Libyan Revolution Day 29 part 2 (UN votes for NFZ, revolutionaries fight for their lives @ Misurata)

[joshcryer]

Links to sites with updates: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-18">AJE Live Blog March 18 (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=439x674615">Day 29 part 1 here.

Revolutionaries use pickup trucks to fight

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."

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".

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

[joshcryer]

1. Current time in Libya is 12:46pm Friday, March 18

[joshcryer]

2. Friday is Islam day of peace:

http://bit.ly/eDmoCC

Gaddafi bombs Misurata today.

[pinboy3niner]

3. Misurata: "It's the heaviest bombardment I have seen so far"

The Guardian:

10.35am:

Reuters has more on the "bombardment" of the rebel-held Misrata this morning.

Anti-Gaddafi rebel Saadoun told the news agency tanks and heavy artillery had been used, reinforcing earlier reports from the Al Arabiya news channel.

"There have been heavy bombardments since 7 o'clock (0500 GMT) this morning. They are bombing everything, the houses, the centre of the city," Saadoun told Reuters from the city.

"It's the heaviest bombardment I have seen so far."

The attack began hours after the UN Security Council passed a resolution endorsing a no-fly zone and military attacks on Gaddafi's forces to protect civilians.

"We believe they (Gaddafi's forces) want to enter the city at any cost before the international community starts implementing the UN resolution," Saadoun told Reuters.

"On behalf of all the people of Misrata, the women, the children and the elderly, we call on the international community to do something before it's too late. They must act now," he said. "They already failed us before and were late in taking a decision, they should not repeat the same mistake."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/18/libya-middle-east-bahrain-saudi-arabia

[joshcryer]

4. pinboy3niner, got to get to work, thanks for all your help here.

Best wishes to the Revolutionaries. May the battles be swift and sure.

And here's to hoping Gaddafi lays down arms and surrenders as per the UN resolution.

[pinboy3niner]

5. CNN's Nic Robertson: Attack on Misurata "already a violation of UN resolution"

Live on-air report moments ago.

[joshcryer]

6. Bam. That's so true! Wow. I guess the whole "cease fire" thing was garbage.

[pinboy3niner]

7. "Fire is indiscriminate...hitting homes, mosques, med ctrs. ...unable to rescue..."

AJE reports:

Resident of Misurata tells us that the city is still under heavy attacks from Gaddafi brigades, attacking from both the east and the west of the city. The forces have made some success advancing from the eastern side of the city, and the fire is indiscriminate ... hitting homes, mosques, and medical centres. Medical teams are unable to reach fighting areas and rescue those in need of medical help.

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

[pinboy3niner]

8. #unhcr staff on Tunisian border said they hear heavy gunfire coming from #Libya

Sybella Wilkes, from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Geneva tweets:

@SybellaWilkes #unhcr staff on Tunisian border said they hear heavy gunfire coming from #Libya

[pinboy3niner]

9. British PM: Tornado & Typhoon aircraft to move to bases in the "coming hours" to start action

The Guardian:

11.11am:

In the "coming hours" Tornado and Typhoon aircraft will move to airbases where they will "start to take the necessary action", the prime minister says

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/18/libya-middle-east-bahrain-saudi-arabia

[pinboy3niner]

10. UK opposition "will support the government" on Libya

The Guardian:

11.15am:

Ed Miliband is now speaking. He says the opposition will support the government, while "asking the questions" that the public wants asked.

Miliband says it would be quite wrong for the UK to "stand by and do nothing". He asks the PM what plans are being made to allow the continued provision of humanitarian assistance in Libya, specifically to Benghazi.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/18/libya-middle-east-bahrain-saudi-arabia

[pinboy3niner]

15. Interesting take--Tony Blair's Iraq War in play in UK discussions on Libya

From The Guardian:

11.46am:

Mark Tran says that "Cameron was at pains to emphasise the legal basis for military action in Libya, as if to draw the clear contrast with Tony Blair and the dubious legal grounds for the war in Iraq".

More from Mark:

Cameron said the third and essential condition for intervention was that there should be a clear and legal base.

"That was is why along with France, Lebanon and the United States we worked hard to draft appropriate language which could command the support of the international community."

He went on: "The attorney general has been consulted and the government is satisfied that there is a clear and unequivocal legal basis for the deployment of UK forces and military assets.

