Just a few months earlier in May, the journal Health & Place published, “Malaria, environmental change, and a historical epidemiology of childhood ‘cold fevers’: Popular interpretations from southwestern Burkina Faso.”

Two similar topics, published just months apart. But they come with a big difference. The first article was published in an Open Access Journal, free and available to anyone willing to click on it and read it. The second article hails from a scientific journal published by a large conglomerate. Unless you have institutional access, which costs hundreds of dollars, you most likely must pay the publisher $31 (€22) to read the piece.

Disseminating ideas

The internet opened up new methods to disseminate information and, for users, to access it. It also reduced distribution costs. But if research about diseases like Malaria continues to remain behind pay walls, Open Access proponents ask, what good is it? All over Africa, financial models from the world of print keep scientists, students and policy makers separated from new ideas and research.

David Apinga, a blogger from Ghana points out:

Currently, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the least developed region of the world in the area of research. This is partly attributed to inability of research centres in developing countries to pay for the high cost of online journal access as well as subscriptions to print versions.

Open Access scholarship also offers scientists and researchers a chance for greater collaboration. From the Open Access Central blog:

Open access offers many opportunities for scientists in the developing world – not only improved access to international scientific literature, but also the opportunity to develop (or re-develop) their own national and regional journals. Such journals have a pivotal role to play in creating the environment and infrastructure needed for research to flourish.

Open Access Week (in Africa)

Information professionals, scholars and publishers around the world are currently celebrating the fifth annual Open Access Week. Events across Africa are taking place to help solidify those gains across the continent.

The group Duraspace.org – makers of two Open Source repositories – highlight a few Open Access programs from around Africa:

• UBRISA, the University of Botswana Research, Innovation and Scholarship Archive, allowing faculty and students from the institution to place their research in a central repository where it can be stored and accessed.
• Ethiopia is home to three repositories: The Economic Commission of Africa, the International Livestock Research Institute and Addis Ababa University Library Dspace.
• KNUSTSpace, the institutional repository for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi.
• From a European-based repository, a list of South African Open Access projects.

Benefits for Africa

In this video by Leslie Chan, Dr. Paul Nampala, Science Editor of African Crop Science Journal (ACSJ), argues that greater open access will actually increase journal readership, even if it does decrease the overall number of paid subscriptions.

Charles J. Greenberg, a Medical Librarian at Yale University in the United States, blogs at OpenBioMed.Info. He recently interviewed Raoul Kamadjeu, a physician and co-founder of the Pan African Medical Journal.

Greenberg: You are a founding editor of the Pan African Medical Journal (PAMJ). To promote the online publication of original studies from the African medical and public health communities, PAMJ will not charge article-processing fee for any accepted article submitted from African researchers or institutions or from any researcher and institution around the world. How can you afford to support this generous business model?

Kamadjeu: Yes, we do not currently charge authors fees. Our 2011 author’s survey (http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/pamjnews/NewsArticle.php?NewsId=news4dffa0d8f2713) showed this as one of the main reasons why authors submit to us. We are able to afford this business model because we currently benefit from the generous support of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) with which we have a memorandum of understanding; but we are not naïve, reaching financial independence is key if we want to sustain our current growth and remain a journal of continental scope. Your question brings the wider issue of the financial viability of African journals? They rely heavily on support from donors, some journals charge authors fees; it will be interesting to know how these models work for them. We are looking into traditional and innovative ideas to reach financial sustainability; article processing fees is part of the plan in the medium term; however, establishing a reputable journal remains our main priority; this will help ensure financial sustainability. I just want to add that support to African journals is important if we want to ensure that some level of medical publishing survives on the continent, particularly nowadays, with the explosion of medical journal franchises.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (0)
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Tweeps, journalists and viewers around the Middle East and the world are mourning the death of Mohammed Nabbous, founder of Libya's AlHurra TV.

According the multiple press reports, Nabbous was killed in a firefight while he was filming. He leaves behind a wife and an unborn child.

Known as “Mo” to his many fans, Nabbous brought the Muammar Al Gaddafi's violent crackdown of protesters home to viewers and listeners around the world. From his AlHurra TV livestream and during taped conversations with a variety of international media, he spoke candidly about the situation from his base in Benghazi.

Here is one of Nabbous's first webcasts from the Libyan uprising, which has been curated by apologiiiize, where he states that the Libyan people want to live in Freedom without Gaddafi. In response to a question about what the international community can do, Nabbous responds:

For God's sake, who can rule for over 42 years. Isn't that enough? Ask him to stop killing us. I don't know how you people can watch him killing us without putting any pressure on him. That is the minimum we ask that we live in freedom.

Nabbous was also known for his bravery in the field, getting close to fighting and explosions to provide an unfiltered view of the Gaddafi regime's violence. Here is a video of Nabbous attempting to get close to a explosion at the Benghazi power station. Commenting on the heat, he said: “I will try to get closer. I hope my camera is not gonna die…It is really hot, I think my camera is melting.”

This phone call, during very heavy fighting in Benghazi, is reportedly his last.

Tributes
As news of his death spread, he was mourned by fans and journalists alike. His wife, speaking a few hours after Nabbous passed, demanded his work carry on.

“I am Mo's wife, and I want to let all of you know that Mohammed has passed away for this cause,” begins the report at 3:15 PM Libyan time.

“He died for this cause and let's hope that Libya will become free. Thank you everyone. Please pray for him. And let's not stop doing what we are doing until this is over. What he started has got to go on no matter what happens…I need everyone to do just as much as they can.”

A tribute from the Al Jazeera English journalist who blogs at Bilal in Doha, said Nabbous's mission was “to get the news about what’s happening in #Libya out to the world.”

We often followed him, using his info and news in our reporting. Today, when attacks were reported in Benghazi, I was tuned in to his livestream for hours - at some point this morning he said that he was not afraid to die. And in one his first video’s that I saw, he said:

“I am not afraid to die, I am afraid to lose the battle.”

All day, everyday, we report on deaths around the world - a week ago, when Al Jazeera cameraman was killed in Libya, it forced us to pause for a moment cos the loss was closer to home. With Mo’s death, even though I’ve never met him, I feel like its a loss of someone I knew…

Let us honor this courageous man and help him realize his dream by directing our efforts to get news from Libya out.

Many people expressed their sorrow on the Libya Feb 17 Livestream chat page:

marylouise996S: Thank you Mo for all you have done - you put us on the ground - you let the world know what was happening. I hope you can see that planes are in the air. You are a hero to all Libya and to the world

Here is a roundup of Twitter condolences.

@afauno: Mohamed Al Nabbous is dead: When voice of freedom loses life, voice of army speaks. The world still needs work.

@acarvin: Mohammad Nabbous was my primary contact in Libya, and the face of Libyan citizen journalism. And now he's dead, killed in a firefight.

@OmarAlmu5tar: Founder of Libya Alhurra TV in Benghazi, Muhammad Nabbous, has been shot and martyred today. Allah yar7ama #Libya #feb17

@Toward_Khilafah: Mohamed #Nabbous, 28 was martyred 2day. A true Libyan man, in the mould of Omar Al-Mukhtar. #Libya

@ChangeInLibya: “I am not afraid to die, I am afraid to lose the battle” - Mohammed Nabbous, Benghazi martyr today. Omar Al-Mukhtar would be proud. #libya

@Koreman: http://twitpic.com/4b137e - This is very emotional. Mohame Nabbous widow is talking live now. http://bit.ly/fj1J6O

@RRowleyTucson: Let's drop the word citizen from citizen journalist. Mohammad Nabbous was a journalist who died in the line of duty He was #Libya's Cronkite

@RRowleyTucson: Mohamed #Nabbous, full month after his 1st broadcast (Feb19), killed on the front lines to defend his city, Benghazi, & his country. #Libya

@Douuu: RESPECT to all the martyrs we've lost .. Mohamed Al-Nabbous, may u RIP .. your death is honourable & definitely not in vain. #Libya

@LibyaInMe: I really can't bare reading Mohammed Nabbous's name, over and over again. It hurts a lot. My heart can't take it anymore #libya #feb17

@TrendsmapCanada: 'sarkozy', ‘nabbous' & #uscagm are now trending in Canada http://trendsmap.com/ca

@mdp4202: Apparently a well respected journalist, Mohammed Nabbous, was shot & killed earlier today in Benghazi. Deepest respect 4 all trying 2 inform

@PurpleGimp: Don't know if all #Tweeps know this about Mohamed ‘Mo' Nabbous @MoAm84 but his Radio Station in #Benghazi was 1st EVER Free Radio in #Libya.

@jeffjarvis: When journalists ask what citizen journalists risk their lives covering news, introduce them to Mohammad Nabbous. http://on.fb.me/gTp0XT

@Cyberela: “@TamyEmmaPepin “I am not afraid to die, I am afraid to lose the battle” - Mo Nabbous, young citizen journalist. killed in Benghazi #Libya”

@MoussaBashir: Libya: Mohammed “Mo” Al Nabbous, founder of Benghazi webcast “Libya Alhurra TV” killed in firefight http://t.co/WJLxoxg

@rj_gallagher: MUST WATCH: Killed Libyan reporter Mohamed Nabbous this morning: “He is bombing #Benghazi…he has to be stopped” http://3.ly/hdVN #Libya

@Donna_West: We have lost the voice of the ppl of #Libya. Mo Nabbous was killed by gunfire earlier today. RIP Mo. Thank you for keeping us informed.

