CIA Operations in Libya; Defection of Top Gadhafi Aid

According to Reuters and confirmed by an unnamed source in the United States government, several weeks ago President Obama signed a secret order authorizing covert help to the Libyan rebels.  These CIA operations were meant to help the United States reach a military and political understanding of the situation in Libya.

These revelations come amidst more gains by the government forces.  Today they seized Bin Jawad and Ras Lanuf from the opposition fighters.  Al-Brega is expected to fall soon.

On a lighter note for the anti-Gadhafi crowed, long time aid and Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa has defected from the Libyan government and arrived today in Britain.  His resignation caught the world by surprise, the Deputy Foreign Minster did not know about his absence until asked for comment by reporters. Moussa Koussa is currently in talks with the British Government.  He had been Intelligence Chief of Libya for fifteen years.

Promises From Syria's President; Protests Banned in Saudi Arabia

Syria's President Assad has promised to end the 50 year state of emergency rule in the face of widespread protests.  This comes after the resignation of the country's cabinet.  Demonstrators do not fully trust Assad to carry out his promises.

In Saudi Arabia, the fatwa is issuing a religious edict forbidding political protest, calling it "un-Islamic."

Another Momentum Shift in Libya

In Libya, Gadhafi's military has once again halted the opposition's drive into the west.  Clans loyal to Gadhafi have banded with the military to turn them back, retaking territory seized yesterday by the opposition.

A NATO general has said that elements of al Qaida and Hezbollah have joined parts of the opposition, a claim that was made early on by Gadhafi.  Leaders of the opposition flatly deny these reports.  Journalists on the ground similarly say that have seen no evidence of this.

In Washington D.C., there is talk by President Obama of arming the opposition fighters.

Rebels Continue Counter-Offensive

The opposition has begun a counteroffensive across Libya.  They have taken many of the key cities that had been seized from them by the government last week.  Such cities include Brega, Ras Lanuf, Ajdabiya, and are pushing closer to Gadhaffi's hometown of Sirte.

Obama Speaks on Libya; Comments by Rep. Senator Lindsey Graham

President Obama appeared on television this evening, outlining the reasons for military intervention in Libya.  He claimed that he stepped in to avoid the slaughter of Libyan civilians.

Obama went on to say that they have neutralized Gadhaffi's air defenses and have driven his forces from Benghazzi and Ajdabiya.  He asserted that the opposition is making a strong offensive west.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is to meet with members of the opposition in London over the following week.  She will be consulting with representatives of over 30 nations.  The subject of these talks will be on how to get ridof Gadhaffi and how to support a transitional Libya.

Obama also outlined what some in the news media are calling the "Obama doctrine."  He said that it was not America's job to intervene everywhere there was unrest or an authoritarian regime.  As a world leader, however, he insisted that there were certain situations when it was America's duty to intervene to prevent genocide and slaughter of civilians.  He said that otherwise, America would only intervene if there was a direct danger to the nation or a dire threat to national interests.






Lindsey Graham, a Republican Senator on the Armed Services Committee, said that he agreed with much of Obama's speech.  He only regrets that Obama did not intervene ealier, when "the opposition had Gadhaffi on the ropes."  He also thought that Obama should not rule out military overthrow of Gadhaffi.  He advocated helping rebuild Libya.  Graham also sharply criticized other Republicans who attacked Obama's intervention on the basis of cost.  He reminded them that nobody complained about the cost in Iraq "during our watch".

US Transfers Military Command in Libya to NATO Allies

NATO has agreed to take over command of the no-fly zone from the United States. All members of the alliance unanimously agreed to the transfer in leadership.  NATO will work with non-NATO partners in the coalition to protect civilians in Libya.

Second Arab Nation Joins UN No-Fly Zone Operation

United Arab Emirates has officially announced that in addition to providing humanitarian relief, it will provide twelve jet fighters to the no-fly zone military operations in Libya.  The U.A.E. joins Qatar on the list of Arab nations who are participating the military no-fly zone.

Violence in Syria, Israel/Palestine; Praise for Morocco

Unrest has continued to spread around the region.

There has been a lethal crackdown on protests in the south of Syria.  The government hopes to keep the unrest contained in the south.


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A bomb was detonated in Jerusalem near a bus station.  One person was killed and over fifty were wounded.  This was the most serious bomb attack in Israel in a number of years.  The Prime Minister of Palestine condemned the act, calling it disgraceful.  This attack comes as a result of growing violence between Israeli and Palestinian militant groups. Ten Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops over the weekend in response to increased rocket attacks from Gaza over the past few days.

