Friday, April 22, 2011

Long Live the... Government?

If you remember, the first article that I wrote was about Libya, and now I want to revisit the situation in Libya. 

Since my original article was written, the situation has changed quite a bit. In light of the government forces using heavy artillery and tanks to fight the rebels, the UN has finally approved the use of air strikes on government forces in an attempt to help even out the situation. However, the air strikes came too late as the government already had taken back almost all the cities claimed by the rebels. Only the eastern cities of Libya remain in rebel hands and Misrata, the only western city held by rebels, has been under heavy attack by the government forces.

                                
Fierce fighting continues between the rebels and pro-Gaddafi troops

So, where is Libya heading? After the initial air strikes, the rebels launched a counterattack but where quickly beaten back as air support can only do so much. It seems that despite NATO's air support destroying 30%-40% of government forces and weapons, the rebels remain unable to effectively push toward Tripoli and bring an end to the Gaddafi rein. Gaddafi has managed to weather the initial storm and most importantly this army remains devotedly loyal to him. Compared to the rebels, they have the superior weapons, tactics and training.

                                  
Rebel walks past a burnt Pro-Gadaffi truck 

Currently, Gaddafi has been concentrating all his firepower on the last western city held in rebel hands, Misrata. It has under attack for over 2 weeks and it is unclear how long the rebels can hold out. There are evidence of cluster bombs being used in the city, which has been declared illegal and inhumane by over 100 countries around the world. This just goes to show how far Gaddafi is willing to go to defeat the rebels. 

                                    
A doctor's gloved hand covered in blood at a Misrata hospital

Sadly, it appears that the rebels won't win this war at the current state. Air strikes can only do so much and at this point, it's not enough. Already, all priority targets for the air force have already been destroyed, yet Gaddafi's army still functions. In response to this, Britain, France and Italy are sending teams of military advisors to try to educate and improve the rebel fighting forces, signifying the deeping of foreign involvement. The outcome of the fight at Misrata will determine whether or not the rebels lose or not. If Misrata falls, then short of NATO troops coming into Libya, the rebels will lose. Otherwise, they stand a chance at victory with more foreign involvement. 

The future is very unpredictable and volatile. For a review of what happened in Libya thus far, check out this timeline. Do you think that the rebels can win and overthrow Gaddafi, or will they lose? 

1 comment:

  1. The rational part of me sees Libya as a lost cause.

    The human part of me realizes that Qaddaffi is a tyrant, maniac, and overall asshole. He should die (or be forced to watch the "Sex and the City" movie. A piece of shit if I ever saw one).

    -Banquo

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