@johanwicklen: Mohammad Nabbous R.I.P

@MrVop: Mohammed Nabbous, the founder of Libya AlHurra TV, was killed this morning while reporting on the attacks from the pro-Gaddafi forces

Ron Eastwood: This Morning, Ghaddafi's dogs killed my friend Mohammad Nabbous in Benghazi. RIP Brother.

@peppezlyk: R.I.P Mohammad Nabbous

Guy Noyfb: ‎'Truther' “Mo” dies in a firefight!

Julia Hines: THE LINK BELOW IS AN EXTERNAL LINK TO SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING. It Is Genocide http://tinyurl.com/5wuorrj SHOW THE World what THE BASTARDS ARE DOING

@acarvin: And now I can't stop thinking, what if those French planes began to arrive 12 hours ago. Would Mo be alive now? I just don't know.

@justamira: LISTENing to Mohammed Nabbous' audio when he was killed: http://bit.ly/h4tphZ RIP Mohammed: You are a TRUE HERO! #Libya

@afauno: Mohamed Al Nabbous is dead: When voice of freedom loses life, voice of army speaks. The world still needs work. http://twitpic.com/4b2f01

Mostafa Libya: Mohammed Nabbous the Founder of the famed “Libya Alhurra” Got shot in the head while protecting his city of Benghazi…. RIP Martyr :'(

Barbara Rice: Over the past few days I have been observing a webcam channel sponsored by the Libya17Feb folks and in particular the citizen journalism of a young married Libyan man named Muhammad Nabbous. “Mo” as he is nicknamed, has been an inspiration to many Libyans across North America, Europe, and the Middle

Finally, we have a conversation with Mohammed Nabbous and Ben Wedeman from CNN talking about Gaddafi, hallucinogens and the Libyan people.

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (8)
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Yemeni forces once again attacked non-violent protesters in front of Sanaa University Friday, March 18, as snipers and soldiers on-the-ground fired live weapons into the crowd, killing an estimated 40 people and wounding another 200.

It was the worst day of violence in the nearly two-month-long protest to oust long-serving president Ali Abdullah Saleh. The high number of casualties more than doubled the previous death count of 29 since protests began in early February. Young Protesters and older opposition party members have been calling on Saleh to step down because they feel his regime is corrupt, stifles the economy and he is responsible for a multitude of human rights abuses in the name of national security.

Fridays always bring out large crowds to anti-Saleh events, and eyewitnesses told journalists that shooters were placed on building roofs and in close-by houses to fire at the crowd as prayers ended. Amnesty International and news organizations called the attacks deliberate and planned. Al Jazeera English quoted its reporters who said many of the casualties were killed by bullet wounds to the head.

Here is a Twitter account of what at least one blogger is dubbing the “Friday Massacre in Sanaa.”

@womanfromyemen: #saleh is taking advantage of whats happening in japan & libya by killing peaceful protesters while no one is watching plz R, #yemen #yf

@shephardm: Horrific scene unfolding in #Yemen. Early reports say firing from nearby roofs of buildings into crowd of student demonstrators. #Sanaa. #yf

@JNovak_Yemen: Friday Massacre in #Sanaa, #Yemen: updates & links at Armies of Liberation: http://bit.ly/dUcltK #YF

@NoonArabia: Almost 50 killed and more than 300 wounded in #Sana'a so far #Yemen #yf

@imothana: Yemen Post editor tells AJE the massacre is ‘on a scale unseen in #Sanaa in decades' #Yemen #yf

@imothana: AJE reporter: “I can't find any way of describing what happened other than a pre-planned massacre”More than 30 dead & 200 wounded #Yemen #yf

@AnTiCaRioGeNiC: young yemeni Journo,Gamal Sharbi, shot dead during covering the clashes :”( #yf #yemen #feb3

@ionacraig: The sustained gunfire I experienced came from buildings over looking the protest area #yemen #yf

@Abe_Alansy: URGENT : Security forces are trying to intrusions on Rabat St. and shooting sound all over the place. #Yemen #Sanaa #Yf

@ArabsUnite: Another PIC of a martyr today in #sanaa..Ya Rab Er7moo #YF #YEMEN http://twitpic.com/4anjk3

@Nefermaat: tanks and military personnal heading to square where protesters are in #Taez #Yemen… new attack there too ?? #yf May Allah help us !!

@ArabsUnite: Just got off the phone to my 2mum who is in #Yemen,In tears; saying NEVER has she seen PPL killed so ruthlessly & she's only watching TV #YF

@AnTiCaRioGeNiC: revolutionaries at #taiz city shouldn't stay still, they shall start marching toward the republican palace in #taiz #yemen #yf

@alnitak250: #Taiz practically under siege by Saleh forces. Helicopters over the city. #Yemen #yf

@yemen: Arresting a thug was hiding in one of the buildings Change Square #yemen #yf #Sanaa

@YemenFreeVoice: @yemen4change we urge the #UN to impose all necessary measures to protect civilians from #Saleh Mafias #yemen #yf

@yemen4change: We urge the #UN to act immediately on the situation in #Yemen before it's too late! #yf

@ArabsUnite: PLZ spread the word on what's happening, When need be we were..Tunisians, Egyptians, Libyans, Bahraini.. today let's be Yemeni #YF

@al3ini: #AliSaleh precipitated his departure and he has to leave immediately #Yemen #YF #egypt #libya

Warning: Extremely Graphic. Here is a video, uploaded by uthemoon4, showing the dead and wounded in a makeshift hospital near Sanaa University. Here is some very graphic photos of injured protesters.

State of Emergency
Saleh spoke a few hours after the shooting subsided, denying government involvement. He blamed the deaths on “armed elements” at the university square and expressed sorrow for the casulties. He also declared a state of emergency throughout the country, imposing a curfew and outlawing carrying guns.

One of Saleh's largest backers, the United States, condemend the violence and “call[ed] on President Saleh to adhere to his public pledge to allow demonstrations to take place peacefully.”

This, too, brought strong condemnation.

@HarunAlAmriki: He only bankrolled it. RT @blakehounshell: Obama statement just now: “I strongly condemn the violence that has taken place in Yemen today.”

@jeremyscahill: As you watch slaughter in #Yemen, remember the Obama administration significantly increased military aid to its gov't

@haroonmihtar: Shame on president obama for not intervening in #yemen an “ally” of america. Saleh has lost complete legitimacy as president of #yemen

@cbl2: stunning but predictable hypocrisy from Obama in the face of atrocities in #Bahrain and #Yemen

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Shortly after the UN Security Council-imposed no-fly zone over Libya was to take effect, Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi's government said it would halt its hostilities in the country.

In a vote of 10 in favor and five abstentions, the United Nations Security Council passed resolution 1973, “all necessary measures” to protect civilians from pro-Gaddafi forces and to find a peaceful solution to the fighting that began when government forces began attacking anti-regime protesters.

A wide view of the Security Council as 5 Members—China, Brazil, Germany, India and the Russian Federation—indicate their abstentions on resolution 1973 (2011) which authorizes the use of military force, including a no-fly zone, in Libya. Photo from the UN.

@bungdan:
Mussa Kusa, top Qaddafi aide declares immediate ceasefire. No threats, no bluster. They were shelling misrata this morning though #libya

@deepak_minhas: #libya's FM Koussa said bc his country was a member of the United Nations it is “obliged to accept to #UN Security Council's resolutions”.

@fmrw89: Moussa Koussa has an interestingly selective way of interpreting the UN Charter. Oh well, I suppose that puts him in good company. #libya

I should also point out:

@kasrawiNYC: #Libya's Foreign Minister has the greatest name of any Arab politician: Moussa Koussa (Moussa the Squash)

‘It's a lie'
Tweeps met the call for ceasefire with sustained boos and pleas to ignore it:

@Tripolitanian: Koussa's comments don't change anything, #Gaddafi continues to bomb civilians, we want this madman to go! | #Libya #Feb17

@freedom4libya: There is no ceasefire it's a trick. #Gadhafi is attacking Misrata & Zintan in the west and Adjabia in the east. NATO?? What are you waiting4

@freedom4libya:
Hello world leaders DO NoT FALL FOR #GADHAFI CEASEFIRE IT'S A LIE. #libya please rtweet

@Dima_Khatib: Gaddafi's games: first he says resolution not worth paper it is written on, then he says he will respect it –> cease fire, then he .. fires

@AlArabiya_Eng: The commander of protesters said that the government announcement of an immediate ceasefire is “not important” saying Gaddafi is “bluffing”

@Imadou: The ceasefire is the result of last night's decision and Gaddafi watching old tapes of Saddam's final months…

@freedom4libya: #Gadhafi announcing ceasefire. His deathsquads everywhere not covered by ceasefire. #LibyanTNC please be aware of his games. #Libya united.

@hamzamu: Gaddafi is moving many dead bodies to suspected targets UN may attack in order to claim them as victims of UN #libya

@iyad_elbaghdadi: To those asking about Gaddafi's “cease fire”, it's a pathetic ploy. Attacks on Misurata continue and shooting protesters continues. #Libya

@evanchill: Regime ceasefire calculation? Continued assault = assured destruction. Cease fire = survival + control of capital and major oil facilities.

