I think Gaddafi is looking for a way to step down and flee the country safely

[oberliner]

I think he knows that international intervention will be the end of his regime (hence the proposed "truce") - I think he is just looking for a way to get him and his family (and their money) out of Libya to a place of safety where he can live in exile with his coterie of Italian young women or what have you.

I predict it will be a matter of days. He will hang his "supporters" out to dry and hit the road when and if he can.

[ButterflyBlood]

1. He would've done so long ago if that was the case

The guy is nearing the same fate as Ceausescu.

[oberliner]

3. There were articles saying he was looking for an "exit deal" last week

I think this will speed that process along.

[NoTimeToulouse]

6. Looking for a deal while he kills his own?

[oberliner]

7. Exactly

His actions have been truly despicable.

[NoTimeToulouse]

9. I won't shed a tear if he is gone. I just hope the next dictator there

is a little nicer.

[readmoreoften]

2. One hopes. That'd be fantastic.

[defendandprotect]

4. Last I saw he was planning yet another final assault on the protesters -- !!

If that's hanging out the white flag, I don't see it --

especially when he's already under charges from ICC --

But -- hope you're right --!!

[oberliner]

5. I just saw this: After pounding rebel hub, Gaddafi calls for truce as UN action looms

CAIRO: Libya's army said it would halt operations from Sunday to allow rebels to lay down their arms, softening repeated threats by Muammar Gaddafi to crush them, as world powers edged towards adopting tough measures to shut down the strongman's military machine.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/After-pounding-rebel-hub-Gaddafi-calls-for-truce-as-UN-action-looms/articleshow/7732877.cms

[Ian David]

8. But he's afraid to fly over a body of water. n/t

[provis99]

10. Huh? Why would he? He's won.

[oberliner]

12. How so?

In what sense has he won?

[white_wolf]

11. So what excatly are the rebels fighting for?

Is there a cause beyond getting rid of the current madman? Is it an Islamic movement, Marxist, or just a "this guy is an asshole" movement? I know they are using the flag of the old monarchy so I wonder if maybe they want to restore them?

[oberliner]

13. Getting rid of a dictator and having a democracy

That seems to be the general thrust of it. I have not heard any calls to restore any monarchy.

[seabeyond]

14. saddam wanted a deal to get out, bush wanted war, dumbshit. nt