The Arab League has indeed called for the United Nations Security Council to impose a no-fly zone over Libya. It is also moving to recognize the provisional government in Benghazi, and has delisted Qaddafi’s government in Tripoli from the League. This action is the most decisive the League has taken since it called for a […]
Archives for March 2011
Arab League May support No-Fly Zone, as Qaddafi Retakes Territory
On Saturday morning, wire services are reporting that the Arab League has decided to back a no-fly zone over Libya. Earlier reports indicated divisions in the Arab League, as Libyan protesters demonstrated outside the HQ in Cairo. Secretary-General Amr Moussa was among those supporting the move. Even before the vote, he had told the German […]
Earthquake/Tsunami reminds us of Futility of War
Every once in a while, amidst our petty wars and squabbles with each other, Nature reminds us that the real threat to humankind comes from her, not from other human beings. Climate change is human-driven, but its danger is in unleashing uncontrollable natural forces of immense power. We are still defenseless against a meteor strike […]
Rebels Hold out in Zawiya, Eastern Ra’s Lanuf as Libyan Civil War Unfolds
I just want to signal that some caution is in order about reading the military and political situation in Libya. Muammar Qaddafi’s counter-attacks are creating the image in the media of the momentum being on his side, but in fact he is bogged down and making little progress, despite the setback Thursday for the rebels […]
King’s Nixonian Hearings against American Muslims
Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY)’s hearings on the alleged ‘radicalization’ of American Muslims are an affront to the brave Middle Eastern Muslims who have, during the past two months, thrown off American-backed tyrannies and are even now battling the minions of murderous dictator Muammar Qaddafi. His hearings contain the same premise deployed by Zine El […]
Qaddafi’s Scorched Earth Policy, at Home and Abroad
Muammar Qaddafi is still trying to play the al-Qaeda card, arguing that his murderous regime is what stands between Europe and the emigration to it of thousands of Muslim extremists. He told Turkish television that his regime is a key element of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and its fall would bring chaos there, including […]
Pirio: Military Offensive against Al Shabaab in Somalia
Gregory Alonso Pirio writes in a guest column for Informed Comment: With the world’s eyes riveted to the unfolding civil conflict in Libya, little notice is being given to a major offensive underway in Somalia to defeat the forces of the radical Al-Shabaab movement. Al Shabaab — a coalition of Somali forces supported by hundreds […]
It’s Official: Tunisia Now Freer than the U.S.
Tunisian Prime Minister Béji Caïd Essebsi announced on Monday the dissolution of the country’s secret police arm. This step toward democracy is the most important taken by any Arab country for decades. Euronews has video: Tunisia’s interim government also abolished the ‘Ministry of Information,’ which had been in charge of censorship, allowing a free press […]
Qaddafi Said to seek deal as Rebels Repel pro-Qaddafi Forces at Misrata, Ras Lanuf
The inability of pro-Qaddafi forces on Monday to retake Misrata and Ras Lanuf appears to have impelled Muammar Qaddafi to begin back-channel talks with the provisional government in Benghazi about circumstances under which he might step down. Reuters said that he is seeking immunity from prosecution for himself and his family. The National Libyan Council […]