@richardengelnbc: #libya.. Question is will libya really stop offensive? Reports of ongong assault in misrata. Announcing a ceasefire and doing it v different

@freelibyanyouth: Misratah still being attacked after Koussa announces ceasefire! There has to be an implementation of the resolution! #libya

Attacks around the country
Here is some news from the ground. For the past few days, Gaddafi forces have been attacking Misurata, going so far as to claim the city was under government control. However, those attacks continue on Friday, March 18 on Libya's third-largest city:

@Dima_Khatib: Gaddafi supposedly announced a cease fire but he is now breaking his own cease fire in Misurata #libya #feb17

@ShababLibya: Misrata facing heavy shelling, gun fire in residential areas as well as sniper fire. Arabiya reports 4 dead 70 wounded #Libya #Feb17

@bilalr: Misurata resident tells #AlJazeera that city been assault by some 25 tanks - casualties rising. More on Libya Live Blog http://aje.me/fSUeNg

@libi4ever: 1 martyr in Misrata right now, the city still under heavy bombing #libya

@libi4ever: Misrata under heavy fire, qadfi wants to destroy it be4 he leaves #libya

@AhmedW: Misrata stay strong!! احمد وريث #Libya #Feb17

@Tripolinero:
Gunfire and heavy artillery clashes b/w forces and rebels at South of #Ajdabiya-so much 4 the cease fire #Gaddafi you habitual liar! #Libya

Warning: Graphic Content. Here is a video, uploaded by marco1702 last week, showing fighting in Misurata.

Tweeps also report fighting in other parts of the country.

@ShababLibya: Gaddafi claims a ceasefire to buy him more time, heavy clashes currently taking place from Zintan to Ajdabia, snipers in Misrata #Libya

@freedom4libya: City of #Zintan is under attack.

Continued fighting leads a few to wonder the effectiveness of a no-fly zone:

@Antiwarcom: Despite alleged cease-fire, Misrata attacks continue, NFZ has no effect on tanks, guns http://bit.ly/eX9who #

Rumors fly of explosions in Tripoli:

@feb17voices: AJE correspondent reports hearing 3 large explosions in past 1/2 hour in #Tripoli unlike anything she's heard since being in #Libya. #Feb17

@ShababLibya: Very large explosions heard and continuing west of Tripoli #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes

@Thanku4theAnger: Seems bombing of Gaddafi forces in #Tripoli has commenced by NFZ forces. 3 large explosions heard today unlike anything before in past hour

Debating the No-Fly Zone
Let's step back a minute a cover some of the debate on the no-fly zone. Some say it is too little too late.

@LibyaNewMedia: Only see reports of new meetings, new discussions while nobody listens to the Libyan people. Kinda foresaw this yesterday. No trust & hope.

@Vettcrazz: Those people over in #libya will be a mass exodus because of no food or water,same with yemen and iran.NFZ COMPLETE HOAX.#LIBYA IS HUNGRY

@Lqkas: #UNSC finally reached resolution on #Libya. But now seems much bloodshed could hav been avoided if reached earlier. #Gaddafi #ceasefire #NFZ

@LailaLalami: I still don't know how I feel about the #NFZ and the upcoming strikes in #Libya. These things haven't worked out too well in the past…

To counter the perception that a no-fly zone won't change military realities on the ground, reports have surfaced that anti-Gaddafi forces are now publicly receiving weapons from abroad.

@shadihamid:
RT @evanchill: US & Libyan rebel officials say Egypt has begun shipping small arms to the rebels: http://ow.ly/4gTa9

I couldn't find much on what the opposition forces feel about the UN's actions, but I did come across this:

@libi4ever: #Libya won't go back to the past, we are going to the future without Qadfi and his family

@libi4ever:
I can't imagine Qadfis end, will he escape, will he kill himself, will revolutionaries catch him, I'm dying to know #libya

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The Libyan people's uprising against Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi may or may not have begun in Benghazi, but the country's second-largest city is the political heart and rebellious soul of the movement. It is home to the country's first anti-Gaddafi newspaper and the anti-Gaddafi transitional government. With once fast-charging rebel forces now under considerable attacks by Gaddafi forces, however, Benghazi could become a last stand for Libyan freedom.

‘Born in Tunisia, grew up in Egypt…now I'm sacrificing myself in Libya…my name is freedom' - Benghazi graffiti, from Twit Pic.

Here's a few Twitter reports from people on the ground or in contact with those in Benghazi.

@bungdan: Definitely two booms +- 1 hour ago in benghazi, smoke over residential neighborhood. I have to file, but a friend should call soon. #libya

@NahlahAyed: Bombing begins in Benghazi.#libya

@iyad_elbaghdadi: So far, four waves of airstrikes on Benghazi, Benina airbase and a military base/ammo depot. Spokesperson reports little damage. #Libya

Reports came across that pro-Gaddafi planes had been shot down:

@feilefey: @ChangeInLibya my aunt in Benghazi said that one plane was shot down and two captured.

@NahlahAyed: Patrick Graham in Benghazi: people honking in celebration over downed planes. Lking forward to the UNSC vote with cautious enthusiasm.#libya

@ChangeInLibya: A total of 3-4 jets tried to bomb Benghazi today and all of them missed and were shot down. No damage at all. #libya #feb17

Here is a video, uploaded by Feb 17, 2011, that claims to show a plane shot down in a Benghazi suburb.

There's also a report of a counter-attack by anti-Gaddafi forces.

@NahlahAyed: Reports say pro-democracy fighters attacked regime forces with planes and helicopters they'd seized previously.#libya

No one dares think what Gaddafi forces will do if Benghazi falls. Ali, a young man, took part in early days of protests and was arrested on February 17. While in prison, he says, government agents severally beat him and others (including using electric shock) and eventually left the group for dead. Ali remains in a wheelchair. But the 25 other people he was arrested with — including at least one man in his 70s — all perished.

The US-based human rights organization Human Rights Watch warned that the Gaddafi regime could carry out great atrocities if Benghazi is retaken. The group, along with members of Amnesty International, the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Fronteirers, pulled its staff out of the city.

People have also been moving desperately across the border:

@malaikamakena: 1200 #Libya ns fled into #Egypt yesterday, many families scared Benghazi to b bombed. v @melissarfleming (via @Refugees - UN Refugee Agency)

However, the city appears to be better defended than other rebel positions. Fred Abrahams, a special adviser to Human Rights Watch said:

“We know that the rebels in Benghazi are better armed and more professional, not like the other young men who ran to the front. We know the people who started this will stay until the end, but people are deeply afraid. They know Gaddafi and they know this kind of rebellion can only end in victory or defeat.”

Some commentators also claim all is not lost for Libyan freedom. From Libya watcher Fat Belly Man:

Pronouncements from Saif Gaddafi that the uprising will be over by the end of the week are repeated without analysis or criticism. Three things are becoming clear though:

* Saif Gaddafi is engaged in a psychological war against the revolutionaries and their supporters. This part of the battle has assumed huge importance for the regime and is making an impact in the West. Some politicians, especially Neo conservatives, are also using this propaganda to persue their own agenda
* The Libyan regime is engaged in subtle goading of the West. A military attack would be a tonic for the Gaddafis, it would galvanise their demoralised support and bring the indecisive back into their fold. Saif in particular understands that that total victory for either side in the uprising would be problematic for the West and is playing on those fears.
* When a sober assessment is conducted, one sees that the military situation on the ground does not bear any relation to that claimed by the Gaddafis or the media. The battle in the East has been confined within the same strip of land for days. It also has to be borne in mind that superior weapons are all well and good but it needs boots on the ground to hold territory and the regime does not seem to have the numbers needed.

This psychological war waged by the Gaddafi family is creating a feeling of helplessness amongst outside countries, Fat Belly Man argues.

Commentators in the West risk being seduced by the psychological war waged by the Gaddafi regime and losing perspective. Their calls for No Fly Zones and other forms of military intervention could result in the opposite of their good intentions and play into Col Gaddafi's han

Here's some more Twitter reports on the general defenses of Benghazi.

@GinaMombo: Law professor from Benghazi #Lybia: We are a brave people and we will fight. But we will also lose without the help of the rest of the world

@iyad_elbaghdadi:
#Libya revolution's envoy to the UN: We are in a good position strategically and militarily, despite the imbalance of firepower.

One Tweep asks where the defected Libyan forces?

@yqxo: @iyad_elbaghdadi Where are the “defected” military? Are they all sipping lattes in Malta? We keep seeing only untrained rebels.

@iyad_elbaghdadi: @yqxo There's an 8000-man strong elite special forces unit with the revolution, but they don't advertise their moves.

While the United Nations Security Council and NATO members debate the possibility of instituting a no-fly zone, there are some members of the rebellion who do not want to see forces in Libya.

@iyad_elbaghdadi: @bugpopper Libyans don't want any soldiers whatsoever on their soil, except of course Arabs or Muslims.

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Tweeps, reporters and netizens are investigating the possibility that Yemen's security forces may have used nerve gas when they attacked protesters on Tuesday, March 8. The attack, which government later said was to prohibit Yemeni tribesman from bringing weapons to the student sit-in protesters who have gathered near Sanaa University calling for the resignation of long-serving leader Ali Abdullah Saleh.

One protester reportedly died in that attack, and up to 70 were injured. Protesters say that security forces also used what they thought was tear gas to disperse the crowd. However, a few doctors treating the injured said they had never seen these symptoms with people affected by tear gas, including convulsions, loosing muscular control and even paralysis.

Here's a tweet from local reporter Jeb Boone:

@JebBoone: Tear gas said to be odorless. Gas used in #Yemen demos smelled of sulfur, similar when after a gun fires, what I initially thought it was.

And from reporter Iona Craig, who was present at the hospital with injured protesters.