On the operational side, Cameron told the House that he and the defence secretary had instructed the chief of defence staff to work urgently with Britain's allies to put in place the appropriate military measures to enforce the UN resolution.

"And I can tell the House that Britain will deploy Tornadoes and Typhoons as well as air-refuelling and surveillance aircraft. Preparations to deploy these aircraft have already started and in the coming hours they will move to air bases from where they can start to take the necessary action."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/18/libya-middle-east-bahrain-saudi-arabia

[pinboy3niner]

11. Free Libya revolutionary fighters attack 2 gov't positions near Tunisian border

This probably is the fighting UNHRC staff reported hearing. AJE reports:

1:29pm

Pro-democracy fighters have attacked government positions near the western town of Nalut and the border with Tunisia on Friday morning, a fighter said.

"From four in the morning (0200 GMT) we attacked two centres where Gaddafi's forces are positioned near the town of Nalut and close to the Tunisian border," a pro-democracy fighter in Nalut told Reuters by phone.

Four government soldiers and one rebel figher were killed in the fighting, he said, adding the rebels had captured 18 soldiers.

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

[pinboy3niner]

12. Denmark sending six F16s and a transport carrier to enforce Libya NFZ--The Guardian

11.48am:

Lars Eriksen, an ex-Guardian colleague in Copehagen, emails to tell us that Denmark is planning to send seven aircraft (six F16s and one transport carrier) to be stationed at bases in southern Europe in preparation for any action against Libya.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/18/libya-middle-east-bahrain-saudi-arabia

[pinboy3niner]

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

[steve2470]

14. latest from AJE:

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

1:29pm

Pro-democracy fighters have attacked government positions near the western town of Nalut and the border with Tunisia on Friday morning, a fighter said.

"From four in the morning (0200 GMT) we attacked two centres where Gaddafi's forces are positioned near the town of Nalut and close to the Tunisian border," a pro-democracy fighter in Nalut told Reuters by phone.

Four government soldiers and one rebel figher were killed in the fighting, he said, adding the rebels had captured 18 soldiers.

[gateley]

49. Wow. nt

[pinboy3niner]

16. Yemen: Dozens reported killed, hundreds injured by security forces

The UK's The Guardian reports:

The Guardian's Tom Finn is at a mosque in the city, and says he has counted 17 dead people being brought into the building wrapped in blankets. "The doctor says double that in the hospital," Tom tweets.


Al Jazeera English is reporting that up to 30 people have been killed and 200 injured after security forces opened fire in Sana'a.


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

(At 12.12pm timestamp)

[meow mix]

17. i wish the ghadafi lovers cared enough about people to even keep up with events,

they dont even know why intervention is needed. pathetic fucks.


go rebels.

[pinboy3niner]

18. BREAKING: LIBYA ANNOUNCES HALT TO ALL MILITARY OPERATIONS - IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE

Just announced on CNN, no link yet.


EDIT:


Statement of Libya's Foreign Minister via AJE:


2:35pm

Libya's foreign minister:

Libya, after having seen the resolution, would like to explain the following.

As the country will try to deal with this resolution. Libya now has knowledge of this resolution, and according to article 25 of the UN charter, and taking into consideration that Libya is a full member of the UN, we accept that it is obliged to accept the security council resolution.

Therefore, Libya has decided an immediate ceasefire, and the stoppage of all military operations.

Libya takes great interest in protecting all civilians, and offering them all necessary humanitarian aid, and respecting all human rights, and obliging to the international and humanitarian laws and it is also obliged to protect all of the foreigners in Libya and protecting their assets.

In doing so, Libya is in accordance with the resolutions of the security council and the articles of the charter of the United Nations.

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

[pinboy3niner]

19. MORE of Libyan FM's statement:

We emphasise in the resolution 1973 for the year 2011, we emphasise and agree to the article regarding the protection of civilians and the territorial unity of Libya.

"And therefore, building on this, we are opening all dialogue channels with everyone interested in the territorial unity of Libya.

"And my country is very serious about continuing the development, economic, political, humanitarian and social development of the Libyan nation.

"And we have indeed taken serious steps in continuing this development for the good of the Libyan people. And we believe that this will take the country back to safety and security for all Libyans.

"We also express our sadness towards what the resolution has included, of procedures against the Libyan nation, such as the no-fly zone, which includes commercial and civilian flights.This will increase the suffering of the Libyan people, and will have a negative impact on the general life of Libyan people.

