visionary Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Some additional information from CNN about Libya: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/19/libya.protests/index.html?hpt=T1 Still, an anti-government demonstrator there said that despite having been barraged for days by tear gas and bullets, many of his colleagues slept overnight outside the city's courthouse and planned another rally at 1 p.m. Sunday."There are a lot of people getting killed for their freedom," the man, who was not identified for safety reasons, told CNN early Sunday. "Our goal is simple: We want Gadhafi to leave. We want freedom. ... We want democracy." The man, a technology expert who has set up cameras airing live online video streams around Benghazi, estimated that the numbers of anti-government demonstrators in the city has grown 20% since the protests began Tuesday. Another protester in Misratah, a city about 250 km (155 miles) east of Tripoli, said that roughly 1,300 remained on the streets there through the night and into the morning Sunday, burning pictures of Gadhafi and calling for an end to his rule. Now this is believable! Instead, a report from Libya's state-run JANA news agency blames "acts of sabotage and burning" on outsiders aiming to undermine the nation's stability, security and unity. The report claims that the unrest has been fomented in Libya as well as Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan, Egypt, Lebanon and Iran by an Israeli-led network of covert operatives. Since Wednesday, authorities have arrested "dozens of foreign members of this network who were trained on starting clashes," the JANA story said, adding that the outsiders were of Tunisian, Egyptian, Sudanese, Turkish, Palestinian and Syrian descent. The latest from Al Jazeera: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libya February 207:20 am Al Jazeera is speaking with a number of sources inside Libya, including Fathy Terbil, a lawyer who represents relatives of more than 1,000 people killed in an alleged 1996 "massacre" at Abu Salim jail in Tripoli. Terbil's arrest earlier in February helped ignite the ongoing protests. Speaking with Al Jazeera via an Internet phone on Saturday, Terbil said there had been a "massacre" in Benghazi, the country's second-largest city. Security forces were using civilian cars without license places to drive about the city and open fire; dozens had been killed, perhaps hundreds. "People here are living under very tough circumstances," Terbil said. Residents can't move about or drive their cars due to the random gunfire. Alleged mercenaries wearing yellow construction helmets - reported by numerous sources in the country - are roaming about and attacking protesters, he said. ---------- Post added February-20th-2011 at 01:26 AM ---------- And on Bahrain http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/16/live-blog-bahrain 849am Twitpiced by AymanB: A shot of protesters, who remained in the Pearl Roundabout overnight: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Britain speaks out about Libya http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libya 9:23 am British foreign secretary William Hague had strong words yesterday for the "unacceptable violence" in Libya. In videotaped remarks, he noted reports that security forces there are using heavy weaponry and have deployed a sniper unit against protesters:"We want to make clear to the Libyan government that just because there aren't television cameras present at the scenes that are going on in Libya, that does not mean that the world is not watching, and that doesn't mean that the world is going to ignore the way in which protesters and demonstrators are treated." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Bahrain http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/16/live-blog-bahrain 1:50pm The AP reports that women are playing a key role in anti-government demonstrations in Bahrain:As night fell in Bahrain on Saturday, thousands of women took to the streets of the capital Manama to show their support for the popular anti-government protests. Most women wore traditional black cloaks, with their heads covered. Others wore Bahraini flags around their shoulders as they converged on Pearl Roundabout, the focal-point for demonstrations. 'Today we are happy that we've achieved, that we can tell our demands and needs', said Zahra, who sat with a group of women holding candles. 'We need to change the government of Bahrain. I mean the minister, His Highness, he has to be removed,' she added, a strong comment in a nation which had, until recently, not dared to be overly vocal in criticism of the ruling Sunni royal family. Another protester, Yasmina al-Said, wore a red shirt and carried a red tulip, symbolising Bahrain's flag. She highlighted the wide cross-section of Bahrainis who took part in the protests: 'There's no difference between young people or old, or women or men. 