@ionacraig: I'm no chemicals expert but symptoms last night did not inc. eye & skin irritation like teargas. Ppl just passed out after trouble breathing

The Chemical Weapons Convention outlaws the production, stockpoling and use of various chemical weapons, including nerve agents. Presently, 165 countries have signed the United Nation's convention including Yemen, which ratified it in 2000.

Oliver Holmes, a freelance reporter based in Yemen, provided a video of a grenade found at the scene:

He asked via Twitter:

@olireports: Can anyone confirm whether a green rubber Smith & Wesson gas grenade is illegal. Is it teargas or nerve gas? @YF @Yemen

Holmes then reported:

@olireports: The grenades I saw were not nerve gas. #YF #Yemen

Here's a video of more of the ammunition found after the March 8 attacks.

A Tweep responds:

@Dmangoman: @kasinof the round canister normally contains standard tear gas; CS or CN;unless the canisters have been manipulated or are counterfeit

This is not the first time Yemen's government has been accused of using nerve gas. In 2005, reporter Jane Novak published claims from people on the ground that the country's military may have used nerve gas to quash the Houthis rebellion in Sahdaa.

Highly respected religious scholar Mohamed Almansour wrote a letter to President Saleh in March 2005 which stated, “We condemn all things that happened in the previous months such as excessive use of force by the Government forces and the use of internationally prohibited weapons.” In May, Alquds Alarabia reported that rebel leader Abdelmalik al-Houthi said, “The government attacked us with internationally prohibited weapons like chlorine gas that caused an inability to breathe.” He also referred to “colored gas.” An article in the opposition newspaper al-Shoura in June listed the names of imprisoned children, including Bader Aldeen Abdula Moslih who was described as “12 years old, very ill from nervous system and skin damage as a result of chlorine gas used by the army in the first war last year.” In an internet interview the same month, a Houthi partisan and purported eye witness described “some special missile which turns into many particles, yellow and then red. The cloud goes up slowly. When it explodes it is yellow, when the particles come down they are red.” The cloud caused an inability to breathe, he reported.

Yahya al-Houthi, former Member of Parliament in the ruling party and brother of slain rebel leader Hussain al-Houthi, wrote in an email: “Most of the injured persons have died especially those who were hiding in Suleiman Cave. They were exposed to chemical gas…The area surrounding Suleiman Cave is still closed by the Army to prevent any one from taking samples to be analyzed by chemical weapon experts. The Army also burned all bodies in that area so they don’t leave any evidence for the international community.

In lengthy reports on the conflict, neither the International Crisis Group or IRIN mentioned these assertions.

Some Tweeps continue the claim of government use of some gas agent on Tuesday night.

@alguneid: @WomanfromYemen #saleh ,son&nephew troops used low level nerve gas.Causes cerebral oedema (water inside brain cells).Coma–>death #War crime

Other Tweeps find it difficult to sort out the facts.

@JebBoone: Gas used in #Yemen also may have been CR gas, riot control gas stronger than tear gas. Has a pepper odor.

@ionacraig: Four people ended up in ICU with brain edema from the gas last night, according to doctor. #yemen #yf #sanaa

@CarvajalF: #Yemen - friend frm SciTech Univ in Sanaa still didnt confirm use of nerve gas @ Sanaa Univ - getting mixed comments frm ppl -

@prince640: @CarvajalF There might be other agents with some of the same effects? #Yemen

@Dirk2112: RT @joshuafoust: http://t.co/Ct40njU “nerve gas” thing reeks of rumor and exaggeration. I suggest deep caution before believing. #yf #Yemen

@theriverfed: I hope the ICC is paying attention. RT @leloveluck Doctors in #Yemen say nerve gas used on protesters: http://t.co/Ct40njU

@CFKlebergTT: Source in #Yemen told me about use of nerve gas. HRW can't confirm or deny. More in a bit…

This post is part of our special coverage Yemen Protests 2011.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (3)
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Squatters moved in to Saif Gaddafi's house in North London by Alex Milan Tracy © Demotix (09/03/2011)

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

A London-based group is now occupying a house it says is owned by Saif al-Islam Muammar al-Gaddafi, the 38-year-old second son of Muammar al Gaddafi.

In what could become a new method to repatriate stolen funds from long-serving and corrupt leaders and their families, members of Topple the Tyrants said they would occupy the eight-bedroom house in sympathy with the people of Libya and to ensure the money used for its purchase is returned to the country's treasury.

In a press release, the group said:

Our aim is to make sure that the assets stolen by Gaddafi are returned to the Libyan people and don't disappear into the pockets of governments or corporations. In the meantime we want to welcome refugees from the conflict in Libya and those fleeing tyranny and oppression across the world.”

Topple the Tyrants said they are taking matter into their own hands because they don't “trust the British government to properly seize the Gaddafi regime's corrupt assets.”

Here is a photo of the house — with members of Topple the Tyrants on its roof — uploaded to Twit Pics by nusibab.

The house, reportedly worth £10 million (about $16 million), is situated in Hampstead in north central London, home to some of the most expensive properties in the United Kingdom. According to press reports, the house also contains an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, jacuzzi and a private movie theater.

Saif earned an MBA from IMADEC University in Vienna and famously received a PHd for his dissertation on global governance institutions from the London School of Economics in 2008 (Some claim much of the dissertation was plagarized.) Saif seems to hold a tremendous amount of unofficial power within the Libyan government, being the first member of the government to speak to the public after the regime began its violent crackdown on protesters. During that speech he blamed Facebook, foreign mercenaries, Islamists, drug addicts and a poorly trained army for the violent crackdown on protesters.

Saif bought the house in 2009 and recently tried to put it up for sale, taking it off the market when anti-Gaddafi protests spread through much of the country. A spokesman for Topple the Tyrants told Agence France Presse: “When we found out one of the world's most brutal dictators owned property in north London it seemed like an obvious thing to occupy it for the people of Libya.The group complained that members of the regimes of Gaddafi, Mubarek and the Saud family use “front companies” to protect their anonymity and dodge taxes.

On the Twit Pic page hosting the photo, there were plenty of positive comments:

From Prince_Philip:

Yay for A_B..! When's the house-warming? :-))

mahjobi:

can i come and live there?

GavinLynn:

brilliant direct action from Topple the Tyrants. Shame on those who have courted the Gaddafis…

Richie_365:

If all freedom fighters did things like this western government would never house dictators #WellDone

Case_Orange:

In keeping with ancient tradition, it's entirely appropriate 2 make public privy of this house!

In a UK-based news site on the housing crash, a group of commenters had plenty to say:

Mark said:

if it is a civil matter to remove them, will they ever leave? lol

can't see gadaffi appearing in a court any time soon

icarus blamed the offshore system:

The offshore system was devised around secrecy and anonymity, and funds can be shifted so quickly that it's all but impossible to freeze and seize kleptocrats' loot.

drewster said there may be many more houses like that.

Local councils have lists of empty houses (since they're claiming council tax discounts or exemptions). All we need now is for someone to Wikileak those lists, and we'd have a squatters' paradise.

The Tweeps have also been documenting this issue:

@Percefal: ‘Topple The Tyrants': #Gaddafi's London home - “palatial, flatscreen TVs in almost every room. We've got them all tuned to #alJazeera now.”

@wickedfairysad: @Arabic_News well done Topple the Tyrants!

@Umm_Issa: Loving Topple the Tyrants occupying Saif al-Islam Qaddafi's £10m mansion. They said they don't trust UK govt to seize Qaddafi assets #Libya

@sunnkaa: A group called ‘Topple The Tyrants' have occupied the £10m London mansion of Saif Al Islam Al #Gaddafi, in solidarity with the #Libyans.

@salahhaddad: Topple The Tyrants say: “We've taken it so that it will be returned to its rightful owners who are the Libyan people.” http://t.co/zAlirxL

@bintlibya: Am loving the Topple the Tyrants group! They're squatting in #Zaif $10m pound mansion in #London. #Libya

@dana_hughes: Hmm…There r tyrant-owned mansions in Nice, Malibu: AJE ‘Topple The Tyrants' occupies London mansion of Gadhafi's son http://bit.ly/ifZLER

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (1)
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Yemeni police and security agents fired at protesters at the University of Sanaa on Tuesday, March 8, killing three and wounding an estimated 50 people, five of them seriously.

The shooting apparently started when security forces attempted to stop a group of “thousands” of protesters from entering the area of the University of Sanaa where students have continued a three-week sit in. However, one local journalist says the Yemeni government claims the security forces were attempting to stop tribesman from smuggling in weapons to the sit-in.

Yemeni protestor outside White House, USA. Image by Flickr user messay.com (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

The protesters have been calling for the dismissal of Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has been in power for 32 years, and leads an ineffective government in an oil producing country with little economic development. Since protests began in early February, an estimated 27 people have been killed and many more wounded. Both Pro- and Anti-Saleh peotesters have continued to gather mostly peacefully throughout much of the country. However, violence towards anti-government protests has been escalating at an alarming rate.

Tuesday's protests were especially large because many women and children had joined to celebrate international women's day. Jane Novak reported soldiers attempted to stop medical professionals from helping the wounded. BBC reported government agents also used stun guns and tear gas to dismiss the protesters. One Tweep, @Leemtee, said the gas has harmful effects.

Medics in Sana'a say that the gas used on protesters has been banned internationally. Causes nerve paralysis and breathing problems.

Warning Some graphic content: Here is a video uploaded by journalist Iona Craig of a hospital where some of the shooting victims were brought. People at the hospital placed the number of wounded between 23 to 50, and said the wounds came from gunshots.