"The international community should have exempted civilians from the resolution to secure their quality of life.

"Also, the total and inclusive freezing of all Libyan assets and investments will have a very negative impact on normal Libyans and also on Libya's ability to fulfill its contracts locally and internationally.

"Libya also finds that its very strange that the UN allows in its resolution the use of military power and there are signs that this might indeed take place.

"This goes clearly against the UN Charter, and its a violation of the national sovereignty of Libya. And it's also in violation of Article 4(2) of the UN Charter.

"And finally, we insist and emphasise our request for all international governments, NGOs and others to check the facts on the ground by sending fact-finding missions so that they can take the right decision by seeing the facts on the ground.

"Thank you."

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

[pinboy3niner]

20. UK PM Cameron: We'll judge Gaddafi "by his actions, not his words"

Via AJE:

3:32pm

David Cameron, the UK's prime minister, says that the international community will judge Gaddafi's government by "his actions not his words". In comments to the BBC, he said:

We will judge him by his actions not his words. What is absolutely clear is the UN Security Council resolution said he must stop what he is doing, brutalising his people. If not, all necessary measures can follow to make him stop.

"That is what we agreed last night, that is what we are preparing for and we'll judge him by what he does."

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

[pinboy3niner]

21. "He's been lying to the world for 42 years" ...Misurata STILL under attack by Gaddafi's tanks!

--Resident of Misurata calling into CNN live, with sounds of Gaddafi's tanks shelling the city--moments ago!

Many casualties...caller begs world to bomb Gaddafi into submission and bring him to justice for all his crimes, all the killings he's done going back to 1969.

Call over.

Ceasefire, my ass! Gaddafi's forces are continuing their tank assault on Misurata.

[pinboy3niner]

22. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 4:35 PM FRIDAY, MARCH 18

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

[pinboy3niner]

23. Spain's PM: "International community not going to be fooled by Gaddafi regime"

From AJE:

4:11pm

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish prime minister, says the "international community is not going to be fooled by the Gaddafi regime".

One thing must be clear: the international community is not going to be fooled by the Gaddafi regime. The international community, with all the means it has available, will carry out the resolution to the letter."

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

[pinboy3niner]

24. No UK jets have taken off yet, but there are "hectic" mtgs going on--The Guardian

Our colleague, Richard Norton-Taylor, says according to his defence sources no UK jets have taken off yet from their home bases, but that hectic meetings are going on to decide where they will be deployed. Akrotiri in Cyprus is one obvious base.

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

[pinboy3niner]

25. WHAT ceasefire? asks Misurata resident while under attack by Gaddafi tanks

AJE reports:

4:50pm <10:50am EDT>

Abdul Basit Abu Muzairik, a resident of Misurata, tells Al Jazeera that government forces continue to shell the city, despite the announcement of the ceasefire.

Yes, there is shelling by the artillery and the tanks. Although they have been chased to the outskirts of the city, they continue to shell towards the centre of the city. It is still under the control of the revolutionaries and the whole city more or less is under their control."

Responding to a question about the ceasefire, he said:

What sort of ceasefire is he talking about? The ceasefire has not taken place. He is still continuing up till now to shell and kill the people in the city. He is trying to show the world that there are two equal forces fighting each other, while in fact he is shelling unarmed civilians, people living in the city without any protection are being severely harmed. And their homes, streets and commercial places as well as the hospitals have been severely damaged. A large number of people have been killed."

Regarding the no-fly zone imposed by a UN Security Council resolution:

It is very important for us, and I think what's more improtant for us now is to select targets of Gaddafi forces outside other cites and misurata as well ... and these forces are attacking civilian people committing aggression against civilians and they need to be stopped."

And finally, responding to a question about whether or not he believes that pro-democracy fighters can hold on to Misurata:

Yes, I do believe that we can hold on, because the people of the city are persistent and they are resiting the aggression with all their forces ... but he may kill more people ... but he will never break the will of the people in Misurata. There are 600,000 people in this city, and they are very determined, because they have strong faith in their cause beacuse they will not give up and they will not surrender."

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

[pinboy3niner]

26. President Obama to speak on Libya at 2pm EDT from the East Room

Just announced on CNN.

[pinboy3niner]

27. Yemen update: Doctors say 42 people killed, more than 300 injured

Reuters via The Guardian:

The news agency reported President Ali Abdullah Saleh had said armed groups rather than the police were behind the violence.

