'Libyans will eventually get rid of Gaddafi' – Ibrahim Dabashi
Ibrahim Dabashi
The Malta Independent, 25 March
‘Libyans will eventually get rid of Gaddafi’
by Scott Grech
Over a month into the Libyan uprising, Muammar Gaddafi’s grip on Libya continues to wane, despite his reluctance to let go of his 42-year reign in power.
Air strikes continued to pound the capital Tripoli yesterday, a week after the United Nations Security Council voted in favour of imposing a no-fly zone over Libya.
Coalition forces have consistently reiterated that they are acting under UN Security Council resolution 1973, authorising “all necessary means” to protect civilians fighting to topple Col Gaddafi.
Speaking to this newspaper over the telephone, Ibrahim Dabashi, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Libya to the UN, said he foresees that despite the air attacks on Libya, “it is becoming increasingly likely that it will be anti-government demonstrators who will eventually get rid of Col Gaddafi.
“It has now been six days since the no-fly zone was enforced, and since then dozens of coalition missiles have already hit military bases, with the aim of ending Col Gaddafi’s ability to launch air attacks.
“However, the Libyan leader has remained defiant throughout. He again reiterated in his recent appearance on state TV that he is unafraid of the bombing. Despite the death of thousands since the uprising in Libya started, Col Gaddafi’s words have remained consistent: He will continue with the killing if he is not allowed to rule over Libya.
“He remains determined to destroy and kill as many anti-government demonstrators as possible, despite what is going on around him,” Mr Dabashi said.
He added that despite the bombing, anxiety among pro-Gaddafi officials over the possible change in Libya’s regime is beginning to subside, with latest reports emerging that the pro-government supporters are increasingly confident that no matter what happens in the wake of the attacks, Col Gaddafi will continue to run Tripoli and other parts of Libya.
“Col Gaddafi is no mug. He is a clever strategist, and I’m sure he had made certain to have a few options up his sleeve before the imposition of the no-fly zone was enforced.
“As the bombing continues, there will be no return to normality in Libya unless Col Gaddafi and his family let go of their grip over Libya. There is a stronger chance of him being killed by anti-government protesters than by the coalition forces,” Mr Dabashi said.
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Why leave things to chance? Kill the pig.
Kenneth Clarke who, together with Norman Tebbit, is the principal mentor of the British Conservative Party, has given an exclusive interview to The Guardian on the Libya debacle.
Recent remarks on this blog that the whole affair arises out of the need for retribution for Pan Am 103 and UTA 772 were not far off the mark after all.
Or so it seems.
The situation on Libya is taking a serious turn.
Malta’s shameful waffling and non-committal policy on the massacre of Libyans by Gaddafi and his regime needs to be urgently formalised.
It is time for Malta to set up a Mininstry of The Fence.
Michael, good one about the Ministry of The Fence.
Now, will the Minister sit in the PM’s cabinet or will he just sit on the fence?
and first track is where to start from.
http://www.myspace.com/ministrydefence
Ministry of the Fence: possible inspiration for a Nalizperla cartoon.
“The EU has stepped up and will continue supporting humanitarian assistance and civil protection operations, including by maritime means.
In this regard, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi noted the humanitarian role played by Malta in the last few weeks, and said the country’s offer to coordinate a logistics centre is still open, if the need arises.”
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=122443
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=122472
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=122471
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8407898/Muammar-Gaddafi-Inside-the-mind-of-a-tyrant.html
From The Times (London):
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/middleeast/article2962272.ece
Libyan rebels regained control of the eastern gateway town of Ajdabiya today after international airstrikes on Colonel Gaddafi’s forces, in the first major turnaround for an uprising that once appeared on the verge of defeat…
Recapturing Ajdabiya is the biggest victory for the eastern rebels since their initial push westwards went into reverse two weeks ago and the better equipped Gaddafi forces drove them back towards the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
It would also suggest that allied airstrikes, carried out with the stated aim of protecting civilians, are handing new momentum to the rebel fighters, whose struggle against a better-armed foe has threatened to turn into stalemate.
The encircled unit of Libyan troops holding positions in Ajdabiya came under renewed air bombardment yesterday by RAF and alliance jets as rebel forces gathered for the final push to capture the key eastern town.
So according to most bloggers had Malta allowed its airport to be used as a military base Gaddafi would have already been toppled and the Libyan people are by now free!!
Shame on you Malta… why don’t you take the advice of our superwise bloggers
The following was posted previously by another commenter and illustrates the level of logical thought abilities that John Lanzon brings to the table:-
Penguins and ostriches cannot fly.
Humans cannot fly.
Humans are obviously birds!
Apologies to the original commenter but I could not find the post to give credit.
I am expecting Gaddafi to flee Tripoli to Malta and ask for political asylum here, claiming that everyone in Libya and the West, bar Malta, is trying to kill him.
And I am starting to think that our Government will accede to his request pronto.
It’s possible. And if it happens I fully expect the Maltese government to accept the request. Ghax il-Bambin hekk qal.
“Alla il-kastig ta’ Gaddafi ma jridux.”
@ Stefan Vella
You are wrong. Harry Potter might change your opinion