #Gaddafi army remains unable to take it. #Libya
Twitter - 1 minute ago

[David__77]

46. So, now there's a rebel air force and there were 8,000 defections.

It looks like the tide against Gaddafi is insurmountable, or at least the balance has been evened more so in the air and on land.

[pinboy3niner]

47. It is going down in (Gaddafi's Compunds) Reports of revolutionaries and defectors #Libya

It is going down in Bab al Azzizyah (Location of Gaddafi's Compunds) Reports of revolutionaries and defectors #Libya #Feb17
35 minutes ago

http://twitter.com/feb17libya/status/47710143726628865

[pinboy3niner]

48. via @AJArabic : Bab al Azizyah is unstable #Libya #Feb17

via @AJArabic : Bab al Azizyah is unstable #Libya #Feb17
40 minutes ago

[pinboy3niner]

49. @Liberty4libya says ambulances rushing towards @Bab al Azzizyah #Libya #Feb17

@Liberty4libya says ambulances rushing towards @Bab al Azzizyah #Libya #Feb17
22 minutes

[pinboy3niner]

51. BREAKING: Almanara Media confirms that a huge fire has erupted Baab Al Aziziyah - #feb17

BREAKING: Almanara Media confirms that a huge fire has erupted inside Baab Al Aziziyah - #feb17 #libya - http://t.co/5pnbFI2
11 minutes ago

[David__77]

53. So the opposition media claims that a new opposition air force is bombing near Sirte.

And that there Tripoli compound is in flames? Hmm... interesting. This coupled with 8,000 defections would certainly change the balance of forces to support the opposition.

...

effemanuel‎ RT @itsme_leclerc: BREAKING: Almanara Media confirms Gurdabiyya near Sirt bombarded by defected airforce

[pinboy3niner]

52. Explosions & gunfire in Tripoli may be pro-G celebrations

19:28 News in the twitter community that there are confirmed reports of explosions and gunfire in Tripoli. Some are saying that the source is from within Baab Al Aziziyah, others saying that they are celebratory due to the retaking of Brega and moving closer to Benghazi

http://www.libyafeb17.com/

[pinboy3niner]

54. news coming from Tripoli, please try not to tweet...as situation is critical #Libya #Feb17

lfkraus‎ RT @ShababLibya: All sorts of news coming from Tripoli, please try not to tweet at this moment as situation is critical #Libya #Feb17
Twitter - 22 seconds ago

[pinboy3niner]

55. iyad_elbaghdadi&#8206; Guys, I don't want to tweet inaccurate news ...I'd rather wait as things clar...

iyad_elbaghdadi‎ Guys, I don't want to tweet inaccurate news or provide info that may be harmful to the cause. I'd rather wait as things clarify. #Libya
Twitter - 4 seconds ago

[pinboy3niner]

50. Thank you for service Ben safe travels home.. @bencnn:"With heavy heart I left #Libya today."

Thank you for your service Ben safe travels home.. @bencnn:"With heavy heart I left #Libya today." #Libya #Feb17
5 minutes ago

[pinboy3niner]

56. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 9:31 PM TUESDAY, MARCH 15

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

[pinboy3niner]

57. US: mulling ways to free up Gaddafi assets for rebels--Reuters

US: mulling ways to free up Gaddafi assets for rebels
Tue Mar 15, 2011 6:34pm GMT
http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFWNA363420110315

[pinboy3niner]

58. Rocket fire rains on crucial Libya town as Qaddafi's forces advance

Rocket fire rains on crucial Libya town as Qaddafi's forces advance

Rebels fled from the eastern Libya town of Ajdabiya, seen as key to the success of the uprising against Muammar Qaddafi, as it came under a heavy air assault today.


By Dan Murphy, Staff writer / March 15, 2011

Ajdabiya and Benghazi, Libya


Muammar Qaddafi’s forces started a sustained aerial barrage on the eastern Libyan town of Ajdabiya today, sparking a panicked retreat of rebel militiamen and civilian families from a city that rebel leaders had insisted was their line in the sand.

Rocket fire and air strikes repeatedly hit the densely packed town of 100,000. “The rockets destroyed two houses on my block,” says an Ajdabiya resident by phone. “Some of my neighbors must have died. The international community has sold us to Qaddafi.”