Reports have suggested Yemeni security forces and unidentified snipers had opened fire on the crowds after Muslim prayers in the capital, Sana'a.

The interior ministry put the death toll at 25, Reuters said, but doctors said 42 people had died and at least 300 were injured. Moh

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

[pinboy3niner]

28. Another Gaddafi regime 'Baghdad Bob' lies through his teeth:

From The Guardian:

4.32pm:

Despite all evidence to the contrary, the Libyan government has claimed that it has started the ceasefire and wants Turkey and Malta to "supervise and help implement the ceasefire". Government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim told Reuters:

"Libya has already implemented the ceasefire. We have not carried out any military operations today on Misrata or anywhere else in the country."

< :puke: >

He added

"We don't know who to reach at the (U.N.) Security Council to work out the technicalities of the ceasefire. That is the problem at the moment which we are trying to resolve."


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


Maybe he could get through if he tried friending someone at the UN on FB, lol. If he thinks their only problem is figuring out whom to talk to at the UN, I suspect he's going to have a very rude awakening soon...

[CommonSensePLZ]

29. Things are really getting interesting now - stick a fork in it, Gaddafis

Your goose is nearly cooked.

[Iterate]

30. Translated: BREAKING comprehensive update from eyewitness cameraman in Misratah today

Mawan Al Misrati from Misratah. I was in the battle from from 30 mins ago. I was there for 4 hours. Today Gaddafi’s forces expanded their action in the city. They managed to enter the city but the revos managed to stop them. Some of their vehicles, because they brought in tanks and snipers were cornered and didn’t know to escape. So they started shooting randomly and shelling the buildings and the areas they entered from.

They entered from Benghazi and Tripoli, they also entered from Borwayya which we call the coastal highway. This means they entered from East, West and South. After that, the revos managed to stop the guys coming in from Borwayya area. The tanks managed to reach Al Jazeera area which is 10km away from the centre of the city where two of the tanks were destroyed. After that, the forces coming in from the west retreated to their bases outside the city. We can now hear random bombardments here in the outskirts of Misratah. We are approximately 5km away from the city centre. There was random shelling by the forces after they were cornered and they started shelling houses and residential areas. I was personally present near the People’s Hall where 8 shells landed continuously in less than 5 minutes. They were randomly and thankfully the media and press were with us and they too managed to record these shells landing. The shells were random and lethal. The residents were targeted and some of them died as martyrs at the hands of snipers. We were unable to collect their bodies due to the widespread of snipers and our inability pinpoint their positions due to their use of silencers, so you can’t hear where the shot is coming from or where they are.

Complete transcript:
http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/egypts-military-has-begun-shipping-arms-over-the-border-to-libyan-revolutionaries/

[pinboy3niner]

31. Thanks, Iterate, that's an EXCELLENT report!

Glad to have you back! :hi:

[Iterate]

38. Can't play and can't stay away, what's a poor boy to do?

[pinboy3niner]

39. Poor boy my ass! :)

LOL!

I have little sympathy for your predicament--just happy you're back. :)

You've made valuable contributions to the discussions. And, iirc, you've brought to bear some unique expertise regarding energy production, operations and facilities. That's something that can be especially helpful as this goes on.

Welcome back, Iterate. Buckle your seatbelt...

Love & Peace,
pinboy3niner

P.S.--I realize I owe you another reply...consider this it.

[pinboy3niner]

32. AFP: France does NOT want NATO involved in military action in Libya

Via AJE:

7:00pm

France does not want NATO involved in any UN-sanctioned military action in Libya, as it would not send the "right signal" for the bloc to be seen intervening in an Arab country.

French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero told AFP:

France's position on NATO has been constant since the beginning. We do not want NATO involved. We do not think it would be the right signal to send that NATO as such intervenes in an Arab nation. Allies have not taken a political position concerning NATO's involvement."



6:55pm

The European UNion will move to add Libya's National Oil Corporation to the list of those entities affected by economic sanctions, EU diplomats have told Reuters.

Meanwhile, Alain Juppe, the French foreign minister, says preparations to launch military strikes in Libya are complete. He also says that a ceasefire in Libya would have to cover the whole country, not just Benghazi.

Regarding the military strikes, he said:

We are ready, but I cannot give you more details.

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

[pinboy3niner]

33. AJE: Red Cross returns to Benghazi!

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says that improvements in security in Benghazi have allowed its team to return to the opposition stronghold. They had left two days ago, withdrawing expatriate aid workers to Tobruk.

