Should The UN Deploy Peace Keeping Troops To Libya

Some commentators have drawn a parallel to Libya of the situation in Bosnia and later Kosovo in the 90's. There are similarities: an autocratic leader slaughtering his own people, use of the armed forces to carry out these atrocities, potential for the crisis to affect other states in the region.
There are however major differences. Firstly the Gaddafi regime doesn't have the kind of popular support that Milosovic enjoyed. Every day that passes sees his power base crumble still further as diplomats defect, the armed services switch to the side of the rebels, and more and more towns and cities become stable under opposition control.
Gaddafi now has a firm hold over only parts of Tripoli. Certainly he still has the support of a substantial part of his military, but as the crisis progresses there will be more defections, which will act as a vicious circle of waning support for the regime.
The deployment of foreign troops onto Libyan soil would likely make the situation worse, vindicating Gaddafi and his statements on the intents of foreign parties. This would without doubt stabilise the tyrants support at least.
Worse still military intervention could force the Gaddafi regime into deploying chemical weapons against his own people, or the peacekeeping troops.
Of course, if he does possess these weapons there is a risk that Gaddafi would use these weapons even without UN intervention - but as we saw with Libyan pilots flying to Malta, or ejecting instead of carrying out bombings against civilians, giving an order does not mean it will be executed. If Gaddafi did order his military to commit genocide I believe it would be the final straw in his own demise.
The UN must prepare and make itself ready, and do so quickly - Gaddafi is nothing if not unpredictable - but for now it must be calm and patient, and give this abominable regime a chance to destroy itself.

Oman Export Refinery Under Siege Following Deaths Of Protesters

Thousands of protesters have blocked roads leading to an industrial area of of Sohar in Oman following the shooting dead of protesters in the gulf state. The death toll in Oman rose to six after police shot dead stone throwing protesters. The police opened fire on a group of protesters on Sunday. Later a police station and governmental offices were set fire to. Oman is a neighbour of Saudi Arabia and of Yemen, where similar protests are also taking place.

UPDATED: Map Of Areas Of Regime & Protester Control Within Libya

Map showing areas controlled by the Gaddafi regime (red) and anti-government protesters (green).

 

If you can help improve this information leave a comment below.

Gaddafi appears in public

In the last few mins Gaddafi appeared and gave a speech in Green Square, Trapoli. He again mentioned that the forces of evil are behind this upraising and that he is one of the people. He tells them to dance, sing and stay up all night in the streets. He also says that he will not be beaten by these few, "We will die here, on the dear soil of Libya, we will beat all foreign threats like we did to the Italians." It comes as a surprise that he has made this public appearance, compared to only his telephone call the other day to state TV, but with the World's media allowed in for today maybe it shouldn't come as such a surprise and that Green Square has been bulked up for this show of defiance. 

Conflict Of Interest Ahead Of UK AV Referendum

Ed Howker at The Spectator has revealed a staggering conflict of interest in the run up to a UK poll on voting reform.
The publication says that the Electoral Reform Society, a major backer of the Yes to AV campaign, donating over £1.05 million to the campaign, is also a shareholder of Electoral Reform Services Ltd., a private company heavily involved in the implementation of British democracy.
The company, with an annual turnover of £21 million,  stands to benefit from a change to polling methods, a change that many critics say could cost over £250 million?

Earthquake hits Hawaii

Reports are coming in that a 3.3 magnitude earthquake has hit the Oahu region in Hawaii. Jolts were felt 130 km (80 miles) away in the capital Honolulu, there are so far no reports of damage or injury.

Blast off for the last time: US Discovery

At 16:53 local time at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, NASA has launched US Discovery for the 39th and final time. With NASA now looking to deal with an American company to supply them with new launch services on a range of different vehicles, they are slowly retiring their own fleet, with Endeavour and Atlantis being the last two remaining. 

Discovery has been in service since 1984 and has traveled more than 230 million km (143 million miles), thats more mileage than flying to the Sun from Earth (149 million km). US Discovery has a piece in American hearts as she was the first shuttle to fly after the Challenger and Columbia accidents.

