Libyan Revolution Day 30 (UN acts, Misurata holds on)

[joshcryer]

Links to sites with updates: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19">AJE Live Blog March 19 (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=view_all&address=439x679332">Day 29 part 2 here.

Pictures from a pro-democracy rally in Tobruk after the UN resolution

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2059760,00.html">Libya's Rebels Celebrate the U.N. Resolution
Libya's beleaguered rebels may have gotten a reprieve. The United Nations Security Council not only passed a resolution imposing a no-fly zone over Libya but authorized ground attacks on regime forces besieging the opposition stronghold of Benghazi. Many of the rebel fighters and residents who have fled the front lines to the eastern city of Tobruk in recent days had said that without speedy international assistance, disaster would unfold within the next 24 hours. At the news of the U.N. vote, Tobruk erupted immediately into celebratory gunfire, fireworks, and fog horns sounding from ships in the harbor. It was an emotional reaction that eclipsed rebel joy at their conquests of Brega and Ras Lanuf barely two weeks before — cities they have since lost.

In Gaddafi's capital, the regime's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim told foreign journalists in a press conference at 2 a.m. Tripoli time that the Libyan government was "ready immediately" to implement a ceasefire, but needed further discussions with UN officials about the "technicalities."

Misurata today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJI57boOfEs&

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/18/president-libya-our-goal-focused-our-cause-just-and-our-coalition-strong">The President on Libya: "Our Goal is Focused, Our Cause is Just, and Our Coalition is Strong"
For decades, he has demonstrated a willingness to use brute force through his sponsorship of terrorism against the American people as well as others, and through the killings that he has carried out within his own borders. And just yesterday, speaking of the city of Benghazi -- a city of roughly 700,000 people -- he threatened, and I quote: “We will have no mercy and no pity” -- no mercy on his own citizens.

Now, here is why this matters to us. Left unchecked, we have every reason to believe that Qaddafi would commit atrocities against his people. Many thousands could die. A humanitarian crisis would ensue. The entire region could be destabilized, endangering many of our allies and partners. The calls of the Libyan people for help would go unanswered. The democratic values that we stand for would be overrun. Moreover, the words of the international community would be rendered hollow.

And that’s why the United States has worked with our allies and partners to shape a strong international response at the United Nations. Our focus has been clear: protecting innocent civilians within Libya, and holding the Qaddafi regime accountable.

That’s why I have directed Secretary Gates and our military to coordinate their planning, and tomorrow Secretary Clinton will travel to Paris for a meeting with our European allies and Arab partners about the enforcement of Resolution 1973. We will provide the unique capabilities that we can bring to bear to stop the violence against civilians, including enabling our European allies and Arab partners to effectively enforce a no fly zone. I have no doubt that the men and women of our military are capable of carrying out this mission. Once more, they have the thanks of a grateful nation and the admiration of the world.

I also want to be clear about what we will not be doing. The United States is not going to deploy ground troops into Libya. And we are not going to use force to go beyond a well-defined goal -- specifically, the protection of civilians in Libya. In the coming weeks, we will continue to help the Libyan people with humanitarian and economic assistance so that they can fulfill their aspirations peacefully.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x677397">Text of the resolution.

How will a no fly zone work? AJE reports: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEwehTtK2k

Canada:

http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110317/cf-libya-canada/20110317/?hub=WinnipegHome">Canada to send six CF-18s for Libya 'no-fly' mission
Canada will contribute six CF-18 fighter jets to help enforce a no-fly zone in Libya, sources have told CTV News.

Norway:

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFOSN00509220110318">Norway to join military intervention in Libya
OSLO, March 18 (Reuters) - Norway will join the international military action against Muammar Gaddafi's forces in Libya, a Norwegian daily quoted the defence minister as saying on its website on Friday.

"We will contribute to the operation," Grete Faremo told the daily Verdens Gang. "But it is too early to say exactly in what way. Sending air capabilities would be natural."

Belgium:

http://www.lesoir.be/actualite/monde/2011-03-18/la-belgique-prete-a-une-operation-militaire-en-libye-828970.php">Belgium ready for a military operation in Libya
Our country is available to take part in a military operation in Libya, following the UN vote authorizing the use of force against Gaddafi. The government has observed, in Parliament yesterday, a broad consensus in the Belgian political class on the need to prevent the Libyan leader to crush the rebellion in Benghazi.