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

[pinboy3niner]

34. The Guardian's summary of events today:

• The Libyan government announced a ceasefire in the face of the imminent threat of international military intervention. The statement by foreign minister, Mussa Kusa, came after France said airstrikes could be launched within hours in the wake of the resolution for a no-fly zone, passed by the UN security council.

• Despite the announcement, bombardment of opposition-held territory by Gaddafi's forces continued with 25 people killed in the eastern city of Misrata according to a doctor. The opposition council in Benghazi rejected the ceasefire amid the continued attacks and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton demanded to see "action on the ground", rather than just words.

• More than 40 people were reported killed and at least 300 injured in Yemen after Yemeni security forces and unidentified snipers opened fire on anti-government protesters after Muslim prayers in the capital, Sana'a. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the target of the demonstrators, responded by declaring a state of emergency. US president Barack Obama condemned the violence.

• There have been anti-government protests reported in Syria, including in the cities of Damascus, Homs, Dara and Banias.

• The Bahraini authorities have destroyed Pearl roundabout, where anti-government protesters camped for weeks before being violently removed. The giant white landmark over the roundabout was removed and the roundabout was left a mess of soil and debris.


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

[pinboy3niner]

35. IvetaCherneva&#8206; Gaddafi ceases fire? Not really! It's a bluff, says Misrata rebels commander

IvetaCherneva‎ Gaddafi ceases fire? Not really! It's a bluff, says Misrata rebels commander
News: #Misrata #libya #benghazi #gaddafi
Gaddafi ceases fire? It's a bluff, says Misrata rebels commander‎ - suite101.com

[pinboy3niner]

36. killings in Libya continue. No ceasfire #Misrata #libya #benghazi #gaddafi

IvetaCherneva‎ Video and news: killings in Libya continue. No ceasfire #Misrata #libya #benghazi #gaddafi

[pinboy3niner]

37. On the UN approval of a no-fly zone in Libya: A vote for humanity

The Monitor's View

On the UN approval of a no-fly zone in Libya: A vote for humanity


The United Nations Security Council's vote for military intervention in Libya will add to the world's lessons in knowing when and how to act in a nation's crisis.


By the Monitor's Editorial Board / March 18, 2011


Humanity should be proud of its humanity. On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council voted to authorize the use of outside force in Libya, a move designed to prevent a massacre of pro-democracy rebels and civilians in the city of Benghazi.

No matter what happens in Libya over coming days, the international community has now ventured further down a long learning curve. The UN, in passing Resolution 1973 on March 17, has better defined when the world will meddle in a sovereign nation to prevent mass deaths.

...


The big point with Libya is that humanity is on an upward path to act across borders to prevent mass slaughter. The 20th century was littered with examples of what happens without such action: the Holocaust, the mass famines in Mao’s China and Stalin’s Soviet Union, and the millions killed in Africa’s wars.

Step by step, the world’s people have shown a conscience to see the welfare of others as their own, and then mustered the political will to act. Knowing when or how to intervene isn’t easy. But nonetheless progress is being made toward higher ideals of humanity. The outcome in Libya is still unknown. But for the international community so far, the initial steps are in the right direction.


http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2011/0318/On-the-UN-approval-of-a-no-fly-zone-in-Libya-A-vote-for-humanity

[pinboy3niner]

40. FULL text of President Obama's remarks today on Libya:

(Courtesy of Al Jazeera)

Over the last several weeks, the world has watched events unfold in Libya with horror and alarm. Last month protesters took to the streets across the country to demand their universal rights and a government that is accountable to them and responsive to their aspirations.

"But they were met with an iron fist.

"Within days, whole parts of the country declared their independence from a brutal regime, and members of the government serving in Libya and abroad chose to align themselves with the forces of change. Muammar Gaddafi clearly lost the confidence of his own people and the legitimacy to lead.

"Instead of respecting the rights of his own people, Gaddafi chose the path of brutal suppression. Innocent civilians were beaten, imprisoned and in some cases killed. Peaceful protests were forcefully put down. Hospitals were attacked, and patients disappeared.

"A campaign of intimidation and repression began.

"In the face of this injustice, the United States and the international community moved swiftly. Sanctions were put in place by the United States and our allies and partners. The UN Security Council imposed further sanctions, an arms embargo and the spectre of international accountability for Gaddafi and those around him.