Gaddafi uses the old blame it on al-Qaeda

Speaking on Libyan state TV via telephone call Gaddafi claims that Osama bin-Laden has brain washed the youth and supplied them with weapons.  "It is obvious that this is run by al-Qaeda" he says. "Those armed youngsters, our children, are incited by people who are wanted by America and the Western world."  He also says that "Those young teenagers are carrying machine guns, and they feel trigger-happy. They shoot, especially when they get stoned with drugs." Gaddafi's strangest remark was an attack on British Royalty and the Queen rule, "Queen Elizabeth has ruled longer than I have and nothing has happened to her, no one has bothered her."

Map: Areas Of Regime & Protester Control Within Libya

 

Map showing areas controlled by the Gaddafi regime (red) and anti-government protesters (green).

If you can help improve this information leave a comment below.

Libyan Pilots Eject As Aircraft Crashes Near Benghazi

There are unconfirmed reports that two Libyan Air Force pilots ejected from their Sukhoi-22 fighter aircraft after refusing to bomb a target, possibly either an arms cache or protesters. The plane apparently crashed in an unpopulated area near the town of Ijdabiya, 100 miles south-west of Benghazi.

Sarah Palin likes...Sarah Palin

In a leaked manuscript by one of Sarah Palin’s closest assistant's while she was governor of Alaska suggest's that she broke state election law, hated her job and even more worryingly for her ego, liked her own Facebook. In an unpublished book by Frank Bailey these leaked files contained Palin’s personal Gmail address and therefore a quick find your friends on Facebook revealed her account.

Mrs Palin set up a second account (her official page is ran by a ghostwriter) under the name "Lou Sarah". The reason for this most original name, Louise is her middle name. Palin would go as far as commenting, liking her own links and even plugging her own show. Lou has 12 friends on Facebook, is a fan of Sarah Palin, Bristol Palin, Mark Ballas (Bristol’s dancing partner on Dancing with the Stars), and an Alaskian fitness company. So its good to know that the guy/girl you always see and hate on Facebook liking their own status/pictures/links is as lonely as Lou Sarah, sorry Sarah Palin. 

Sarah Palin likes...Sarah Palin

In a leaked manuscript by one of Sarah Palin’s closest assistant's while she was governor of Alaska suggest's that she broke state election law, hated her job and even more worryingly for her ego, liked her own Facebook. In an unpublished book by Frank Bailey these leaked files contained Palin’s personal Gmail address and therefore a quick find your friends on Facebook revealed her account.

Mrs Palin set up a second account (her official page is ran by a ghostwriter) under the name "Lou Sarah". The reason for this most original name, Louise is her middle name. Palin would go as far as commenting, liking her own links and even plugging her own show. Lou has 12 friends on Facebook, is a fan of Sarah Palin, Bristol Palin, Mark Ballas (Bristol’s dancing partner on Dancing With the Stars), and a Alaskian fitness company. So its good to know that the guy/girl you always see and hate on Facebook liking their own status/pictures/links is as sad as Lou Sarah, sorry Sarah Palin. 

Sarah Palin like's...Sarah Palin

In a leaked manuscript by one of Sarah Palin’s closest assistant's while she was governor of Alaska suggest's that she broke state election law, hated her job and even more worryingly for her ego, liked her own Facebook. In an unpublished book by Frank Bailey these leaked files contained Palin’s personal Gmail address and therefore a quick find your friends on Facebook revealed her account.

Mrs Palin set up a second account (her official page is ran by a ghostwriter) under the name "Lou Sarah". The reason for this most original name, Louise is her middle name. Palin would go as far as commenting, liking her own links and even plugging her own show. Lou has 12 friends on Facebook, is a fan of Sarah Palin, Bristol Palin, Mark Ballas (Bristol’s dancing partner on Dancing With the Stars), and a Alaskian fitness company. So its good to know that the guy/girl you always see and hate on Facebook liking their own status/pictures/links is as sad as Lou Sarah, sorry Sarah Palin. 

