Libya conflict appears to near its end game, fighting rages near Gaddafi compound, his sons detained by rebels but Gaddafi still on the loose

Dear All

The Libyan regime led by Colonel Gaddafi is on the verge of collapse, the rebels supported by Nato airstrikes have entered the centre of Tripoli.

Two of Gaddafi’s sons have said to have been detained by the rebels, Gaddafi himself remains at large.

Gaddafi in broadcasts earlier remained defiant saying he will stay in Tripoli “until the end”.

He also called on armed civilians to attack the traitors and help liberate the capital from the rebel offensive.

Nato spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said:

“The territory (Gaddafi) controls is shrinking fast, his closest allies are packing their bags, and the people of Tripoli are rising. The sooner he realises he cannot win, the better – so that the Libyan people can be spared further bloodshed and suffering.”

Are we looking at a scene of ‘liberation’ or another Iraq with the breakdown of law and order?

Time will tell.

And what future will Gaddafi and his allies have?

Will there be show trials or exile?

For six months, the civil war has raged in Libya assisted by the West and its continual airstrikes.

Gaddafi was absolute ruler of Libya for more than four decades; he has blood on his hands.

The Americans want Al Megrahi for the Lockerbie bombing to be handed over to them so he can die in an American prison, but if they want Al Megrahi charged, they must logically ask for Gaddafi as well.

Logic and history dictates this as we have seen with Bin Laden.

The Rebels appear to have taken the upper hand by rapidly advancing toward Tripoli as they took over the base of the Khamis Brigade.

One of the best trained and equipped units in the Libyan military commanded by Gaddafi’s 27-year-old son

Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim told a news conference in Tripoli:

“There are thousands and thousands of soldiers who are willing to defend the city.”

According to reports, Gaddafi forces may only control 15 to 20% of the city.

Nick Clegg says that Gaddafi’s fate is now “closing in on him” and has declared that Britain will not turn its back on the millions hoping for a better life from the Arab Spring.

What he is talking about there is oil and trade, the UK Government wants to jump into bed with the new power elite in much the same way they did with Gaddafi.

Expect a visit from David Cameron, William Hague and various trade missions to follow.

Last year exports of around £24.5 billion of goods and services went to the region.

It seems that many Arab countries are kicking out their rulers for failing to deliver for the people.

All eyes are looking to Syria which the US is steadfastly moving away from, is this the next place for civil war?

It seems highly likely as a pattern emerges across the region; the Arab Spring movement seems to follow a set pattern.

The question of what to do with Gaddafi if he is caught and captured by the rebels is a tricky one.

One that has so many vested interests both internal and external seeing him remaining silent.

Yours sincerely

George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University