This video, uploaded by EBNSHAMS, shows a wounded protester receiving bandages.

During and immediately following the shootings, Tweeps attempted to cover the events.

@kasinof: clashes at sana univ right now. live bullets being used on protesters

@YERevolutions: #Yemen #sanaa attacks still taking place by thugs and security forces to the moment, and lack of blood and medical… http://fb.me/Xiq0VmXJ

@tm464: Sources from sana'a Security forces and Republican Guard firing live bullets at demonstrators in the change… http://fb.me/ROglelqr

@Leemtee: Ambulances transporting those critically injured from Square of Change

@Leemtee: Medical team in Square of Change has also been targeted by security forces. Live bullets shot.

@alguneid: #SANAA SOURCE EARLIER EVNNG REPBLCN GUARDS DRESSED AS CENTRAL SECURITY WERE POSITIONED.CENTRAL SECURTY WERE NOT KEEN THUMBING DOWN PROTESTRS

@WomanfromYemen: security refused medical aid to enter #sanaa univ square thats where most injured ppl are being treated! #yemen #yf

@yemen4change: many injuries are critical near Sanaa university #Yemen

@WomanfromYemen: doctors needed in #sanaa university square right now.. #yemen #yf

@WomanfromYemen: most protesters being treated in the “room turned hospital” inside the square, some critically injured taken to the hospital #yemen #sanaa

@ArabsUnite: I REPEAT BLOOD SHORTAGE IN #SANAA ESP A- BLOOD GROUP.. DOCTORS ALSO URGENTLY NEEDED AT THE SQUARE OF CHANGE IN #SANAA

@kasinof: tonight was the first time soldiers (in uniform) shot live ammunition at protesters in sanaa

In the aftermath, Tweeps worried about another assault and started to piece the story together.

@listeningseeing: Yemenite state tv outlet songs and dancing while gvt forces kill and hit protesters in Change square in #sanaa #yemen

@Malanesi: Groups of armed security men dresses as civilians enters the gates of sanaa uni from the back Gates and prepares now for another assault.

@Leemtee: Thousands head to Square for Change in Sana'a after security forces shot at protesters.

@Malanesi: Four thugs were caught and they admitted that they were ordered by officers to attack protesters mentioning the officers names. #yemen

@YERevolutions: #Yemen #sanaa Breaking news: more young citizens joins the their injured brothers bringing their shrouds with them… http://fb.me/TsBr5GEB

@spatialshak: Not only has #Ali Saleh refused to adhere to the ppl & peacefully reconcile;BUT DECLARES WAR ON #Yemen PPL using CSF,specialFORCES,RepGUARDs

@yemen4change: I thought #AliSaleh would be more wiser than #Gaddafi, using force against peaceful protesters only puts him in bad situation #Yemen

@Leemtee: Breaking news from Sana'a: Tribes in Sana'a have joined the protesters and injured asking for fall of Saleh's regim

@WomanfromYemen: protesters in #sanaa chanting against regime, and shouting “we wont leave” #yemen #yf

Many agree the attack will affect the country's political situation and will enrage other protesters. First, the group Saleh was to meet with to help form a government of national unity:

@alguneid: DIALOGUE COMMITTEE(JMPs &ASSOCIATES) CONDEMNS CONDEMNS ASSAULT OF SALEH FORCES ON PEACEFUL PROTESTERS

Now, the protesters:

@alguneid: #YOUTH ACTIVIST-ALJAZEERAH TV, THIS ATTACK FROM #SALEH WILL MAKE US MORE STUBBORN . WE SAY IT AGAIN, NEVER TO DIALOGUE, ONLY GO

@spatialshak: The outrage in #Sanaa #Yemen will trigger armed retaliation and gr8 rage against army&police 4 their inimical acts.

@alguneid: #SANAA PROTESTERS PLEDGE WILL NOT LEAVE THE SQUARE TILL SALEH LEAVE. LOUDLY CHANTING FALL UPON #SALEH

@dia_assada: After receiving the news from #Sanaa, people pour in2 Freedom Sq in #Taiz, & “security” forces multiply its presence #Yemen #yf

Some worry about how the outside world will view these fresh killings.

@Leemtee: International community SILENT about killings in YEMEN!!

@WomanfromYemen: Stop military aid to #yemen NOW. Any govt that supports this regime is contributing to the killing & oppression of the people of Yemen. #yf

The blogger leloveluck criticizes governments who continue to prop up the Saleh regime even after its forces attacked protesters in such a public place, in a city where much of the international media is forced to congregate.

One would hope that such a public act of regime brutality will provoke international condemnation. Sadly, this remains unlikely. The past week has seen the initiative slip away from the protesters and back into the hands of the regime; where American and European responses were previously emphasising a need for restraint and reform, the narrative of the previous decade has reemerged, suggesting that Yemen must be viewed through the suspicious lens of counterterrorism. On Sunday, Hillary Clinton alleged Iranian involvement in the protests (unlikely), and shootings in Marib province allowed President Saleh to play the Al Qaeda card. Both events have served as reminders that Yemen remains a place where US foreign policy is defined in terms of geopolitical fear. Despite all this, one hopes that tonight’s events will attract condemnation from the donor community who continue to prop up Saleh’s ageing regime, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (1)
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Tweeps, bloggers and netizens are continuing their debate the purpose and effectiveness of establishing a no-fly zone over Libya to protect protesters and civilians from air attack.

Debates over some form of intervention began when Libya's nonviolent protests against the four-decade rule of Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi were met with extreme force and violence. The regime's crackdown on protesters turned many of Libya's armed forces against Gaddafi, pushing the country into open warfare. The bloodshed that has so far killed anywhere between 1,000 and 6,000 people, prompted the International Criminal Court and UN Human Rights Council to investigate possible human rights abuses.

In theory a no-fly zone would prohibit pro-Gaddafi's forces from mounting bombing raids and using attack helicopters to assault civilians and the largely untrained rebel troops. As Global Voices recently pointed out a no-fly zone remains controversial for a number of reasons: its technical difficulty, its cost in money and lives and worries over real and perceived threats of Western occupation.

Here is a video of an attack helicopter over the town of Misurata during late February.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR9M1VkXt2I&feature=related

After a weekend of more state-sponsored bloodshed, however, the idea has received a boost. On Monday, March 7 the Gulf Cooperation Council called on the United Nations Security Council to establish a no-fly zone “to protect Libyan citizens.” Libyan Interim Transitional National Council, the leadership of the rebellion against Gaddafi, has also pressed upon the European Parliament and the rest of the West to impose a no-fly zone. Avaaz, the US-based digital citizen group, has created a online petition imploring the UN Security Council to put in place a no-fly zone.

As atrocities against civilians continue, the debates regarding the effectiveness of a no-fly zone remain much the same. Here is from a group of Tweeps from outside Libya.

#libya The Libyan Revolution does not “need” a no fly zone. It's just a way to reduce the number of martyrs. Gaddafi will lose, but slower

@ozpink: … if the world waits to long to install ‘No Fly Zone' how will Gaddafi react to international condemnation of his regime? #Libya

@itchy8me: No fly zone over libya. What do the #libyan people have to say about this international intervention? #feb17

@shradm: How do you solve a problem like the one in #Libya? Why does rest of the world only watch genocide and civil war? Is no-fly zone so hard?

@plemochoe: #libya The real reason to be AGAINST a no fly zone is that the Americans would have to do it, and the people might feel differently then

@Liberationtech: Instead of no fly zone, US could use US Navy ships & aircraft to enable #Libya to maintain net connectivity http://ow.ly/48A6A

@betasam: Will USA interfere in #Libya? Does a no-fly zone present a solution? #randomthoughts

@Machahir123: Libya's air force would pose only a “modest” threat to efforts to impose a no-fly zone over Libya: US marine corps via AFP #libye

The situation is just as cloudy for those inside Libya or with direct ties to it.

@IndyLibya: US NATO envoy: A no-fly zone over Libya won't work - Hot Air http://goo.gl/fb/KJaGN #Libya #Feb17

@OnlyOneLibya: I'm for the NFZ against #Gaddafi & ASAP! It will severely limit his ability 2 massacre Libyan civilians. Libyan TNC wants the NFZ. #Libya

@Proud2bBenghazi: @ArcanisZZ 1st #libya is NOT iraq or afghan 2nd we want desperately need help we r asking 4 supplies needed & noflyzone to win our OWN battle

From the United States, a blogger who is a former Defence Intelligence Officer worries that Gaddafi may hold-on if no one votes for a no-fly zone.

Key to al-Qadhafi's forces military operations is complete control of Libyan airspace. The opposition forces have only older anti-aircraft artillery and possibly some shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles. Both systems are limited to relatively low-altitude coverage. When these systems are manned by poorly or untrained operators, they are fairly easily avoided by fighter bombers. While the heavily armed and armored Mi-24 helicopter gunships are more vulnerable to these systems, Libyan air force pilots are making devastating strikes on rebels in the oil refinery and port city of Ra's Lanuf to the west of Tripoli, and in Az-Zawiyah to the east of Tripoli, in each case forcing the rebels to give up hard-gotten gains…

It may come down to this. Either the United Nations authorizes the imposition and enforcement a no-fly zone over Libya, or Mu'amar al-Qadhafi remains in power.