Qatar and the UAE:

http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/776/?SID=e80884adc09a37d26904578a9b5978cb">Run-up for Western world’s next military commitment ... with unusual support
France and the United Kingdom, which spearheaded the diplomatic push in the Security Council for the implementation of a no-fly zone, received unusual but certainly very welcome support. According to a further unnamed AFP source, the Council confirmed that Qatar and the UAE will join the international effort.

Denmark:

http://www.cphpost.dk/news/international/89-international/51229-denmark-ready-for-action-against-gaddafi.html">Denmark ready for action against Gaddafi
Espersen will discuss the resolution “as soon as possible” with the other political parties.

“We’re ready to take action immediately, and that includes ensuring prompt treatment of the resolution in parliament, so that Denmark can deploy its four F-16 fighter jets,” she said.

France:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/world/africa/19libya.html?src=twrhp">Following U.N. Vote, France Vows Libya Action ‘Soon’
UNITED NATIONS — Only hours after the United Nations Security Council voted to authorize military action, including airstrikes against Libyan tanks and heavy artillery and impose a no-flight zone to try to avert a rout of rebels by forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. French officials said on Friday that military action would start “within a few hours” and news reports said British and French warplanes would spearhead the attack.

Italy:

http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE72G2HE20110317">Italy to make bases available for Libya no-fly zone-source
TUNIS, March 17 (Reuters) - Italy is ready to make its military bases available to enforce a U.N. Security Counci resolution imposing a no-fly zone on Libya, an Italian government source told Reuters on Thursday.

United Kingdom:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12770467">Libya: UK forces prepare after UN no-fly zone vote
UK forces are preparing to help enforce a no-fly zone over Libya after the UN backed "all necessary measures", short of an invasion, to protect civilians.

United States:

http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/nations-draw-up-plans-for-no-fly-zone-over-libya-1.2765122">Nations draw up plans for no-fly zone over Libya
The United States, France and Britain were making plans Friday to prevent Moammar Gadhafi's forces from attacking Libyans after the U.N. Security Council authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and "all necessary measures" to protect civilians.

Jordan:

http://www.smh.com.au/world/military-strikes-on-libya-within-hours-20110318-1bzii.html?from=smh_sb">Military strikes on Libya 'within hours'
Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will join international forces ready to enforce the no-fly zone, US Congress and UN diplomatic sources say.

"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. Who are the 'tigers' now? Bombing your own people.)

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".

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. Current Time in Libya, 12:01am, Friday, March 19

[joshcryer]

24. Correction: it's Saturday in Libya. Sorry. Current time is 2:30am right now.

[gateley]

2. K&R! Who needs AJE? We've got joshcryer and pinboy3niner! You guys rock! nt

[gateley]

3. You know, this country is really a surprise - I never would have thought that

the Libyans would revolt. Maybe it's because I wasn't very familiar w/the goings on there. We're watching the WORLD change!

[hardcover]

4. I hope the change is for the better

The change that came to Iran was not so good and so I worry. It may sound strange to pray to God for something to be secular, but I pray the change will be a secular government.

[joshcryer]

5. There's a lot of unification happening, my major worry is how black Africans are going to fare.

Gaddafi has fomented a race war and it's subtle in a lot of the reports out of that region. I haven't discussed it because it is not important now, but it will be for the future development of Libya.

[Posteritatis]

6. Yeah, the Chadian ambassador's going to be feeling awkward in the event the rebels win. (nt)

[pinboy3niner]

7. Welcome back, Josh!

Good to have you back. MSM has lots more coverage of Libya today, even with the crisis in Japan.

I'm sure you'll catch up quickly. Bottom line is nobody's buying Gaddafi's 'ceasefire' ploy. But watch Yemen and Bahrain--things are heating up there.

[joshcryer]

8. Thanks! I'll be doing a post push in about 45 minutes, I have to get dinner ready and whatnot.

Utterly hilarious about the cease fire and I'm glad no one bought it (well there appeared to be one or two DUers who bought it but yeah).

[joshcryer]

9. Libya Alhurra posts some videos:

These two have English in them but not entirely:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASz0xKG4NL4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7OtF3S5nvw

Last one is all English:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWUNg8sARwA

[joshcryer]

10. This is 100% proof that Gaddafi was firing after cease fire.

[joshcryer]

11. Confronting Gadhafi Is Not Enough (Tony Blair, ugh, defending relationship with Gaddafi)

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704608504576208422758487168.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">Confronting Gadhafi Is Not Enough
The crisis in Libya has forced back onto the agenda all the tough choices of modern-day foreign policy. Should we intervene? Do we do so for moral reasons or for national interests? How do we balance the need for a policy that is strong, assertive and well articulated with the desire not to appear over-mighty and arrogant?