'We're here together... and hopefully things will change.' There are a few cool photos highlighting women's roles in Bahrain's protests via Twitpic - here's a great shot: Libya http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libya 1:03 pm Libyans have set up a livestream, apparently from a laptop webcam, in Benghazi, the second-largest city in the country and the site of much of its protest activity and deadly violence. We've posted a permanent link at the top of this page. 1:41 pm An AudioBoo filed in the early hours this morning describes the ongoing fighting in Benghazi between protesters and security forces, the latter of whom are reportedly fighting from two compounds. An army barracks belonging to the "al-Fadheel" brigade was reportedly overrun by protesters on Saturday; this caller describes young men throwing "hand bombs" at the barracks.He also provides another account of security forces using high-caliber, possibly anti-aircraft guns against protesters. 2:10 pm Here's a lengthy account provided by a 24-year-old student in Tripoli: Here is what I know so far. In Zawiya reportedly two prisons were opened by anti-regime crowds, apparently because of low security there. I can confirm that the women's facility was opened. I also just found out that a friend's friend (male) who was imprisoned there was let out, so I guess that confirms the other. The past few days in Trip have seen only pro-government events. Until yesterday, the biggest crowd was Thursday, when one of Q's sons and later Q himself showed up. On Friday, some of the Imams spoke against the protests and those 'who would corrupt the country and begin civil war.' Yesterday, from morning until about midnight, a crowd of easily one or two thousand people gathered in the green square. Several hundred, mostly young men, were on foot, while a few hundred cars packed with men and women continuously circled the square. Trucks would pull up periodically to distribute posters and green flags. There was a music group leading chants and songs in favor of Q. Some of the chants were (translated) 'the people want ... colonel muammar', 'only god, muammar, and libya' and 'al-jazeera you fool, we want our leader, no one else'. In the square, a strong security presence, including firetrucks in various positions, ambulances, and the occasional helicopter. Yesterday, the ambulances turned on their sirens and participated in the parades and cheering. In the outskirts, increased military and traffic police stationed. As far as I can tell, there have not been true gunshots, only the sound of fireworks and noisemakers. Until last night, no violent clashes between security and the crowds, nor between anti- and pro- crowds, in the center of Tripoli (this excludes Zawiya). In fact, anti- crowds have yet to be seen at all. The attitude in Tripoli contrasts starkly with that in the Easy. Many people in Tripoli do not believe that what is happening in the East is real, they either attribute it to the 'propaganda' of al-Jazeera (against which have been directed several slogans) or say that Egyptians and Tunisians have infiltrated the country, that 'real Libyans' wouldn't do such things. Historically, the two regions have not been great friends, and now whatever tension there was recently has been sharpening into open hate and disgust towards Eastern Libyans. Some people refer to them as 'Zionists and Israelis'. Also, transportation cross-country has been mostly stopped. Planes and cars/buses no longer go to the East, and several foreign companies brought their employees to Tripoli. http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/20112206386812127.html Hundreds have been killed in Libya since protests broke out across the North African nation six days ago, according to rights watchdogs and eyewitnesses across the country.Residents told Al Jazeera that at least 200 people had died in the eastern city of Benghazi alone, while the New York-based Human Rights Watch on Sunday put the countrywide death toll at 104. The rights group said the figure was "conservative". Protests have also reportedly broken out in other cities, including Bayda, Derna, Tobruk and Misrata. That's the latest so far. By the way, I'm going to be heading down south today to Wilmington, NC and Savannah, GA for a week, so I probably won't be updating this much if at all over the upcoming week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebluefood Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Overall I think things will be much better. With that said though, I think it's extremely naive to think that there won't be some hiccups and wrong turns along the way. The transformation is still in it's infancy. There's a lot of hard work to be done in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. But this is clearly the biggest world-altering event since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In my opinion anyway. Im not sure most people grasp that yet. One of my former teachers told me this on Facebook the other day. The events occurring in the Middle East is going to be my generation's equivalent to the fall of the Soviet Union. