Qaddafi Presses Harder on the Resistance

Since the bombing on Saturday, Qaddafi has pushed even harder against the rebel cities, supplying tanks and snipers to attack innocent civilians. Deaths have increased to 90 over a 90 day period. The question is, "What will the allies do next to stop the violence?"

A senior British commander said Wednesday that the allies had effectively destroyed the Libyan air force and air defenses and were now able to operate “with near impunity” across the country, Reuters reported. “We are now applying sustained and unrelenting pressure on the Libyan armed forces,” the commander, Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell, said at an airbase in southern Italy where British warplanes are based. 

It seems as if these tactics were used several times before to force dictators to step down. I feel the UN made a good diplomatic move by making a united stand against Qaddafi's actions, but unlike before, Qaddafi is defying the majority and is hoping to become a martyr if he does not prevail.

Colonel Qaddafi himself made a brief but defiant appearance on Libyan television on Tuesday night, appearing at what reporters were told was his Tripoli residence to denounce the bombing raids and pledge victory. “I am here!” he shouted from a balcony to supporters waving green flags. “I am here! I am here!” It was his first known public appearance since the allied bombing began on Saturday.
“We will not surrender,” he told supporters. “We will defeat them by any means. We are ready for the fight, whether it will be a short or a long one. We will be victorious in the end,” he said. “This assault is by a bunch of fascists who will end up in the dustbin of history.” 

The amount of arrogance is a direct view of his delusion. He believes that he is needed because of his country's resources, and has taken bargaining off the table. Anything that involves the genocide of one's people, must be stopped at all costs, but like Robert Gates is saying, it is up to the people of Libya.

Mr. Gates said it was not up to outside powers to dictate the final form of Libya’s government, nor to try to negotiate between the government and rebels. “It seems to me that if there is mediation to be done, if there is a role to be played, it is among the Libyans themselves,” he said. “This matter, at the end of the day, is going to have to be settled by Libyans. It’s their country.”

On a personal note, my feelings toward Libya are split. I feel when the mass murder of a nation occurs, there is a moral obligation to stop it. The problem I have, is whether the constitution or congress should allow this. Having two wars already on our plate is enough to make us question what President Obama's plan will be, so the world waits for what is to unfold.