In today's world, the distinction between moral outrage and strategic interests can be false. In the Middle East, where our strategic interests are dramatically and profoundly engaged, it is unlikely that the effect of a regime going rogue and brutalizing its own people will remain isolated within its own borders.

If Moammar Gadhafi were allowed to kill large numbers of Libyans to quash the hope of a different Libya, we could end up with a pariah government at odds with the international community—wounded but still alive and dangerous. We would send a signal of Western impotence in a region that analyzes such signals keenly. We would dismay those agitating for freedom, boosting opposition factions hostile to us.

This underlines another point: Inaction is also a decision, a policy with consequence. The wish to keep out of it all is entirely understandable, but it is every bit as much a decision as acting.

It's a must read, I'd cut choice quotes but I'm lazy. :P

[gateley]

13. Yeah, you're a slacker, all right.

:rofl:

[joshcryer]

12. Libya cease-fire aims to outflank no-fly zone

http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=14275829">Libya cease-fire aims to outflank no-fly zone
Trying to outmaneuver Western military intervention, Moammar Gadhafi's government declared a cease-fire on Friday against the rebel uprising faltering against his artillery, tanks and warplanes. The opposition said shells rained down well after the announcement and accused the Libyan leader of lying.

Wary of the cease-fire, Britain and France took the lead in plans to enforce a no-fly zone, sending British warplanes to the Mediterranean and announcing a crisis summit in Paris with the U.N. and Arab allies. In Washington, President Barack Obama ruled out the use of American ground troops but warned that the U.S., which has an array of naval and air forces in the region, would join in military action.

There should be no doubt about the Libyan leader's intentions "because he has made them clear," Obama said. "Just yesterday, speaking of the city of Benghazi, a city of roughly 700,000, he threatened 'we will have no mercy and no pity.' No mercy on his own citizens."

In a joint statement to Gadhafi late Friday, the United States, Britain and France - backed by unspecified Arab countries - said a cease-fire must begin "immediately" in Libya, the French presidential palace said.

[pinboy3niner]

14. A dumb coment from The Guardian:

They've done a very good job covering Libya, but they've really missed the boat here:


10.27pm:

How committed is the US to actively participating in the UN-sanctioned use of force against Libya? Yahoo's Laura Rozen has disturbing details of a meeting today between Obama and congressional leaders:

Obama told Congressional leaders that "he had not authorised troops on the ground or airplanes," a staffer to one of the Congress members briefed Friday said on condition of anonymity. "He stressed the US is diplomatically supporting the no-fly zone, not the enforcement itself."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/18/libya-military-action-live-updates


"Disturbing"? Hardly. Rather than a question of commitment, it's a matter of how the U.S. role will be perceived.

The President's statement today suggested to me that the U.S. will not be the "point of the spear" in the UN operation. That it will not be U.S. warplanes attacking, but that the U.S. will have an important supportive role (with AWACS, carriers, and probably a lot more).

This would be a very smart move by President Obama--to not have AMERICAN warplanes attacking an Arab/Muslim country. After all, we're not the only country with warplanes, and Gaddafi constantly accuses the U.S. of subversion in Libya through the CIA.

Even now, I'm hearing Chris Matthews on MSNBC framing his questions to his guest, "Are we going in to...." From the President's statement, it sounds to me like "we're" not "going in." It looks to me like "we're" participating, but in a supportive role.

Looks like a very good call by President Obama.

[joshcryer]

18. Completely agree, I'm very impressed with how Obama has handled it.

While I wish actions happened sooner it was probably a diplomatic win to wait for the Arab League (with pressure, likely) to say something and act toward implementing a NFZ. Now if only Obama can get us out of Iraq and Afghanistan he will be truly great.

[pinboy3niner]

39. It was the ONLY way to go, Josh

Unilateral action by the U.S. would only be justifiable as a last resort, if the Gaddafi regime began to move to REAL wholesale slaughter of civilians in Libyan cities. Absent that, U.S. action would be universally condemned.

So the Obama Administration worked to line up support for a UN resolution, especially from the Arab Legue. It was a slow process, but a necessary one. Legal authority --by UN action--was essential.

When the memoirs are published, the story won't be as dramatic as 'The Missiles of October,' but it will be quite a story.

[joshcryer]

40. Agree.

Always love your input pinboy3niner!

