Civil Turmoil in Libya

Intense violence has broken out in Libya over the weekend.  Protestors have overtaken an army base in the eastern city of Benghazi.

Moammar Gadhafi has ruled for over 40 years.  He used Libya’s oil wealth to develop the nation, creating stability by sharing that wealth with key leaders in the state’s western half.  Many in the eastern half, led by the city of Benghazi, are discontent that the oil wealth has not been evenly shared with them.

A protester in Benghazi spoke to CNN Sunday evening saying, "The Eastern section of Libya is free from the tyrant.  We have taken his military compound.  We have captured his mercenaries."           

He reported that there is chaos and anarchy in the streets.  Tanks and protestors block roads.  Tires have been burnt to create smoke in the air. A significant amount of weapons were looted from the army barracks.

The protestor says that the military in the eastern part of Libya has joined the people, but Gadhafi has brought in mercenaries. There are Bangladeshi and Egyptian elements in these mercenaries.  A hundred of these mercenaries were captured by commandos.  They are to be interrogated

There are reports that protestors are passing out food, weapons, and ammunition in the streets of Benghazi.

The protests were initiated by a spontaneous demonstration following the arrest of a popular human rights activist who was investigating rumors of a massacre at a prison.

 

Libya's envoy to the Arab League resigned this afternoon, saying that he refuses to represent a nation that murders its own people.

Gadhafi's son came on Libyan state television claiming that the protests are the work of foreign imperialist governments that are poised to take over the country and return it to colonial rule after the Libyans kill themselves off.  He says that Libya is different from Tunisia and Egypt because of the tribal structure.  He warns that tribal violence could flare up without a stable government.

He warns of civil war, economic collapse, and famine.  He warns that it will scare off foreign investment.

He asked for 48 hours to sit down and talk about change before making any drastic decisions.  He offered to raise wages in many work sectors.  He promises social change with local municipal governments if the people agree to end the protests.

There are also reports of disagreement within the family.  The son that spoke is more liberal and reform minded than his other brothers, who are much more conservative.

Moammar Gadhafi does not allow journalists into the country and usually cracks down on any sign of protest or opposition, making this a groundbreaking effort in Libya.

The success of the protesters depends on whether or not the unrest spreads to Tripoli in the western half of Libya.  Another matter of concern is whether or not the tribes get involved.  If a major tribe opposes the demonstrators, it could lead to tribal violence.  However, there is at least one tribal leader who is urging Moammar Gadhafi to step down.

The United States has "multiple, credible reports of hundreds of casualties in Libya."  The US has begun evacuating embassy staffers and their families as a precaution against the unrest.

The death toll for the five days of unrest is at 209.