Over at the Ethiopian review, Eritreawi wonders if a no-fly zone would just invite rich Western countries to stay and plunder Libya:

Give me a break! the Arab League enforcing a “no fly zone” in Libya, this is laughable at best and dangerous at its worst. No Arab or African nation has the air power and the technology that goes with it to enforce a no fly zone. What the Arab League is doing is laying the ground work for western powers to dip their dirty hands on Libya so they can install a regime that obeys them, make Libya a basket case like the rest of Arab countries and of course the main target control its oil wealth. That is what at stake in Libya at this moment.

From Israel, Carl in Jerusalem (writing in Israel Matzav) wonders if political considerations make the whole idea of no-fly zone a “bluff” from the NATO powers:

So Britain isn't able to participate and France won't participate unless there is UN approval which is unlikely to come (think “Russian or Chinese veto”). That leaves Obama. Does anyone really believe that the US under Obama is going to go it alone to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya? You've got to be kidding…..

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (2)
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Using air power and ground forces, forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi attempted to regain lost cities in the central part of Libya on Sunday, March 6.

The uprising against the four-decade rule of Gaddafi official began February 17, and for the past few weeks has spread throughout the country. The once peaceful protests have been met with increasingly violent counterattacks. Large numbers of the Libyan armed forces have defected to the opposition, but analysts claim that Gaddafi most likely controls some 12,000 regular forces and an unknown number of paid mercenaries.

The cities of Bin Jawad, Ras Lanuf, Az-Zawiyah and Misurata all saw fighting Sunday. Both sides are using local and foreign media to rally its base, so claims of victories can be difficult to gauge. Libyan State Television reported that troops loyal to the regime had captured Ras Lanuf and Misurata. But this was denied by anti-Gaddafi forces.

We take a look at how action unfolded via Twitter in the site of one of its biggest battles, Misurata, Libya's third largest city with a population around 380,000 that sits about 200 kilometers east of Tripoli.

Tweeps from around the region began Sunday morning with warnings to Misurata's residents.

@jrug: Govt spokesman: “we have recaptured every city in Libya with small pockets of resistance”. Urges us to see celebrations in Tripoli.

@ShababLibya: Libyan TV radio and newspapers claim to have regained some cities in the East of Libya, which of course is untrue, #Libya #Feb17

@Gheblawi: #Gaddafi regime propaganda machine working hard today to convince the world that they are in control, let's stay positive & defiant #Libya

@iyad_elbaghdadi: Misurata local radio calls upon all residents to stay home except those who have weapons. Shelling & mortar attacks, tanks advance. #Libya

@libi4ever: Qadfi declares war on Zawia & Misrata today, new massacre will happen soon, world help us Qadfi kills all of us #libya

@ShababLibya: we would like to see Gaddafi march into his so called regained cities of Tobrog Zawia or Misrata #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes

@iyad_elbaghdadi: Aljazeera live call from Misurata: We expect heavy attacks on our city, but we're on alert and well armed. #Libya

@libi4ever: Misrata&Zawaia women said we will die beside our men to bring freedom 2#libya

As the battle begun, news was difficult to come by.

@ShababLibya: AJA Caller, tanks enter the city of Misrata along with 3 - 4 armed personnel carriers #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes

@ShababLibya: Misrata is now seeing heavy fighting as pro gaddafi forces attack the city #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes

@iyad_elbaghdadi: Live call from Misurata on Aljazeera: Shelling continues, some tanks have rolled in. One tank disabled so far. #Libya

@iyad_elbaghdadi: Live call from Misurata on Aljazeera: 3-4 tanks and 1-2 APCs cut off & surrounded by revolutionaries within the city. #Libya

But as the battle reached its conclusion — about five hours after it began — more information became available.

@AlArabiya_Eng: Revolutionary spokesman in Libyan town of #Zawiya says rebels still in control of town center, attack by #Gaddafi forces pushed back

@ShababLibya: AJA Caller, we do not expect Gaddafi to retake Misrata, this is likely to be a punishment #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes

@iyad_elbaghdadi: Live call from Misurata on AJA: We are low on anesthetics, there are over 60 injured. #Libya

@LibyaInMe: CONFIRMED: Women of all ages are donating their blood for the injured in Misurata #libya #feb17

@AlmanaraMedia: Citizens in Misurata Libya celebrating the victory After Gaddafi's forces were expelled from the city..http://bit.ly/flh5LU

@AJELive: Dr Khaled in Misruata: “Hospital running out of drugs, emergency kits.” #AlJazeera's #Libya liveblog: http://aje.me/i1XpPx #gaddafi #feb17

After the heavy fighting, defenders rejoiced — and slowly started putting their city back together.

@ShababLibya: We are getting reports from Misrata that the city is free and they have captured some of the pro gaddafi forces #Libya #Feb17

@IbnOmar2005: B.R.Q |Misurata: 82-year-old man in hospital before donating his blood it was said to him, “O please do not, you are too old and you yourself in need of blood, ” .. he responded: “Take my blood or my soul will explode, i couldn't offer anything before, for a really long time, but now i could”.#libya #feb17 #Gaddafi

@sara055: RT @LibyaInMe: Misurata: Youth are cleaning the streets now are are waving the independence flag #libya #feb17 #gaddafi

@AJELive: #Libya: Dozens dead, 71 injured in Misurata fighting today. Interview live from the city on #AlJazeera soon: http://aje.me/fwtYjF #Feb17

@SultanAlQassemi: Al Arabiya: Journalist from Misurata: Misurata & Zawiya are still in the hands of the revolutionaries “We are used to Gaddafi's lies” #Libya

@LibyanTNC: Misrata has defeated Qadfi army,11African mercenaries were killed, 5 at least arrested, videos & pics later viva#libya

@SultanAlQassemi: Al Jazeera: Reuters: Libyan revolutionaries take full control of town of Misurata. #Libya

@LibyaInMe: CONFIRMED: Gaddafi's brigade have backed away from Misurata after the death of 22 of its men #feb17 #libya #gaddafi

@bnnlibya: UN has demanded urgent access to shelled Libyan city of Misurata - Al Arabiya #libya

@AlArabiya_Eng: Revolutionary spokesman in Libyan town of #Zawiya says rebels still in control of town center, attack by #Gaddafi forces pushed back

@BRQNews: B.R.Q | The Freedom flag is now raised over the free Misurata. #libya #feb17 #Gaddafi

Here is a video uploaded on Sunday, March 6 by libya2p0 of celebrations after turning back Gaddafi's forces.

Here's a video from the streets in Misurata, uploaded by omar225511.

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (3)
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To those outside Libya dictator Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi has always been known for eccentricities, blustering actions and remarks. As the uprising against his four decades in power comes closer to toppling his rule, Gaddafi's actions has become more unstable and the number of his wild assertions has increased.

For example, Gaddafi's insistence that he holds no official role in Libyan politics and collects no salary from the government. There's also the tale that Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations continue to feed hallucinogens to protesters. And, don't forget that he would “welcome” the United Nations or African Union investigation into the violence in Libya.

#DesperateGaddafiLiesRT, a Twitter hashtag has begun to collect some of the, ahem, half-truths put out by the leader occasionally known as the Guide. Here are a few examples. Of course, Global Voices cannot confirm their veracity.

@CurtMonash: Soldier of Fortune Magazine just voted #Gaddafi “World's Sexiest Dictator” #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT #Libya

@defendfreespeak: Steven Spielberg has just bought the rights to my Green Book! #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT

@bugpopper: #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT Gaddafi has been offered Galliano's job at Dior, he will create his own fashion line The Turquoise Tent

@N_Benghazi: #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT “I bought facebook”

@Barxwanakatio: #Libyanstatetv : Libyan army's just given #Cairo bk2 #Mubarak and now on march2 liberate #Palestine ! #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT

@iyad_elbaghdadi: No gunfire in Tripoli. It's our annual fireworks competition. We know it's 6:30 AM. We're starting early. Shutup. #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT

@Language_Guy: #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT Gaddafi defeats east Libya in 15 min, with band of tuk-tuks armed with Turuq-sized umbrellas

@SWassaf: #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT Gaddafi forces have just landed on a string of Normandy beaches. Paris will be liberated soon.

@INTLRevolver: RT @ostha2011: Gaddafi forces have liberated Texas #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT

@AlFulani91:
#DesperateGaddafiLiesRT #Gaddafi executes officer; citing a disturbing lack of faith

Here is another collection:

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (0)
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Press reports claim that rebels are moving towards the city of Sirte, which is the only major city in the far the western side of Libya that remains in government control.

However, Sirte is also the hometown of Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi — and more than a few people claim the city is heavily defended and will special have symbolic significance if it falls to anti-regime forces. Over the years, Gaddafi has tried to transfer much of the country's government to the town of 170,000 inhabitants which lies roughly halfway between Tripoli and Benghazi on the Gulf of Sidra.

The rebels said that after taking Sirte they would continue driving towards Tripoli, which lies 450 km to the east. This map, from Iyad El-Baghdadi shows the situation as of 6 pm, Saturday, March 5.

Here is a video posted on March 2 that claims to be taken in Sirte where Gaddafi loyalists allegedly fire on civilians.

Let's begin our coverage with the pranksters at NotLibyaStateTV:

@LibyanStateTV: We're reporting that Sirte is completely stable and will remain so. They assure us that all is well and ask us to stop calling them #libya

We now have Tweeps speculating on the possibility of fighting in Sirte:

@evanchill Though I didnt see any fighting, rebels keep gaining ground and are going to approach Sirte soon. Gaddafi retreat or tactical withdrawal?