[pinboy3niner]

15. The Guardian's summary of Friday's events:

• At least 45 people appear to have been killed in Yemen after security forces – including some said to be snipers – opened fire in Sana'a. A government minister resigned and quit the ruling party of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

• President Obama warned in a televised statement supporting the UN resolution against Libya's Gaddafi regime: "Let me be clear: these terms are not negotiable. These terms are not subject to negotiation."

• Gaddafi's forces continue to close in on Benghazi, while fighting continued to be heard in and around Mizrata, despite statements by Libyan ministers saying that government forces were abiding by a ceasefire announced earlier.

• In Bahrain the government ordered the destruction of the statue within Pearl Square that had been a symbol of protests in the Gulf state. Foreign minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said the army destroyed the monument because "it was a bad memory."


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/18/libya-military-action-live-updates

[catchnrelease]

16. Kick

[pinboy3niner]

17. PLEASE KICK & REC FOR VISIBILITY. THANKYOU. *YOUROCK*

[pinboy3niner]

19. "No bombardment of any kind" by government forces in Libya since the ceasefire, LOL!

How dumb do they think we are? Despite the fact that news media aired, LIVE, eyewitness phone interviews with the sounds of heavy shelling by Gaddafi forces in the background AFTER the regime's 'ceasefire' announcement, the Bagdad Bobs in Tripoli continure to deny the truth:

11:13pm

Reuters quotes the Libyan deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaim as saying there has been "no bombardment of any kind" by government forces in Libya since the "ceasefire" was announced earlier today.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18

[joshcryer]

20. American Official Warns That Qaddafi May Lash Out With New Terrorist Attacks

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/world/africa/19terror.html?_r=2&">American Official Warns That Qaddafi May Lash Out With New Terrorist Attacks
The official, John O. Brennan, said that the military attacks on civilians ordered in recent days by Libya’s leader, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, coupled with his track record as a sponsor of terrorism, had heightened worries within the administration as an international coalition threatens military action against Libya.

Asked if American officials feared whether Colonel Qaddafi could open a new terrorism front, Mr. Brennan said: “Qaddafi has the penchant to do things of a very concerning nature. We have to anticipate and be prepared for things he might try to do to flout the will of the international community.”

Among the threats the United States is focusing on is Libya’s stockpile of deadly mustard gas, he said.

Mr. Brennan spoke to reporters after addressing the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University Law School in Manhattan. The center is named for Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., who died in 1997 and was no relation to Mr. Brennan.

[joshcryer]

21. Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi continued to advance towards Benghazi despite ceasefire

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19#update-15611">12:33am A US national security official on Friday said forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, continued to advance towards the eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi despite the ceasefire proclamation.

[joshcryer]

22. Rebels in Benghazi braced amid rumours that pro-Gaddafi forces were within striking distance

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19#update-15616">12:40am Rebels in Benghazi braced amid rumours that pro-Gaddafi forces were within striking distance of the city and planning an evening assault. Hundreds of men, some on pick-up trucks mounted with machine-guns, flooded out of the city in response to a call from the rebel-run radio to man their posts.

[joshcryer]

23. Gerard Araud said he expects military intervention in Libya within hours of a Paris summit Saturday

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19#update-15621">1:48am Gerard Araud, the French envoy to the UN, said he expects military intervention in Libya within hours of a Paris summit on Saturday.

[joshcryer]

25. Canada poised to send fighter jets to Libya

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/956042--canada-poised-to-send-fighter-jets-to-libya">Canada poised to send fighter jets to Libya
OTTAWA — Canada is poised to send in fighter jets to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya, defence sources told The Canadian Press.

Six CF-18 fighter-bombers are being readied at Canadian Forces Base Bagotville, Que. and are expected to deploy overseas once the Harper government gives the official green light.

Their mission will be to enforce the no-fly zone that the United Nations Security Council authorized Thursday night, the sources said.

The vote in the 15-member council was 10-0 with five abstentions, including Russia and China.

[Egnever]

26. Awesome post!

Thanks for the time you took on this.