"Humanitarian assistance was positioned on Libya's borders, and those displaced by the violence received our help.

"Ample warning was given that Gaddafi needed to stop his campaign of repression, or be held accountable. The Arab League and the European Union joined us in calling for an end to violence.

"Once again, Gaddafi chose to ignore the will of his people and the international community. Instead he launched a military campaign against his own people. There should be no doubt about his intentions, because he himself has made them clear.

"For decades, he's demonstrated a willingness to use brute force through his sponsorship of terrorism against the American people and 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.

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

"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 Gaddafi regime accountable.

"Yesterday, in response to a call for action by the Libyan people and the Arab League, the UN Security Council passed a strong resolution that demands an end to the violence against citizens. It authorises the use of force with an explicit commitment to pursue all necessary measures to stop the killing, to include the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya.

"It also strengthens our sanctions, and the enforcement of an arms embargo against the Gaddafi regime.

"Now, once more, Muammar Gaddafi has a choice. The resolution that passed lays out very clear conditions that must be met. The United States, the United Kingdom, France and Arab states agree that a ceasefire must be implemented immediately. That means all attacks against civilians must stop. Gaddafi must stop his troops from advancing on Benghazi, pull them back from Ajdabiyah, Misurata and Az Zawiyah, and establish water, electricity and gas supplies to all areas.

"Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to reach the people of Libya.

"Let me be clear: these terms are not negotioable. These terms are not subject to negotiation. If Gaddafi does not comply with the resolution, the international community will impose consequences: the resolution will be enforced through military action.

"In this effort, the United States is prepared to act as part of an international coalition. American leadership is essential, but that does not mean acting alone. It means shaping the conditions for the international community to act together. That's why I've 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 be deploying 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.

"The United States did not seek this outcome. Our decisions have been driven by Gaddafi's refusal to respect the rights of his people and the potential for mass murder of innocent civilians. It is not an action we will pursue alone. Indeed our British and French allies and members of the Arab League have already committed to taking a leadership role in the enforcement of this resolution, just as they were instrumental in pursuing it. We are coordinating closely with them. And this is precisely how the international community should work, as more nations bear both the responsibility and the cost of enforcing international law.

"This is just one more chapter in the change that is unfolding across the Middle East and North Africa. From the beginning of these protests, we made it clear that we are opposed to violence, we made clear our support for a set of universal values, and our support for the political and economic change that the people in the region deserve.

"But I want to be clear: the change in the region will not and cannot be imposed by the United States or any foreign power. Ultimately it will be driven by the people of the Arab world. It is their right and their responsibility to determine their own destiny.

"Let me close by saying that there is no decision that I face as your Commander-in-Chief that I consider as carefully as the decision to ask our men and women to use military force. Particularly at a time when our military is fighting in Afghanistan and winding down our activities in Iraq. That decision is only made more difficult. But the United States of America will not stand idly by in the face of actions that undermine global peace and security. So I've taken this decision with the confidence that action is necessary, and that we will not be acting alone.

"Our goal is focused, our cause is just, and our coalition is strong."

[pinboy3niner]

41. What is striking--the statement can be taken as indicating the U.S. will have a 'backseat' role

Instead of being 'the tip of the spear,' and sending its pilots and warplanes in to conduct airstrikes, the U.S. role contribution may be in other areas.

In particular, the President speaks of 'enabling' other participants 'to enforce':

"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.

That suggests that the U.S. will provide support, such as AWACS, but other countries will provide the attack aircraft and other weapons that may be deployed.


That impression is reinforced by his statement about the British and French and members of the Arab League "taking a leadership role in the enforcement" :

Indeed our British and French allies and members of the Arab League have already committed to taking a leadership role in the enforcement of this resolution...

But, whatever signals we may or may not divine from it, it was a strong statement and the President made very clear that:

"Let me be clear: these terms are not negotioable. These terms are not subject to negotiation. If Gaddafi does not comply with the resolution, the international community will impose consequences: the resolution will be enforced through military action.

[pinboy3niner]

42. AJE reporting UNCONFIRMED advance of Gaddafi forces toward Benghazi

According to AJE,they may be as close as 50km away. No further details yet.

If this is true (and I tend to doubt it), it's an incredibly stupid move. Benghazi can't be taken easily or quickly--certainly not before UN members have their attack aircraft in Libya's skies.

Will update when more info is available.