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After meeting with the Moroccan foreign minister, Clinton praised Morocco, saying that it was in position to take leadership in the region.  The King, in an adress, promised reforms in the nation, including the creation of a Prime Minister and other meaningful reforms that would promote autonomy for the people..  These build on the king's earlier reforms increasing women's rights and allowing universal education.

Success of UN No-Fly Zone

According to the leaders of the UN peacekeeping operation,  the coalition now has total air superiority over Libya's coastal region and no longer hast to fear anti-aircraft fire.  The United States military is preparing to turn control of the operation over to another ally within the next few days.

Participants in the no-fly zone enforcement efforts include Great Britain, France, the United States, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Qatar, Canada, Norway, and Belgium.  France is targetting Gadhaffi's ground forces, including tanks, and the United States military has recommended that the rest of the coalition follow suit.

Amidst the violence, there have been peaceful protests in cities like Ajdabiya, supporting the opposition.

There are reports of food shortages in some cities like Misrata.  While the coalition can route Gadhaffi's forces from the air when they are out in the open, the government's forces are digging into the city, readying themselves for street-to-sreet, house-to-house fighting.

American Jet Downed in Libya; Developments in Egypt

An American F-15 fighter jet went down in eastern Libya due to a "technical malfunction."  The two pilots ejected.  One was recovered soon after by an MV-22 Osprey (special kind of aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing) launched from the USS Kearsarge and the other was rescued by members of the opposition, who looked after him until he too was recovered by the coalition military.

American military intelligence says that most of Libya's air defenses have been neutralized.

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Egypt's Interior Ministry caught fire today.  This building headquartered the inner workings of the old regime's police state.

Egypt's stock market is set to re-open on Wednesday.  This will hopefully restore a measure of stability to the nation.

Last weekend, large numbers of Egyptians turned out for a referendum and voted to implement constitutional reform.

Further Unrest in Southwest Asia

In Syria, hundreds have taken to the streets to protest the death of a demonstrator.

In Bahrain, protesters continue to demonstrate against the violence exacted against them by the police and army.  The king has stated that he has defeated a foreign sponsored uprising.  The regime also denies targeting doctors, many of whom were rounded up in nighttime raids.

In Yemen, three top generals have defected from the government to the opposition. President Saleh is currently in talks with one of these generals.  Many are hoping for a "bloodless coup."

There is talk of a "five point plan" that includes goals of protecting protesters, investigating violence and crimes against these protesters,  and the establishment of a timeline for the president stepping down.

Many are wary about the situation in this nation.  There are armed members of the opposition protecting the demonstrations and some fear that violence may break out between these armed factions and the government's soldiers.  Furthermore, one of the defecting generals has said that he will order his troops to defend the protesters.

UN Inteverntion in Libya: Day 3

 Pres. Obama says that Gadhafi "needs to go".  He says that US policy is broader than the UN mandate focusing only on protecting civilians.

This announcement comes three nights into the UN sponsored coalition strikes on Libya.

Last night included a missile attack on one building in Gadhafi's personal compound.  The coalition claims that Col. Gadhafi was not the target, but that the building had contained anti-air assets.

Hundreds of cruise missiles have been launched into Libya from American and British warships in the Mediterranean.  American command and control ships continue to organize the air superiority campaign.  Over 100 sorties have been flown over the skies of Libya: about sixty on Sunday and from seventy to eighty today.

Rebels have counterattacked, pushing out of Benghazi and to nearby Ajdhabia.  They attribute their success to airstrikes by French fighter jets on positions occupied by clusters of the Libyan government's war machines and soldiers.

There are reports of a small group of opposition forces flanking Gadhafi's forces in Ajdhabia, heading for the critical city of Brega.

The opposition also expressed concerned over sleeper cells of Gadhafi loyalists in cities.  Over 150 have been arrested in Benghazi

Some see Obama's calls for the removal of Gadhafi as lending a new legitimacy to the opposition forces, who share the same goal of regime change.  An overriding feeling coming from the opposition force sis that they do not want Gadhafi taken out by airstrike, instead wanting to remove him by their own hand.

Many are wary of the United States becoming involved militarily in a third state in the region.  Republicans and Democrats alike are calling for more transparency, wanting the president to be more clear on what is the specific military objective for the United States in Libya.

American Warships Begin Cruise Missile Strikes on Libya

President Obama has authorized force in support of the international coalition undertaking military action in Libya.  American warships in the Mediterranean has launched cruise missiles at as-of-yet unidentified strategic targets in Libya.

More information will follow.

Secretary of State Clinton on Libya

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed the United States today after coming out of a security conference in PArs dealing with NATO and Arab League allies on the subject of Libya and UN Security Council Resolution 1973, just passed late this week, authorizing military action.