[joshcryer]

27. @tripolitanian tweets:

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

[joshcryer]

28. Despite supposed cease-fire, today's death-toll may be the highest yet

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/48904985664159744">@Tripolitanian
Libyan
Despite supposed cease-fire, today's death-toll may be the highest yet | #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes
4 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

29. from #libya fbook group, must read :) : ATTENTION PLEASE! IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT!

http://twitter.com/#!/IbnOmar2005/status/48904494649585664">@IbnOmar2005
Ibn Omar
from #libya fbook group, must read :) : ATTENTION PLEASE! IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT! - WE ARE GETTING A LOT OF CON… (cont) http://www.tweetdeck.com/twitter/IbnOmar2005/~PWg6p
8 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

30. This is absolutely ridiculous, 100s have been killed in #Ajdabiya today, many women and children

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/48904145725423616">@Tripolitanian
Libyan
This is absolutely ridiculous, 100s have been killed in #Ajdabiya today, many women and children - some houses completely destroyed
10 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

31. More than 24hrs later, still don't have a #NFZ over #Libya

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/48894621861937152">@Tripolitanian
Libyan
More than 24hrs later, still don't have a #NFZ over #Libya
49 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

41. #Gaddafi is pretty mad about the #NFZ, he's starting to panic, and has taken some drastic measures

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/48907856526843904">@Tripolitanian
Libyan
#Gaddafi is pretty mad about the #NFZ, he's starting to panic, and has taken some drastic measures
20 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

42. He's locked up officers in the army barracks (this is confirmed in Tripoli, unsure on other cities)

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/48908030045192193">@Tripolitanian
Libyan
He's locked up many of his army officers in the army barracks (this is confirmed in Tripoli, unsure about other cities)
19 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

43. Basically they can't leave their the army barrack or they will be shot for committing "treason"

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/48908232214855680">@Tripolitanian
Libyan
Basically they can't leave their the army barrack or they will be shot for committing "treason"
19 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

44. There were rumours that this lead to mutiny, hence gunshots heard in Tripoli, but unconfirmed

http://twitter.com/#!/Tripolitanian/status/48908329732419585">@Tripolitanian
Libyan
There were rumours that this lead to mutiny, hence gunshots heard in Tripoli - but that is still unconfirmed
19 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

45. I hope the above tweets are true, Tripolitanian is usually accurate.

[joshcryer]

32. @iyad_elbaghdadi tweets:

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

[joshcryer]

33. Strategic note: Gaddafi forces always break in face to face fighting.

http://twitter.com/#!/iyad_elbaghdadi/status/48906522390040577">@iyad_elbaghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi
Strategic note: since the beginning of the conflict (even in Azawiya), Gaddafi forces always break in face to face fighting. #Libya
3 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

34. My comment, yep. They're cowards. Use west-provided weaponry to attack.

Can't do a face to face battle within range of small arms. Not that you can blame the tyrants, if you have advanced weapons you use them, that's basic war tactic.

[joshcryer]

35. Gaddafi advanced by mass bombing followed by armor. Whenever it gets close quarter, his troops suck.

http://twitter.com/#!/iyad_elbaghdadi/status/48906788589944832">@iyad_elbaghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi
Gaddafi has only advanced by mass bombing followed by armor movements. Whenever it gets to close quarters, his troops do poorly. #Libya
4 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

36. Gaddafi troops also flee rather than suffer heavy losses. We've seen this since Azzawiya.

http://twitter.com/#!/iyad_elbaghdadi/status/48906982685544448">@iyad_elbaghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi
Gaddafi troops also flee rather than suffer heavy losses. We've seen this since Azzawiya. #Libya
4 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

37. Being a merc army, they're very sensitive to human losses. Merc's want money, they don't want to die

http://twitter.com/#!/iyad_elbaghdadi/status/48907236650651648">@iyad_elbaghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi
Being a mercenary army, Gaddafi is very sensitive to human losses. Mercenaries want money, they don't want to die. #Libya
4 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

38. Misurata still repelling Gaddafi attacks, but things are getting difficult supplies-wise

http://twitter.com/#!/iyad_elbaghdadi/status/48901170265198592">@iyad_elbaghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi
Misurata still successfully repelling Gaddafi attacks, but things are getting difficult supplies-wise. #Libya
32 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

46. Gaddafi said there was no justification for the UN resolution aimed at ending violence in Libya.

3:05am Speaking after the response by Moussa Koussa, Libya's foreign minister, on Friday, Gaddafi said there was no justification for the UN resolution aimed at ending violence in Libya.

This is blatant colonialism. It does not have any justification. This will have serious consequences on the Mediterranean and on Europe. In 2011 they are colonising us, massacring us, and imposing one no-fly zone after the other and one military attack after another. What is this racism? What is this hatred?