More:
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0315/Rocket-fire-rains-on-crucial-Libya-town-as-Qaddafi-s-forces-advance/(page)/2

[pinboy3niner]

59. Italy blocks ferry of Moroccans fleeing Libya

15 March 2011 Last updated at 12:34 ET

Italy blocks ferry of Moroccans fleeing Libya

Italy has prevented a ferry carrying 1,800 people, mainly Moroccans fleeing the fighting in Libya, from docking in Sicily.


The ship had sailed from Tripoli and asked for permission to refuel on the island after being refused entry to Malta, Italian media said.


...


<Marine Le Pen, the leader of the French far right National Front party> said: "If we encourage illegal immigration, if we authorise illegal immigrants to set foot on European soil, how many more will embark on these adventures and how many more will lose their lives?"

...


It was blocked from sailing closer into Italian waters on the orders of the Italian interior ministry, officials said, while they found out who was on board and what their intentions were.

...


The boat was said to have been chartered by the passengers who had been working in Libya at the time of the revolt against Col Gaddafi.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12743356

[pinboy3niner]

60. Revolutionaries capture Greek ship loaded with fuel and redirect it to Port of Tobruk

Update: Revolutionaries capture Greek ship loaded with fuel and redirect it to Port of Tobruk


22:04 < 4:04pm EDT >Al Jazeera Arabic Libyan revolutionaries captured a Greek ship loaded with fuel headed to the port of AzZawiya off the coast of Tobruk. They have since redirected the ship to the port of Tobruk and have renamed the ship “The revolution of 17th February”.

http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/march-15-updates/

[pinboy3niner]

62. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 11 PM TUESDAY, MARCH 15

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

[pinboy3niner]

63. AJE: "There is a gun battle going on in Benghazi. Rebels are flushing out pro-Gadaffi supporters"

10:38pm <4:38pm EDT>

"There is a gun battle going on in Benghazi. Rebels are flushing out pro-Gadaffi supporters," Tony Birtley, Al Jazeera's correspondent, reporting from Benghazi said.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-15

[pinboy3niner]

64. Crackdown in Tripoli shows "it's going to be very, very dark...if Benghazi falls"

Excerpt from an MSNBC news report:

Rights groups have found evidence of serious rights abuses by Libya's security forces, including disappearances and deliberate killings of bystanders and protesters.

"We got information from Tripoli, by phone, skype, email, and from Libyans who left the country, and we've documented a wave of arrests and disappearances" in the west of the country, said Fred Abrahams, a special adviser to Human Rights Watch.

"If the crackdown in Tripoli is anything to go by, it's going to be very, very dark, especially if Benghazi falls (to Gadhafi's troops) because Benghazi has a tradition of anti-Gadhafi sentiment," he said on Tuesday.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42088980/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/

[pinboy3niner]

65. GADDAFI SPEAKING LIVE TO SUPPORTERS NOW ~ LINK:

http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

[pinboy3niner]

67. "They said thousands have died...only 150 died!1!!"

:puke:

AJE showing the crowds in the square of the opposition capital of Benghazi hissing and booing, throwing shoes at the screen, and shining laser pointers to distort his televised image.

[pinboy3niner]

66. Reuters: UN Libya draft resolution calls for no-fly zone

UN Libya draft resolution calls for no-fly zone
Tue Mar 15, 2011 9:20pm GMT

UNITED NATIONS, March 15 (Reuters) - A U.N. Security Council draft resolution on a no-fly zone over Libya, circulated on Tuesday, would authorize "all necessary measures to enforce" a ban on all flights, to protect civilians.

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFN1527923720110315?feedType=RSS&feedName=libyaNews&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FAfricaLibyaNews+%28News+%2F+Africa+%2F+Libya+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

[pinboy3niner]

68. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 12:30 AM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

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

[pinboy3niner]

69. AJE update on the developing situation in Libya:

Video of Tony Birtley reporting from Benghazi:

Libya update (3:33)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8HWgzZjot4&feature=player_embedded

[pinboy3niner]

70. Heavy sustained gun fire in #Sirte amid news of raising the independence flag #Libya

walid‎ RT @Liberty4Libya: Heavy sustained gun fire in #Sirte amid news of raising the independence flag #Libya #Feb17 Confirmed
Twitter - 41
41 seconds ago

[pinboy3niner]

72. Numerous reports confirming that the flag of Independence is fluttering over Sirt

00:44 Reports from numerous sources that the Libyan Flag of Independence is fluttering over Sirte tonight! Many are reporting the news as confirmed and we most certainly hope so!

http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/march-15-updates/

[joshcryer]

73. Day 27 here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x655007