[pinboy3niner]

43. The Guardian's roundup of today's action in the Middle East and North Africa, via AP:

Yemen

Security forces open fire on tens of thousands of anti-government protesters flooding into a square in the capital, Sanaa, after prayers, killing at least 40 people and injuring hundreds. President Ali Abdullah Saleh declares a nationwide state of emergency. Friday's protests were the largest yet — and solicited the most violent response — in the popular uprising that started last month.

Libya

The regime of Muammar Gaddafi responds to a UN-backed no-fly zone and the threat of military intervention by announcing an immediate cease-fire with the Libyan rebels seeking to oust him. But both the international community and the rebels remain skeptical as regime forces continue to strike at least two rebel-held towns.

Syria

Syrian security forces disperse protesters in two towns, Syria's state media report in what appeared to be the gravest unrest for years in one of the Middle East's most repressive regimes. Human rights activists also say security forces disperse about a dozen protesters calling for more freedoms in Damascus, the third small rally in the capital this week.

Bahrain

Authorities in Bahrain demolish the huge white monument in Pearl Square where members of the tiny island kingdom's Shiite majority have protested to demand greater rights from the Sunni monarchy. The unrest in Bahrain, which has killed at least 12 people, has sparked regional sectarian tensions, with Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Gulf states sending troops, while Iran withdrew its ambassador in protest.

Iraq

Thousands of protesters rally in mostly Shia cities across Iraq to condemn what some call "sectarian attacks" by security forces in Bahrain against Shia protesters. The deployment of troops to Bahrain by the Gulf's Sunni nations could worsen relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which views Iraq's Shia-dominated government as an Iranian pawn.

Iran

A senior Iranian cleric, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, urges Bahrain's majority Shia to keep up their protests – until death or victory – against Bahrain's Sunni monarchy. Bahraini and Iranian Shia have no apparent direct links, but the tiny island kingdom figures strongly into larger regional questions. Tehran protested when Saudi troops and other Gulf forces moved into Bahrain.


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

[pinboy3niner]

44. AJE: An AFP correspondent in Benghazi reports hearing a loud blast, followed by anti-aircraft fire

No further details.

[pinboy3niner]

45. reports confirming loud explosions and anti aircraft fire in benzaghi

mcgreggie‎ News: Libyan govt giving interview but reports confirming loud explosions and anti aircraft fire in benzaghi
Twitter - seconds ago

[pinboy3niner]

46. CURRENT TIME IN LIBYA = 11:10 PM FRIDAY, MARCH 18

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

[Iterate]

47. Libya Alhurra Live stream from Benghazi online

http://www.livestream.com/libya17feb?utm_source=lsplayer&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=footerlinks

Content varies quickly, stick with it.

[gateley]

48. Thanks! Wow! I'm thinking the guy I'm watching now is IN Libya? Too bad

we can't send pizzas! (I'm not kidding - wish we could lend a hand)

Are the posts on the running blog from all over the world?

Great resource, thanks!!!!

[pinboy3niner]

52. "Too bad we can't send pizzas," LOL!

With what's been happening in WI it's hard not to think of that--even though the circumstances in Libya are far more dire. I don't know if the humanitarian aid there will include pizzas. At the moment, the Libyans seem to be looking for some firepower to support them...

Your sigline reminds me of how Anonymous hacked the Libyan State Media website and put up messages of freedom for the Libyan people, lol. If only they could have hacked the State TV signal and and dumped that propaganda off the air!

:hi:

[pinboy3niner]

50. Libyan official: Country's air force grounded

From AJE:

10:55pm

Reuters reports that Khaled Kaim, the Libyan deputy foreign minister, has said that the presence of government troops near Benghazi does not violate the "ceasefire" called earlier today. He says that the troops will not enter Benghazi.

Kaim has invited the international community to investigate "crimes" perpetrated by the opposition in Benghazi by sending a fact-finding mission.

He has also said that the Libyan air force has been grounded, in order to comply with a UN-sanctioned no-fly zone.

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

[gateley]

51. K&R - What do you think is going to happen, joshcryer? Qaddafi "ceased fire"

but did he really? And reports in this thread say there have been explosions and anti-aircraft activity? AND at the link Iterate provided chatters there feel he may move into the cities so we can't attack because of the civilians.

I've been all over the place but you're ON this -- what's your assessment at this time?

Thanks! And thanks for doing this!!

[joshcryer]

53. Day 30:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x684375