Tanks, rockets drive back Libyan rebels from Gadhafi’s hometown

Libyan government tanks and rockets have driven back rebels who attempted an assault on Moammar Gadhafi’s hometown of Sirte. Opposition fighters fleeing in a panicked scramble pleaded for international airstrikes that never came. (more…)

Obama’s Libya speech: First Thoughts

US President Barack Obama issued a broad defense of his decision to pursue military action against Libya in a speech to the country tonight, arguing that intervention was a necessary step to prevent a “massacre” in the country. (more…)

Libyan rebels encounter ‘dirty tricks’ from Gaddafi’s troops

Suliman Abdul Mula was not surprised when he saw the white flag waved by a group of Muammar Gaddafi’s soldiers caught between western air strikes and the rapid advance of Libya’s rebels. “We saw they raised the white flag. We thought they no longer wanted to fight for Gaddafi. They are losing and no one in Libya wants to die for Gaddafi any more,” said the 31-year-old. “But when we approached, they opened fire. It was a trick.” (more…)

Qatar recognizes Libyan opposition

The Libyan Transitional National Council is the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, the Foreign Ministry in Qatar announced Monday. (more…)

Libya rebels say they have taken Ras Lanuf

A day after retaking the town of Brega, rebels in Libya say they have taken the oil port of Ras Lanuf.

“They are just clearing the city,” said Iman Bougaighis, a spokeswoman for the opposition. “After that they plan to stay there, overnight or longer.” (more…)

Libyan Woman Claiming Gaddafi Troops raped her

A distraught Libyan woman stormed into a Tripoli hotel Saturday to tell foreign reporters that government troops raped her, setting off a brawl when hotel staff and government minders tried to detained her. (more…)

French forces destroy 7 Libyan aircraft on ground

French warplanes have destroyed five Libyan military planes and two helicopters at Misrata air base in the past 24 hours, France’s armed forces said.

Armed forces spokesman Thierry Burkhard said all seven Libyan aircraft were destroyed while on the ground (more…)

Libyan economy struggles

Long lines formed outside gas stations and supermarket shelves were emptying Friday amid signs that the week-old no-fly zone and naval blockade against Libya are beginning to take a toll on the country’s economy. (more…)

Op-Ed- Hoping for Arab Mandelas

The more Arab Mandelas emerge, the more they will be able to manage their own transitions. Will they emerge?

Libyan rebel leader tells Sarkozy: Thanks, you can leave now

LIBYA’S rebels have thanked France for its role in the Western-led military blitz against the Gaddafi regime but said “outside forces” could now leave the country, in a letter published overnight. (more…)