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 It seems that a lot has happened in Libya today. Benghazi was completely taken over by the protesters, as they used a car bomb and a tank to break into the final security compound early in the day. Later there were thousands of protesters marching on the courthouse and other government buuildings in Tripoli itself and more than a few were shot down by security forces in the capital. Various tribes and tribal leaders across Libya with hundreds of thousands following them have threatened to rebell and cut off the oil supply for the governemnt if the security forces keep shooting people. Gaddafi's son gave a speech promising major reform if the protests stop. No one seems to want to listen to him. After his speech protesters marched on the main sqaure in Tripoli and were shot up by security forces again. Also the Libyan ambassador to the Arab league quit due to the violent crackdown by the governemnt. The Libyan ambassador to China did the same and said there is turmoil in the ruling family. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thiebear Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 What will the world look like when the dust settles. Is this a hopeful time or a prelude to something worse? I'm cautiously siding with hope. peace throughout the would so we could all wear onesies. From Fark.com: Qaddafi cuts off all access to the internet in Libya because, you know, it worked so well when they tried that in Egypt (thedailybeast.com) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thiebear Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 In Boznia i remember an old ass farmer broke through the last blockade with his farm tractor... the lil things that fade in history but changed that country. Go People. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Before I catch the continental breakfast, here's some new info from Libya: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libya 12:07 am Reports from news agencies, Twitter and witnesses speaking directly to Al Jazeera are painting a picture of semi-chaos overnight in Tripoli. It appears that some protesters from nearby towns converged on the city, and thousands from the capital itself turned out as well. They were allowed to march to the central Green or Martyrs' Square, which they occupied briefly before being confronted by security forces and pro-Gaddafi protesters, who came out in force after a late-night speech by Saif al-Gaddafi, the leader's son. During the night, protesters have broken into and burned a number of government buildings, reportedly including: State television; the main courthouse; a large, centrally located bank; an intelligence agency building; at least two police stations - one in Souq Jamaa and one in Zawadahmany. 1:19 pm The folks at Alive in Libya have posted another audio clip of a phone call from Tripoli overnight on Sunday. It confirms what we've been hearing: Protesters have burned, looted and destroyed a number of government buildings in the Libyan capital, including several police stations and "revolutionary committee" headquarters. "Every so often we get news that an area has fallen in the hands of the protesters," the man said. After protesters briefly took the capital's central square, they were confronted by by cars and land cruisers whose passengers opened fire "like it was a war". 1:47 pm This video posted yesterday on YouTube apparently shows the anti-government protesters in Green/Martyrs' Square in Tripoli last night: r172ak2wVp4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visionary Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Libya http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libya 4:17 pm Reuters reports the Libyan justice minister has resigned in support of the protests. 4:24 pm The death toll from clashes in Tripoli - today - has reached 61, report our colleagues at Al Jazeera Arabic. 4:40 pm Four helicopters reported to be circling Green/Martyrs' Square, where protesters have gathered in central Tripoli. 4:51pm: Gaddafi's security forces reportedly surround the home of Jumaa Al Ousta - general secretary of Libya's trade and industry chamber. They are threatenening to burn it down, after he was critical of Gaddafi in an interview with Al Jazeera. 4:58pm: A Libyan consul secretary, a translator and a receptionist have quit their jobs at the embassy in Stockholm. In a letter, they write:We condemn the genocide of civilians taking place in Libya following their legitimate demands of life in dignity and without the despot Gadaffi's continued mismanagement and corruption. We find the situation unbearable: we don't want to be passive when we see that people rise up against the tyrant despite the obvious risk that their blood is spilled. Therefore we resign in protest and urge others to make their voices heard. 5:07pm: Libyan diplomat tells Al Jazeera the minister of security has resigned his post. I think someone needs to make a list of all the Libyan officials that are resigning. Bahrain: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/16/live-blog-bahrain 5:11am The opposition wants Bahrain's rulers to guarantee they will back up their conciliatory words with actions, a Shia leader said as he and other activists weighed the regime's offer for talks after nearly a week of protests and deadly clashes.The streets of Manama were calmer on Sunday as efforts shifted toward political haggling over demands the monarchy give up its near-absolute control over key policies and positions. 