UK Government, Libya & Convicted Terrorists

Tony Blair's May 2007 visit to Libya was about more than simply normalising relations with a former rogue state. The former Prime Minister was accompanied by senior officials from British defence firms MBDA and General Dynamics UK. Before they left they had secured contracts worth over £340 million.

Although strongly denied by the Labour government at the time, there is continuing speculation that these arms deals, along with lucrative oil exploration contracts for British oil giant BP were at least partly behind the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi in August 2009. The convicted bomber was released on compassionate grounds after Scottish doctors reported that he had less than 3 months to live.

A report into the release by British Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell revealed that the British government in Westminster "did all it could" to help facilitate the release of Megrahi, who is still alive today. The report did make it clear that the decision was made by the devolved Scottish government, and that no undue pressure was applied by the UK government.

Libyan Officials: "Life Is Returning To Normal"

According to the BBC Libyan officials have just released a statement claiming that life in the major cities of Libya is returning to normal, the streets are safe and the government is in control. This is contradicted by footage coming out of the country which shows the protesters clearly in control.

Gunfire & Explosions Rock Ivory Coast City Of Abidjan

At least 3 soldiers have been killed in clashes with demonstrators in the Ivory Coast city of Abidjan.

 

The demonstrators are angry at presidential incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, after elections in November last year showed that he lost to Alassane Ouattara.

Meanwhile a delegation of African Union officials have met with Mr Gbagbo in an effort to persuade him to step down.

Market trader Sephora Konate said:

 

"Since this morning, there has been constant shooting between the military and the people here. Everyone is terrified. Children are crying but there's nothing we can say to comfort them."

 

 

 

New Zealand Quake Death Toll Rises To 75, Hundreds Missing

 

Officials in New Zealand have confirmed that 55 victims of the earthquake have been identified, and 20 more remain unidentified. Up to 300 more people are missing. 

15 survivors have been found in a crushed, six-storey office building in the last hour, after a camera was lowered into the rubble.

Hundreds of rescue workers have been systematically checking the centre of Christchurch for more survivors whilst the armed forces have set up a cordon around the city centre to deter looting.

New Zealand's Prime Minister, John Key has declared a national state of emergency.

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake caused extensive damage largely due to it's shallow depth of only 5km, and the fact that the epicentre coincided with one of the oldest areas of central Christchurch.

 

 

24 Hour emergency helpline: 0800 779997

New Zealand Red Cross Person Enquiry Line: 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276) - for people in New Zealand concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives in Christchurch.

 

 

 

 

 

Apple To Unveil iPad 2

Apple is holding an event on March 2 during which it will likely reveal details of the much anticipated successor to the iPad. Industry analysts expect it to add much requested features such as a front facing camera, FaceTime video calling support, higher quality display, a thinner, lighter form factor and a larger, higher quality speaker. The device is also rumored to support both CDMA and GSM.

A spring launch for the new iPad could also free up time in Apple's calendar for an iPhone 5 announcement this summer.

iPad 2 Features Dual-Core Graphics for Retina Display, Report Says - PCWorld

US Man Accused Of Murder In Pakistan Was Working For The CIA

A former US special forces soldier arrested in Lahore, Pakistan on January 27 was working for the CIA, according to an unnamed US official.

Allen Davis, 36 was arrested after shooting two men dead, who he claimed were trying to rob him. Three parcels of equipment including a GPS device and two mobile phones have been sent to Pakistan's ISI for investigation.

Hundreds of Pakistanis have been demonstrating over the murders putting pressure on the Pakistani government to put Mr Davis on trial, despite protestations from the US State Department that Davis was an accredited member of the US consular staff - and therefore had diplomatic immunity.

Senator John Kerry has visited Islamabad to meet with Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to try to secure the release of Mr Davis, promising that he would be put on trial in the US.

The US has suggested that it may withhold aid to Pakistan until it releases Mr Davis.

President Obama said last week: "If it starts being fair game on our ambassadors around the world, including in dangerous places where we may have differences with those governments ... that's untenable.

