Libya

[soliloquy76.livejournal.com]

It appears that Tripoli is close to being taken by Libyan opposition forces. By the time you read this, Libya could very well be free from Moammar Gadhafi's rule. It's been a long time coming, and thanks to the "Arab Spring" and help from NATO forces, we could see a new democracy in the middle east soon.

As I'm writing this, many key areas in the city are held by rebels and two of Gadhafi's sons have been arrested. Gadhafi was defiant, but is now calling for a ceasefire and talks. The rebels are saying they will cease hostilities if Gadhafi steps down and leaves the country. In the last 12 hours, at least 1300 people have been killed in the assault on Tripoli.

The problem, as I see it, is what happens afterward. Are these rebels ready and able to run an entire country? What are the demographics of Libya, and specifically of the rebels? Are they looking for a secular government, an Islamic theocracy, something in the middle? NATO's commitment to this rebellion means that it will likely be involved in the regime change process, but to what extent and what end?

I'll try to update this post as major events occur.

Update 1 (11:35PM GMT): Rebels take Green Square in central Tripoli, rename it Martyr's Square.
Update 2 (12:35AM GMT): People celebrating in the street, Libya State TV building taken by rebels according to Al Jazeera.
Update 3 (02:25AM GMT): Obama issues "strongly worded statement" to Gadhafi to step down and stop the bloodshed.
Update 4 (07:45AM GMT):

• Three of Gadhafi's sons are now in custody, one is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity.
• Gadhafi's compound (Bab al-Aziziya) was attacked by rebels and tanks are sent out shortly after.
• Analysts are suggesting oil prices will fall gradually over the next few months once Gadhafi is out of power.

Update 5 (05:05PM GMT): This crazy bitch has been captured.
Update 6 (06:00PM GMT): Gadhafi's son, Mohammed, flees house arrest, Obama prepares to speak live

^{image source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/18/libya.timeline/index.html}

Comments

[soliloquy76.livejournal.com]

Yes, according to the reports I've seen, he is in custody. He is the one that's wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity for his part in the attacks against the Libyan people earlier this year.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/21/icc.saif.gadhafi/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

[htpcl.livejournal.com]

I remember him coining the "rats" meme, when he was the mouthpiece of his daddy. Calling people rats should be added to the list of crimes against humanity! UN, where are you sleeping?

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Calling people rats

... is a compliment. Sociable, intelligent, affectionate, survivors.

[htpcl.livejournal.com]

Also, dogs. I don't get it, why is "dog" such a bad word in Arab culture? It's a magnificent creature!

[dv8nation.livejournal.com]

Dogs lick their balls in public. 'Nuff said.

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Q: Why do dogs lick their balls?

A: Because they can.

[a-new-machine.livejournal.com]

So, they're just jealous?

[dv8nation.livejournal.com]

In the Middle East you're note supposed to jerk off even in private. How could they not be jealous?

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

Because Islam hates dogs and sees them as unclean scavengers.

[htpcl.livejournal.com]

Cats aren't very different, and yet Islam worships them.

[mintogrubb.livejournal.com]

Not exactly , nor do they worship Mohamed, their Greatest Prophet - but he did own a cat, and this is the reason, I suspect, for feline acceptance among Muslims. Cats do kill rats and other vermin and are perceived as cleaner than the dogs. cats were venerated in Ancient Egypt, but not in modern Islam.

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

That's because Muhammad was a cat man and because all ancient societies despised dogs as menaces. The Bible's not particularly fond of dogs, either.

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_animals#Dogs

Apropos...

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/2896

[htpcl.livejournal.com]

According to today's reports, Saif Al-Islam is pretty safe in Tripoli, not arrested, and is talking defiantly against the "rats" and the "imperialists". A matter of time, though.