5:29am Hundreds of protesters in Bahrain woke on Monday morning after another night spent camped out at the Pearl roundabout.Dozens of tents have been erected for sleeping, but some people slept on the ground, covered in piles of blankets to protect against the chill night air. The mood is upbeat. Protester Hossain Kasar has spent the past two nights camped at the monument. "I'm feeling happy" he said at sunrise on Monday morning, "but all the people of Bahrain, they don't want the government of Bahrain." he added. 1:20pm Exiled opposition figure Hassan Mashaima told AFP he would return to Manama, as protesters gear up for a rally they hope will bring tens of thousands to the central Pearl roundabout."I have decided to return to my country," said Mashaima, a Shia based in London who faces charges of terrorism in his native Bahrain. In a telephone call from the British capital, Mashaima said he would land in Manama on Tuesday at around 1600 GMT and had "no guarantees" he would not be arrested on arrival. "But under the current circumstances, I cannot remain outside my country," he added. Mashaima is the leader of the opposition Haq movement, or the Movement of Liberties and Democracy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FanboyOf91 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 1:20am: Al Jazeera Arabic reports that adverts appear in Guinea and Nigeria offering would-be mercenaries up to US $2000 dollars per day NSFW video of alleged mercenaries: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvOYCp1NASw&feature=player_embedded English translation of Al Jazeera Arabic: http://twitter.com/#%21/RawyaRageh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 1:20am: Al Jazeera Arabic reports that adverts appear in Guinea and Nigeria offering would-be mercenaries up to US $2000 dollars per day Isn't that a really inflated wage, for those parts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FanboyOf91 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Nigeria: $1092 per yearGuinea: $386 per year http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=wb-wdi&met=ny_gdp_pcap_cd&idim=country:NGA&dl=en&hl=en&q=nigeria+gdp+per+capita#met=ny_gdp_pcap_cd&idim=country:NGA:GIN Whoa. Edit: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebluefood Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 From the Washington Post Tribal and religious leaders condemned Gaddafi for the attacks against civilians; some urged all Muslims to rise against him. Influential Muslim cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi told al-Jazeera that he urged any Libyan soldier who has the opportunity to kill Gaddafi - and issued a religious decree to that effect."I am issuing a fatwa now to kill Gaddafi," the cleric said. "To any army soldier, to any man who can pull the trigger and kill this man to do so." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thiebear Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Fatwa's don't seem so horrible when they are pointed the other way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brave Little Toaster Oven Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Fatwa's don't seem so horrible when they are pointed the other way very true...this will show how serious fatwas are if a soldier actually does it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FanboyOf91 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 9.47pm: Nicaragua's president, Daniel Ortega, says he has telephoned Muammar Gaddafi to express his solidarity with the embattled leader. (:doh:) 10:04pm: "Gaddafi's No.2" Abdul Fatah Younis, Libyan minister of interior and army general - resigns. More to come. 10.11pm: Libya's defected interior minister has urged the Libyan army to join the people and respond to their "legitimate demands" echoing the language used by defecting Egyptian military leaders before the fall of president Hosni Mubarak. 10.27pm: The emergency UN Security Council meeting on Libya has just begun in New York. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/gadhafis-influence-on-africa/article1915484/?from=1915485 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ixcuincle Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Watching the Frontline documentary on PBS about the Egyptian revolution Very recent and very interesting, you can watch it online if you missed it ---------- Post added February-22nd-2011 at 10:44 PM ---------- The documentary is only 30 minutes but its' followed by another 30 minute one on the Muslim Brotherhood Interviewing young Egyptians in tents in Tarir Square about the Muslim Brotherhood, rift between new generation and old in the Brotherhood, etc. Would highly recommend watching this right now or online whenever you all have time. Very, very intriguing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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