She said that French fighters are currently in the sky above Benghazi, and that "there will be other actions to follow."  Nicolas Sarkozi suggested that his warplanes may target Gadhafi government tanks later today.
 

Clinton said that the United States is working to support her NATO allies and many Arab states, including members of the Arab League, to protect civilians in Libya.  She said that the members of this team are willing to "do whatever is necessary" to protect them.

Clinton reiterated that the mission is not about regime change, but to protect civilians "from their own government" and open the way for humanitarian efforts.

When asked directly whether or not significant improvement could be made in Libya with Gadhaffi still in power, she avoided giving a direct answer.  "Taking into account countless permutations, there are many different outcomes.  I'm not gong to speculate."

She credited French President Nicolas Sarkozi for stepping up and taking leadership of the effort to get the Security Council resolution passed and taking the lead in the military action.

She also briefly touched on the violence in Bahrain.  She reminded her audience that the United States has enjoyed a decades long friendship with the Persian Gulf state and that she would like to see that friendship continue long into the future.  She said that the goal of their policy in Bahrain is to begin a "credible" negotiation process that addresses the legitimate concerns of the protesters.

UN Authorizes Emergency Action in Libya; Broken Cease-Fire

The United Nations Security Council has authorized use of force to protect civilians.  NATO forces are prepping their air forces to carry out this intervention.  French jets can reach Libya directly.  Italy has authorized US bases in their country to serve as staging points for Britain and other NATO allies.  Spain is offering air bases as launching points as well.  The United States is providing tactical targeting data.  The Arab League has signed onto the effort, providing logistics for the no-fly zone effort to halt Gadhaffi's military's airstrikes and to prevent Gadhaffi from flying in more mercenaries to supplement his ground forces.  Regional support is important for the Western powers.  The United States does not want military action in Libya to seem as a third American invasion of a Middle Eastern sovereign state.

The American president spoke today, calling on Libyan troops to pull back from several cities.  He delivered what sounded like an ultimatum: that the US is prepared to use military assets to force compliance with the UN resolution.  Obama went on to clarify that no matter the outcome, no American groundtoops would be deployed to Libya.  He also reiterated that this is a multilateral effort: Britain, France, and the Arab League would be the major players with the United States providing support.

"Left unchecked," Obama said, "we have reason to believe that Gadhaffi would commit atrocities against his people: thousands may die."

Obama has invited a bipartisan group of lawmakers to the situation room.  This could be preperation to get congress authorize military action.

There has been violence today in Libya, despite the promises of a cease fire.  The opposition had flat out refused to believe Gadhaffi's  promises.

 The opposition demands that the UN resolution be enforced immediately.  The would like for weapons to be supplied to them.  The rebels only have what they have managed to loot from the few arms depots they've raided over the past few weeks.


Fighting has broken out in Misrata, the third largest city.  There are widespread fires throughout the city and many deaths have occured today.

Opposition forces launched a counterattack on Ajdabiya, which had been taken by the government forces yesterday. The fighting was so fierce that it is said that medics were unable to retrieve those wounded for medical care.

It is unclear when the UN peacekeeping undertaking will begin, but it is speculated by some sources interviewed on CNN to take place within the next 24 hours.

Benghazi Remains as Sole Bastion for Opposition Forces

It seems as though the revolution in Libya is in its dusk. With overwhelming momentum, government forces have taken the oil city of Ajdabiya, their last obstacle in their path to Benghazi, which is the only remaining stronghold for the opposition.

Air strikes have already been initiated against the city, damaging the local airport.  The defenders see this as a grim prelude to the ground assault that is to come.

After driving the defenders from Ajdabiya, all that separates the government forces from Benghazi is a quick drive across the desert.

The UN Security Council is to back a resolution supporting military intervention in Libya.  The drafted resolution serves to provide action "to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack."  It also proposes the anticipated "no-fly zone," which would ground Gadhaffi's air-force. 

The United States, United Kingdom, and France have proposed this course of action.  The other two permanent members of the Security Council (who hold the power to veto and stop any resolution), Russia and China, are expected to abstain rather than veto.  The two often oppose the infringement of sovereignty.

If passed, action could be taken against Libya within hours.  British and French are forces are on standby and are awaiting orders and logistics are expected to be provided by regional Arab allies.  American planes are not expected to take part in the initial strikes.

If any action is to be taken, it must be taken quickly if there is any hope of it impacting the turnout of revolution.  Colonel Gadhaffi has issued an ultimatum to the defenders of Benghazi: anyone who lays down his weapons and goes home would be pardoned; anyone who resisted would be shown no mercy. A Libyan government news agency reported that the government has offered to cease military operations until Sunday to give rebels the opportunity to disperse and return home.