@LibyaInMe:
URGENT: Supply of mercenaries and #Gaddafi militia headed to Sirte to help out Gaddafi militia there. #libya #feb17

@ShababLibya: Freedom fighters moving towards Sirte, which is said to be well defended as all have been given weapons #Libya #Feb17

@LibyaInMe: Reports that 20 000 revolutionaries from Eastern Libya are a few km away from Sirte. Pray 4 them #Libya #feb17

@libyafidammi: Alarabiya-Thousands head from Bani Walid towards Sirte. Watch out #Gaddafi looks like they're heading to your hometown. #Libya

@4Adam: @AJArabic Security Battalions[51] left #BeniWalid[180km SE #Tripoli] to protect Sirte from AntiQadhafi forces[eyewitness conformed]

@karikariguaraya: Monse Talleyrand LIBYA: liberating force is headed Sirte, while in the city are recorded uprisings against Gadhafi and tribal disputes.

YouthUnited
@FreedomNow2011: @2011Patriot1775 Yea, #Sirte is key. Sirte up till now is blocking the road from #Benghazi to #Tripoli.Plus,Sirte is #Gaddafi main support.

This group of tweets covers the military and psychological importance of Sirte:

@FromJoanne: #SIRTE BASIN has a large part of Libya's OIL reserves + a large Military Airbase close 2 Sirte ith 50 re-enforced concrete hangars #Febr17

@FreedomNow2011: MUST TAKE SIRTE!! #Sirte is Key. If you take Sirte from #Gaddafi then the road from #Benghazi to #Tripoli is in Free People hands. #Libya

@ShababLibya: We are confident there will be an uprising in Sirte to join the Free Libyans Inshala (by the will of God), there are good and bad in every city #Libya #Feb17

@freelibyanyouth: @ShababLibya there are lots of non-gadaffi sertawi people. But they have benefited a lot from him either way.

@ShababLibya: We must remember, every citizen in Sirte is not pro gaddafi by default, only time can show us how this will unfold, we pray for them #Libya

@Tripolitanian: Now its time for #Sirte to decide, are they with #Libya or against it?

@flightae: Opposition forces should use loud speakers to announce to the people of #Sirt to join! Please get this message to them. #Libya RT IMPORTANT

@freedom4libya: People of Sirte, Gadhafi is finished. Please join the revolution now. #Libya will never forget this. You can finish him today. @ShababLibya

@4everLibya: Its important Sirte is invited to join the revolution peacefully.At the v least they should promise to remain neutral. #libya

@Tripolitanian: I trust the people of #Sirte, they know that they are #Libyans, not #Gaddafi loyalists. #Libya

A comment from “Palestine” to the Libya 17 February 2011 website:

I think it would be very helpful if your guys in Benghazi and other liberated cities start a campaign of calling families in Sirt and other cities that are still under Gaddafi’s control, the message should be simple and clear; mostly encouraging them to join the revolution and assuring them Libya is united and there will never be any cases of revenge against residence of these cities or against relatives of Gaddafi’s supporters. Just a suggestion.

And finally, a look to the future:

@sumyasalem: Today we take #Sirte and tomorrow #Tripoli #feb17 #Libya #gaddaficrimes

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (2)
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While Yemen's security forces once again fired live weapons and killed opposition demonstrators, politicians and protesters are attempting behind-the-scenes political manoeuvres to solve a growing stalemate after nearly a month of demonstrations aimed at ousting the country's government.

In Harf Sufyan, at least four protesters were killed when soldiers fired heavy weapons upon the thousands of anti-government demonstrators who gathered for Friday prayers. The area is known to support the Houthi rebels, who signed a peace treaty with the government in 2009 after fighting a five-year war. The Houthi leader, Abdel Malek al Houthi, supports protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh that have taken place throughout the country. Amnesty International says before Friday, March 4, an estimated 27 protesters had been killed since the beginning of demonstrations in mid-February.

A photo of a protester in Taiz District with the word “Leave” shaved into his head, from @AlaaIsam.

As word of the new deaths circulated, Tweeps responded:

@maguiremc: Is the #UN also going 2 do something about #Yemen?? Cannot keep quiet after gvmt bombs protesters in northern region.

@noora888: Pressures mounting on #Yemen President Ali Abdualla Saleh as over 100,000 people, incl. 2 major tribal chiefs join call 4 his resignation

@ArabsUnite: 22 Dead and 122 injured so far in #aden alone and #alisaleh still has the nerve to talk..#yemen #yf #aden #south

Demonstrations
Protesters complain Saleh has lost touch with the people — especially in the southern part of the country — while the economy is falling in this oil producing nation. Thousands of protesters also routinely gather in Sanaa to support the president, whose ouster they say could lead Yemen back to instability, increase attacks by Al Qaeda and perhaps lead to succession by the country's once independent southern provinces.

Friday protests took place in other parts of the country, but no violence has been reported.

Here is a video of a protester cutting a large photo of President Saleh in Mansoorah district in Yemen.

Here is a video of Friday's demonstration in Maalla.

Dueling peace plans
To meet some opposition demands, Saleh said he would step down after the 2013 presidential elections. And this week the President announced a plan for dialog with protesters and opposition parties. The proposal calls for (among other things) ending all public forms of dissent, creating a national government of reconciliation and forcing Parliament to approve a new set of election laws. Yemeni opposition groups rejected the president's proposal, which they claim is just a stalling tactic by the government.

The President also rejected a plan put forward by some opposition groups that call for a guaranteed right to protest, investigations into violence against demonstrators and a timetable set in place this year for a transfer of power.

The Yemen Peace Project published an analysis on the protesters' plan from an “anonymous scholar” based in Sanaa:

There are two issues that are most interesting about the five points. One, what is missing. None of the points demand the removal of Saleh’s family members from government positions. This has been a primary demand from protesters from Sana’a to Taiz and Aden. Second, the group mentions political actors inside and outside Yemen, clearly referring to southern exile leaders. While president Saleh has often mentioned they would be welcomed in Yemen and included in the National Dialogue process, not many people in Yemen really see a role for al-Attas, al-Baidh or Ali Nasser, never mind can they assure their safety.

Tweeps also responded to the dueling political plans and the mood of the country.

@YemenPeaceNews:
Al-Zindani's new 8 point plan asks for unity goverment, end to public protests. Total non-starter for youth. http://bit.ly/hvyJk2 #Yemen #yf

@JNovak_Yemen: Saada, Amran, al Jawf organization affirms solidarity in move to overthrow #Saleh | Armies of Liberation: http://bit.ly/gSlaVo #Yemen

@peteskelley: No mention of Saleh stepping down, or elections just a Unity Govt - not sure this takes matters any further forward http://is.gd/uv49di

@snuraddin: I am Thrilled to see #people of #yemen write & comment about what's happening in a sense of #creativity #responsibility & #identity

@haroonmihtar: I have a feeling that something is going to erupt in #Yemen, there are no more dollars at any exchange.

@Abou_3ali: whatever happens after this revolution, 1big thing already changed: people are not afraid any more to speak out!! #yemen #yf

This post is part of our special coverage Yemen Protests 2011.

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Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi spoke for more than three hours on state television Wednesday, March 2, denying that anti-government protesters and members of the military were mobilizing against his regime. Instead the dictator, who has been in power for four decades, blamed Islamic terror groups, foreign nations with colonial aspirations and the international media for creating stories about the Libya's descent into chaos.

“I dare you to find that peaceful protesters were killed,” he said. “In America, France, and everywhere, if people attacked military stores and tried to steal weapons, they will shoot them.”

Speaking to loyalists and members of the foreign press at a ceremony celebrating more than three decades of “people power,” Gaddafi covered a lot of ground during his speech, including: His disdain for the Egyptian revolution in February; his anger at international media for not covering pro-government demonstrations; and the fact fleeing foreigners will create more jobs for Libyans.

Gaddafi spent much time tying the country's upheaval to a foreign conspiracy — led by the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) — to grab Libya's oil and enslave the country. He also told the crowd that thousands of people will die if foreign forces enter Libya.

On Twitter, people offered their commentary during the speech with a hint of ridicule that is now customary when Gaddafi speaks.

@Dima_Khatib:
Gaddafi is speaking to a crowd of mainly men, seated inside a hall. Foreign press is there. #libya #feb17

@Dima_Khatib: Signal on Libyan State TV is back but Gaddafi's voice was heard intermittently earlier, sounding more like a techno song !! #libya #feb17

@ChangeInLibya: Whoever is responsible for jamming gaddafi is an absolute GENIUS. #libya #feb17

@JustAmira: Are all of Gaddafi's cheerleaders on drugs?

@mosaaberizing: I can understand hiring mercenaries to fight, but bringing them in to attend his speech and clap at intervals is a new touch. #GaddafiSpeech

@ChangeInLibya:
Hahahahaha, Aljazeera Arabic get bored yet AGAIN and cut off gaddafi's speech #libya #feb17

@Dima_Khatib:
During Gaddafi's speech a man in Benghazi is holding a sign that reads: “Breaking News - Gaddafi is lying” !! #libya #feb17

@hudduh:
Loving Benghazi's people. On split screen you can see them writing instant response posters to his nonsense #feb17 #Libya #Gaddaficrimes

“Breaking News: Gaddafi is Lying,” from Libyan Youth Movement's Facebook page.

@JustAmira: How many more speeches Gaddafi? We believe u: there are no protests. No one died. Move on

@Dima_Khatib:
Looking at faces of men attending Gaddafi's speech, I would say they look more bored than I am ! Some look half-asleep #libya #feb17

Even with a few technical difficulties, many people quoted parts of the speech directly:

@NicRobertsonCNN:#Gadhafi said anyone who opens door to aid to #Libya will be accused of treason — he said we have enough food and supplies.