"It means they can't do their job. And that's why we respect these conventions and every country should as well."

 

 

 

 

Lahore shooting suspect Raymond Davis 'was CIA' - BBC News

Gaddafi: "I will die a martyr"

Colonel Gaddafi has said that he will not leave Libya, and will die a martyr.

During his defiant, rambling speech he tried to stir Libyans into reacting against the protesters. He used rhetoric about defying and defeating America, Britain and NATO.

He suggested that the young people of Libya were trying to emulate the people of Tunisia and Egypt, which he conceded.

He then went on to say that these young people - which he referred to as "cockroaches" - had been given drink, drugs and arms by unspecified groups and this was the cause of their actions. 

He went on to say that if he had been a president he would have resigned, but as he was not he couldn't.

He said that he had already resolved the issue of power in Libya, saying the country was managed by the people via people's committees, which he suggested he may try to reform.

Gaddafi said that from tomorrow security should be restored by the police and the military. He also urged Libyans to "chase away" and "destroy" the protesters.

He continued by saying that if order wasn't restored then America would occupy Libya, and went on to discuss US engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The tone of his speech was defiant and did not sound like a leader that was about to step down.

Gaddafi Loses Control Of Eastern Libya

Reuters are reporting that Gaddafi has lost control of the Eastern regions of Libya, including Benghazi and the border with Egypt, which is now controlled by anti-Gaddafi forces, some of them wearing military uniforms.

 

 

 

 

Iranian Frigate Enters The Suez Canal

Earlier this morning two Iranian warships, a frigate, the Alvand, and a supply vessel, the Kharg, entered the Suez Canal en route to the Mediterranean.

The vessels are heading to Syria for training, marking the first time that Iranian vessels have traversed the strategic waterway since the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

The Alvand is usually armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, although it is not currently carrying military equipment, nuclear or chemical contents, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Defence, which approved the request for transit earlier this month.

Iranian news agency Fars reported on the plans in January, before protests toppled the Mubarak regime in Egypt.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said "Israel takes a grave view of this Iranian step".

 

 

Iranian warships enter Suez Canal amid Israeli concern - BBC News

Iranian Navy Ships Enter Suez Canal - Fars News Agency

Iranian Warships Sail Through Suez Canal - Channel 4 News

 

The UN's Responsibility in Libya

Yesterday the Libyan Air Force started to bomb unarmed civilians using Mirage jet-fighters. The entire Libyan delegation to the UN resigned in protest, diplomats in China and India soon followed. Two Air Force Colonels had the courage to defy their orders and fly their planes to Malta, where one has applied for asylum. 

The troubling thing is that many of the pilots either did not have a problem with bombing their own defenseless people, or were too afraid of the consequences if they disobeyed. Whereas in Egypt we saw the armed forces actively protecting protesters in Tahrir Square, in Libya they are murdering them. 

The White House has said it is "very concerned" about the situation in Libya. Ban Ki-Moon censured the "very disturbing and shocking scenes". Sarkozy has said that it is an "unacceptable use of force" and asks for a political solution. Similarly British Prime Minister David Cameron has voiced his disapproval. China and Russia seem principally concerned about their citizens in Libya - with Russia sending planes in to help evacuate it's people. 

The UN Security Council is meeting this morning to decide what course of action to take. Ibrahim al-Dabashi, Libya's Deputy Ambassador to the UN has already asked for a No Fly Zone to be set up over Libya.  

This needs to be done today. Assuming the Russians and the Chinese can be persuaded not to veto a resolution (the Russians have after all just agreed a $1.8 billion arms deal with Gadaffi's regime) then the US, France and Britain all have aircraft within an hour of Libya. 

It is true that there are other genocides occurring right now, which perhaps deserve as much attention as what is happening in Libya, but the fact that these attacks by the Libyan Air Force are so flagrant, so incontrovertible and potentially so easily stopped means that we really do not have any cause for delay. The UN needs to stand up and perform the job for which it was created.