[joshcryer]

47. UAE sends 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Libyan refugees

http://www.sify.com/news/uae-sends-40-tonnes-of-humanitarian-aid-to-libyan-refugees-news-international-ldsxkegffie.html">UAE sends 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Libyan refugees
Abu Dhabi, March 18 (IANS/WAM) About 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid has been provided by the United Arab Emirates to the refugees camping at the Libyan-Tunisian border.

An aircraft carrying the humanitarian aid reached Garba Airport in Tunisia Thursday.


According to UAE Relief Team leader Abdul Rehman Abdulaziz, the planeload which consisted of medicines, medical material, food and tents, was part of the airlift between the UAE and Tunisia to improve the humanitarian condition of people who were displaced by the violence in Libya to the Libyan-Tunisian border.


'The UAE humanitarian operation on the Libyan-Tunisian border town to help thousands of stranded people is being coordinated with the Tunisian Red Crescent, the Red Cross and international agencies,' he added.

[joshcryer]

48. Guy following radio broadcasts on twitter telling of military airforce movements:

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

[joshcryer]

49. Danish parliament votes for war in Libya (translated)

http://borsen.dk/nyheder/weekend_og_nat/natteside/artikel/ritzau/3/CHR-291317.html">Danish parliament votes for war in Libya
For the first time facing a united parliament behind a Danish participation in war.

This has lots of Christiansborg taken a historic step when they voted late Friday to the government's motion on a Danish military contribution to international military action in Libya.

It said Foreign Minister Lene Espersen.

- It's a decision that resonates because we quickly decided to intervene. We have placed a strong emphasis that although we are not the largest country, then we have the will to intervene, said Lene Espersen.

[joshcryer]

50. Libya no-fly zone: UK aircraft (PICS)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12785746">Libya no-fly zone: UK aircraft


The RAF's Typhoon, or Eurofighter, is an agile aircraft which could be used in air-to-air combat if the Libyan airforce tries to get airborne.


The Tornado has been one of the mainstays of the RAF since first entering service in 1980 and the aircraft were used to enforce no-fly zones in Iraq.


Nimrod R1 reconnaissance aircraft, derivative of the maritime patrol version, are expected to be involved in surveillance operations.


The Sentinel R1 aircraft, used in intelligence operations in Afghanistan, is also expected to be used in any Libya mission.

[joshcryer]

51. World leaders clarify Libyan military plans (Spain is on board now, so that's 12 countries):

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/18/libya.world.response/index.html">World leaders clarify Libyan military plans
Spain will offer NATO the use of two military bases and provide air and naval forces for use in operations involving Libya, Spanish Defense Minister Carme Chacon said Friday in Madrid.

First I saw of this.

[joshcryer]

52. Nice documentary on the history Libya, very touching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA9odJ4KPzI

[joshcryer]

53. OH MY GOD. Libya Alhurra LIVE, Benghazi being bombed!

http://www.livestream.com/libya17feb

[joshcryer]

54. France sees Libya armed action within hours

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/20113191336346695.html">France sees Libya armed action within hours
France, which along with Britain has been leading a drive for military intervention, will host a meeting on Saturday on Libya which will be attended by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Arab leaders.

"Tomorrow we will have a summit in Paris with all the major participants in the operations and in the diplomatic effort. So I think it would be a good moment to send the last signal," the French ambassador to the United Nations told BBC's Newsnight.

"So I guess that after this summit, I think that in the coming hours, I think we will go to launch the military intervention," Ambassador Gerard Araud said.

Obama made clear any military action would aim to change conditions across Libya -- rather than just in the rebel-held east -- by calling on Gaddafi''s forces to pull back from the western cities of Az Zawiyah and Misurata as well as from the east.

Yeah, well. We'll see.

[joshcryer]

55. Large explosions were heard in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi early on Saturday

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19">6:49am Large explosions were heard in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, the rebel stronghold, early on Saturday, a Reuters witness said.

A fighter jet could be heard over the city, the witness said, adding that the explosions were strong enough to shake a building.

[joshcryer]

56. The explosions started about 2am Gaddafi's forces are advancing, we hear they're 20kms from Benghazi

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19">7:29am "The explosions started about 2 a.m. Gaddafi's forces are advancing, we hear they're 20kms from Benghazi," Faraj Ali, a local resident, said.

"It's land-based fire. We saw one aircraft," he added.

[Turborama]

57. NYT: Qaddafi and His Forces Warned on War Crimes (& new map)...

NYT article in this OP: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4777913

Map dated March 18 (I'll copy and upload the March 19 one when NYT put it online)...

[pinboy3niner]

58. Kick

[joshcryer]

59. Day 30 part 2:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x687641