@SultanAlQassemi:
Gaddafi: Italy didn't thank us for defending its embassy. We will bring Indian & Chinese firms to replace the Western companies in #Libya

@NicRobertsonCNN: #Gadhafi threatened attacks on US 6th Fleet and warned there will be no peace in the Mediterranean if there is no peace in #Libya.

@EyesOnAlgeria:
Qaddafi's metaphor : “If a rat comes into your cave, the best way to fight him is to burn the whole cave down” #Libya

@SultanAlQassemi:
Gaddafi: There is no more unemployment in #Libya after the Egyptians & Tunisians left

@SultanAlQassemi:
Al Jazeera showing images of Libyans holding their shoes up to Gaddafi

@SultanAlQassemi: Gaddafi: In Libya there are no political prisoners, not one. Because politics belongs to the people, we want people to take authority

@Dima_Khatib: Gaddafi explains why Arab media is not telling truth about #Libya by saying Arabs envy Libyan people because of oil and vast area #feb17

@SultanAlQassemi: Gaddafi: They took over dangerous arms so the military started bombarding the weapons depots so the terrorists don't take them over

@Dima_Khatib: Gaddafi : Obama is not a yankee and adventurer like Bush & Clinton #libya #feb17 #obama

@ShababLibya:
Gaddafi: i was told Cameron froze the Libyan assets, I put 2 fingers in his eyes, it is not mine, they belong to Libyan banks #Libya #Feb17

@SultanAlQassemi:On Al Arabiya now. Gaddafi: I am ready to sit with any Emir (leader) from Al Qaeda & debate with him

@SultanAlQassemi: Gaddafi: Men, women, children all over Libya went out to demonstrate for me, the TV stations didn't cover them, we have it all on tape.

After Gaddafi finished speaking, a few tweeps provided their impressions:

@TrablesVoice: too much air activity in tajoura area, also Pro-Qaddafi are outside with cars and horns celebrating their Leader.

@JustAmira: After listening to Gaddafi talk, wondering how all international media managed to convince us that anyone at all would want him out

@ToneyBrooks:
#Gaddafi is positively Nero-esque this morning. Rambling incoherently for over 2 hours while he bombs and burns his people.

@Dima_Khatib: Gaddafi deserves every condemnation possible. But how many like him and worse than him deserve it too for massacres they committed? #libya

@libi4ever: I will miss u Qadffi, no 1 can lie like u, no1 can make laugh loudly like u #libya #17feb

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (4)
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One of the more distressing sub-plots in the ongoing two-week uprising against Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi in Libya has been reports of the Libyan leader's alleged use of “African mercenaries” to prop up his falling regime.

Global Voices has covered stories of mercenaries from Serbia bombing civilians from airplanes. But the majority of speculation regarding mercenaries portrays them as “foreign” or “African” — meaning from Sub-Sahara Africa and “Black”. This storyline is echoed everywhere in international media, in Arabic media, and in online citizen media and videos.

Why put a Black face on the mercenary story when people in Libya are both light and dark skinned?

In an open letter to Al Jazeera posted on the blog Sky, Soil & Everything In Between, KonWomyn worries that the broadcaster's shorthand description simply has become “mercenaries from Africa”, instead of looking deeper into who these people actually are, and that this description is being copied in media around the world.

Fear is another reason these claims are widely perpetuated. In a comment on a blog post on Arabist.net about mercenaries in Libya, “Benedict” writes:

… in a climate of fear and scarce information, rumours that violence is being carried out by shadowy outsiders often spread widely (e.g. the rumours of ‘Arabs' beating protesters in Iran in 2009). Secondly, there are plenty of African migrants in Libya who may be seized as scapegoats by angry crowds, and there are also black Libyans, some of who may be members of the security forces.

Nonetheless, captured mercenaries in Libya have so far included people with identification papers from Tunisia, Nigeria and Guinea (Conakry) and Chad. In Ghana there are rumours that people in Accra had been offered as much as US$ 2,500 to fight for Gaddafi. And in Ethiopia local people have reportedly also been hired to fight. Here is a video of an alleged mercenary captured by locals in AL Barqa, Libya.

Map of Libya and the Mediterranean Sea

Destination Libya

For many in Sub-Saharan Africa, Libya has long been an employment magnet and also acted as a port of call for those wanting to migrate to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. An estimated 1.5 million people from south of the Sahara live in Libya, working mainly in the oil and construction industry.

Gaddafi is also financially and politically involved with governments south of the Sahara. The Libyan military has trained several rebel groups in the past, and has also recruited mercenaries on previous occasions.

In the early years of his rule, Gaddafi, who was affectionately known as “the Guide,” attempted to unify and Arabize the swath of land just south of the Sahara desert by pressing young migrants everywhere from the Sahel to Pakistan to fight as a single unit in wars in Chad, Uganda, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria.

Attacks on migrants

The immediate problem is that people in Libya from Sub-Saharan Africa have been attacked simply because people assume they are mercenaries. On the Ethiopian Review blog, several people commented on a post about Ethiopian mercenaries with fears that innocent refugees would become targets of mobs.

One commenter, “Ganamo” wrote:

Some of those could be innocent refugees. During uprising in a mob mentality people most often do not differentiate well between criminals and innocent foreigners. I have to say this because I believe it from learning it through an experience. While revolution must go on we must be carefully to stand for refugees. Specially Ethiopians in Diaspora since their government cares only for their money and abandons them on their times of need, while other countries are evacuating their citizens. Where will Ethiopian Refugees in Libya go?

Some bloggers and activists from Sub-Saharan Africa see the mercenary issue as opening a window into the chauvinistic attitudes of those from North Africa.

In the pan-African Myweku blog, N Thompson writes:

Africans in the main have been sympathetic and supportive of the desires of Tunisians and Egyptians in their protests. However, the African media and forums are beginning to ask if the prominence and publicity given to so called African mercenaries running amok amongst Libyan protesters pillaging and raping is beginning to tell a rather interesting story about the motives of some Libyan protesters.

On Sudan.net a question posted by a member of the forum – Is Libya racist? – has generated many emotional responses. Surely, isn’t the first rule of any revolution to garner as much international support from all quarters as possible?

That thought is echoed by Tommy Miles in New York, writing in the West-Africa focused, Tomathan blog:

In all honesty, I support the people of Libya’s righteous anger against the brutal Gaddafi regime. It will not be going out on a limb at this point to say they will succeed, and that the entire region (including Tchad, Mali, & Niger) will be better off without Gaddafi’s almost constant destabilization of his African neighbors.

But like much of northern Africa, in Libya there is a long history of fear, hatred, and oppression based on skin color. There is a distinct minority of “black” Libyans whose slave origins mean they are still regarded with contempt by some, as there is a large number of political and economic refugees in what is a relatively prosperous state.

One commenter on this post, going by the name “Arab”, disagrees:

A purely manufactured controversy. Libyans have also reported that there are European mercenaries and you conveniently forget that because it doesn’t suit your racism agenda. The point of making it known that they are African is identification, it has nothing to do with skin color (a classic case of projection of Western biases), but with identifying a threat (based on language, since “African” denotes a non-Arabic speaking person from the continent rather than a black person as you seem to think). Libyans are more than aware that there are Libyans killing them, after all fighter jets are not being flown by mercenaries nor is the elite army corps that is headed by Gaddafi’s son a foreign one. You would have served yourself better if at this time of great distress for the Libyan people, you remained silent until all the events are known, rather than push an agenda to insult people fighting and dying for their liberty based on nothing but speculation.

People in Libya have also shown compassion to some captured mercenaries. This video shows more than one man protecting an alleged fighter from an angry crowd (Warning: These are disturbing images).

One young mercenary from Chad, claimed in an interview with UK newspaper The Telegraph, that he had met men who said they would fly him to Tripoli in Libya for work. Instead, the plane was diverted to Al-Bayda, where he and his fellow travelers were handed weapons and told to kill protesters.

The Ridja blog from the island nation Comoros in Africa, takes up that theme [Fr]:

Dans une vidéo postée sur YouTube, un homme noir, présenté comme un mercenaire, reconnaît avoir été recruté par Khamis, l'un des fils du Guide, pour massacrer le peuple. Aveu véritable ou tentative désespérée d'un pauvre diable de se sauver d'une foule qui menace de le lyncher? D'autres films sur Internet montrent les dépouilles de supposés soldats de fortune morts au combat. Les sites des Libyens en exil parlent eux aussi de ces soldats étrangers, évoquant les rumeurs les plus folles, comme des salaires de 30.000 dollars.

Vincent Harris in the blog Colored Opinions, a blog exploring African migration politics, says European leaders share some of the blame:

Europe has a heavy responsibility for the well-being of refugees in Libya. The reason I say this is obvious, European governments, like the Netherlands, helped Libya to create a buffer against subsaharan African immigrants to Europe. Who does not remember Gaddafi's recent visit to Italy? It seemed funny to see [Berlusconi] one of the most xenophobic presidents receive Gaddafi, but in reality the visit of Libyan president Gaddafi was in line with European policy to use Libya as buffer to counter immigration.

Of great concern to many, is that the mercenary problem may have only just begun. From the Arabist blog:

… if the regime suddenly collapses, how will the successors of the regime deal with several thousand heavily armed and unpaid mercenaries in Libya’s major cities?

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

Written by John Liebhardt · comments (4)
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