Libyan Violence May Break Into at Least Two States

[Comrade Grumpy]

Source: Associated Press

LIBYA's leader has acknowledged that his government has failed to act quickly to restore stability, just as at least 20 people were killed in tribal battles in a southern city. The deadly clashes underlined the fragile nature of Libya after the fall of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The central government has been unable to impose its authority even in the capital, and Libya is ruled instead by squabbling tribes and militias.

Libya's National Transitional Council chief Mustafa Abdul-Jalil was welcomed as a well-intentioned figure when he took over from Gaddafi last year. Even he agrees now with critics that his government is not providing strong enough leadership.

"I am not satisfied with the performance of the government or the NTC, because it is too slow in making decisions and is weak and lacks confidence in its decision making," Abdul-Jalil told The Associated Press on Monday, during a visit to the eastern city of Benghazi.

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Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/libyan-violence-may-break-into-at-least-two-states/story-e6frf7lf-1226311632046

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Benghazi breaking away...

Armed conflict in the south...

Villagers acting as border guards...

Unpaid militiamen holding the Tripoli airport...

[Eugene]

1. Reuters: Militia clashes in southern Libya kill nearly 50

Source: Reuters

Militia clashes in southern Libya kill nearly 50

By Taha Zargoun

TRIPOLI | Tue Mar 27, 2012 3:31pm EDT

(Reuters) - Three days of clashes between rival militias in southern Libya spread to the centre of the country's fourth largest city Sabha on Tuesday despite the deployment of army troops trying to stop the violence which has so far killed nearly 50 people.

The clashes highlight the problems the government faces in imposing its authority following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi last year.

Fighting between gunmen from Sabha and those from the Tibu ethnic group had reached the centre of the city, said Ibrahim Misbah, a doctor at the main hospital.

An Interior Ministry official said the army had sent 300 soldiers stationed in southern Libya to help calm the situation on Monday. Another 300 soldiers left Tripoli on Tuesday to assist, he added.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/27/us-libya-clashes-idUSBRE82Q15K20120327

[msongs]

2. Libya has always been a tribal society united only by rule of force. Let it break into tribal bits

[David__77]

3. "Let it?" That's a joke... US/NATO are responsible.

They came in and crushed the Libyan state with thousands of bombs, and now the Western elites sit back and act surprised.