Opposition leaders vowed to stand firm and heed not Gadhaffi's threats.

Escalating Violence in Bahrain

 Violence is escalating in Bahrain, with clashes between protesters and the military.

After aggressively taking the Pearl Roundabout, a traffic circle which had been being used by the protesters as a rallying point, the military also took over hospitals, which they viewed as being hot-spots for the dissenters.  There were reports coming in on Wednesday of medics and doctors being beaten for attempting to help the wounded in the streets.  Today, however, there are reports that the military is allowing doctors in and out of the hospitals.

Said Ms Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, "There are reports of arbitrary arrests, killings, beatings of protesters and of medical personnel, and the takeover of hospitals and medical centres by various security forces... This is shocking and illegal conduct."
(source: BBC World News)

The protesters primarily come from the Shia majority who are upset about the disparity in power between them and the ruling Sunnis.  King Hamad has been in power since 1999.  he rules a kingdom of 800,000 individuals.  The median population age is 30.4 years, meaning that there is quite a large youth population.  Unemployment among this youth is estimated at 19.6%.

The streets of Manama are quiet yet tense after yesterday's violence.  Soldiers patrol the streets, enforcing a curfew.  There are reports that police, interior ministry agents, and riot police are attempting to disperse smaller protests in outlying villages.  Some roads to these villages were blocked by military vehicles, but in Manama, citizens are apparently erecting barricades in an attempt to keep the soldiers out of their neighborhoods.

On Tuesday, King Hamad declared a state of emergency in response to the month long protests and called in Saudi troops to establish order.

This repression has inflamed the people of predominately Shia Lebanon and Iran, where many demonstrated in sympathy.

Libyan Government Retakes More Cities

Several cities were retaken by government forces over the last two days.  Ajabiya was breached by pro-Gadhafi forces, but the opposition military was able push them back to the outskirts.  This city is of key strategic importance, being only 160 km west of Benghazi, which serves as a headquarters for the opposition forces.

The opposition forces were able deploy minimal air and naval assets today.  Naval assets sank two oil tankers that had been converted to warships by Gadhafi's military and disabled another.

Their minimal air assets do not compare to Gadhafi's air forces and still call for an internationally imposed no-fly zone.

Many in Libya are clamoring for outside help, wondering when and if they can expect aid from the self styled "champion of democracy" United States.

The Ongoing Battle in Libya, Violence Across the Region

"It is in the United States interest and the interest of the Libyan people that GAdhafi does not stay [in power]" said President Barak Obama on Friday, March 11th.  At the same press conference, he stated that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was to meet with the National Provisional Council (the opposition government) and that he was looking to assign a permanent representative to be in close contact with the group.

France has officially recognized the National Provisional Council as the legitimate government of Libya.  This is a bold move, exemplifying the rift in state opinion among the Western powers.  France and the United Kingdom are more enthusiastic in regards to public support for the opposition forces, vocally supporting the no-fly zone operation.  The United States and Germany (the latter is typically more reserved on matters of foreign military intervention) are more cautious in there approach to foreign policy towards the delicate situation in Libya.

Meanwhile, government forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi have retaken the rebel holdings of Brega and Bin Jawad.  The former city is important for Libya's oil production and refining, and it is also important due to its location of opposition's stronghold Benghazzi.

Protestors in Bahrain clash once more with police.  The security forces fired tear gas on a crowd that they say was blocking an important freeway and had refused orders to clear out.  Members of the crowd report that they were in the process of leaving when they were fired upon.

In Yemen, police and security forces fired on protesters with tear gas and conventional firearms.

Earthquake/Tsunami Strikes Japan

A 8.9 or 9.0 earthquake struck near Japan two days ago, followed by a lethal tsunami.  Thousands are dead, even more are injured, and there are many thousands of people still unaccounted for.  The international community, led by the United States, is sending aid in the form of monetary donations, soldiers and personnel to help search for survivors and victims, and excavation equipment.  There are food shortages all across the island chain.

Three nuclear power plants were damaged in the earthquake and following tsunami.  There has been a leak in one of the plants, although the extent of the leak is unknown.  Japanese officials are evacuating civilians in a 12 mile (20 km) radius around the plant, although international nuclear experts warn that this is not far enough.  The Japanese government is distributing Iodine to civilians living around the power plant.  These pills help a little in warding off or delaying the damaging effects of radiation poisoning.

Ras Lanuf is Reclaimed by Libyan Government, Opposition Remains Firm in Other Cities

Gadhafi's military forces have driven the opposition forces from the city of Ras Lanuf.  The government military used air power to gain the upper hand.

In Brega and other contested cities, the opposition remains resolute, albeit angery and disgusted at the government's "unfair" use of air support.

Libya Update: 3/9/11

In Libya, it appears that the opposition forces are beginning to lose momentum.  Fierce fighting has occurred in numerous cities, including Bin Jawad, now apparently in the hands of the Libyan army; Ras Lanuf, lost and then retaken by the opposition forces; and Zawiya, close to Tripoli, which, despite claims by the Gadhafi government that it has been pacified, remains the site of continued struggle for control.

Aside from the arrival of an Italian ship delivering aid to Benghazi and implementing an arms embargo, the international community has yet to adopt any major course of action regarding Libya.  Once again, Washington has stated that "all options remain on the table."  Defense Secretary Gates and the Pentagon, including the retired air force general who ran the "no fly zone" in Iraq during the Persian Gulf War of the 1990s continue to show reluctance for a similar "no fly zone" over Libya.    They are hesitant, saying that a "no fly zone" will "begin with an attack on Libya," most likely a naval bombardment or cruise missile strikes on Libya's extensive anti-aircraft missile sites.

American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that it is important that any action taken in regard to Libya has international support and is not seen as an American or European effort.

Libyan Opposition to Form a New Government

The forces opposing Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi have formed an alternative government, the National Provisional Council.  It is led by thirty members from "liberated cities" across Libya and is working closely with military leaders who are coordinating the various armed opposition groups.

A spokesperson for the group has said that they are pleased that so many of Libya's diplomatic corps has ceased recognizing the Gadhafi government.

Thus far they have asked for two things of the international community.  The first was that the National Provisional Council be recognized as legitimate government of Libya.  Their second request was for the enforcement of a no fly zone, especially from the direction of Niger, Chad, and Mali, three sources of the infamous mercenaries hired by Gadhafi since the beginning of the protests.

Developments in Libya, as of March 2, 2011

In Tripoli, there are some pro-government demonstrations, but many with anti-Gadhafi sentiments who are afraid to leave their residences.

The opposition is currently waging open warfare against the loyalist security forces for the control of cities across the country.  One of the most fiercely contested is al-Brega, an important oil and natural gas refining city, controlling the flow of natural gas into the eastern part of Libya.  The city is also an important source of natural gas for Italy.  While on his way to al-Brega, CNN's Ben Wedeman observed military aircraft bombing the opposition forces, one bomb landing less than 100 feet (30.48 meters) away.

Negotiations are underway between the government of Libya and the opposition, but it is difficult because there are numerous factions within the opposition, each with its own agenda.  There is a council being formed to create a new government.  The Libyan ambassador the UN is asking that this council be recognized as the legitimate government of Libya.  The former Minister of Justice and other government officials have defected to help establish this council.

World Response Options

A United States marine assault carrier is en route to the waters off of Libya, it is currently in the Suez canal.  Several destroyers are in the area and the USS Enterprise is currently holding anchor in the Red Sea.

Options being discussed by the international community include NATO air strikes.  The United States is trying to get Russia and China on board, or at least get them to agree to abstain on a UN Security Council vote.  France has also been a little apprehensive about military options, remembering Iraq.

The most hotly debated topic has been the idea of enforcing a "no-fly zone" over Libya to prevent Gadhafi's air force from launching bombing raids and strafing runs on the opposition.  While many prominent members of the United States Congress are fans of this option (including Senators McCain, Kerry, and Graham), many in the Pentagon are hesitant.  The military commanders point out that it is not as simple as the senators are making it seem.  Defense Secretary Gates points out that in order to effectively enforce such a no-fly zone, the military would first have to destroy Libya's many anti-aircraft systems. 

The Arab League condemns the idea of foreign military intervention in the form of a no-fly zone.

Reports from Libyan Leaders

As violence escalates between opposition forces and loyalists in Libya, Moammar Gadhafi seems to be in denial.  In interviews, he has made puzzling statements, such as "all of my people love me, they would die to protect me."  He has also threatened the United States and other world leaders, saying that if they invade his country, then they would be greeted with a "bath of blood."

On Monday, his son Saif told loyal security forces to stay strong, as support and weapons were on the way.  This report was published on CNN, although they said that the source was an unconfirmed Youtube video.

Also, earlier in the week, the Libyan ambassador to the United States has said that Gadhaffi has "separated from reality."  The ambassador says that he estimates that 2,000 had died by Monday since the violence broke out two weeks ago.  Other estimates put this death toll as high as 6,000.