Libya has reached to a certain form of distorted ambivalence that strategic reforms, military co-operations, embargo and the lives of rebels do not connect any more. It seems like actions are not saving anyone. And even if they are, we dont know about it.
Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, stated that ‘its time for Colonel Gadaffi to go’ during the establishment of an office in rebel held Benghazi.
The benefits of this office and suddenly opening it now after the conflict reaches the fourth month does not pacify my questions. Also, I do not see a necessity behind it.
Ashton during her current visit to Libya would be discussing several necessary aspects of the Middle Eastern conflict in the country, dealing with emergence of civil society, economy, border management and security reformation.
Currently, the endeavours to deter Colonel Gadaffi supporters have not suceeded, in spite of implementation of the ‘no fly zone’, arms embargo and target sanctions.
Meanwhile, President Obama has started with his European Tour to discuss about the Middle eastern conflict with the first destination being Ireland.
‘Misrata: the turning point’
In the entire conflict which now spuns three months, the fighting at Misrata has been one of the turning points in Libya. To start with, the rebels found out the stealthy and determined sealift for fleet of boats. This sea transport has been used to distrbution of food and medicines, along with the protecting the safety of the rebels.
Recently, the rebels have organised 12 fishing vessels and several tugboats which were previously organised by Colonel Gadaffi into an impromptu fleet that helps in providing lifeline to Misrata.
Though, after the fierce fighting on Sunday, rebel Abdelsalam told the Reuters that its very difficult to see how the Gadaffi forces are being able to re-enter into the city inspite of the good defence lines and NATO assistance.
‘Rebel controlled regions’
The rebel controlled regions in Libya include Misrata, the parts of the Nafusa mountain region and the eastern coastal region of Cyrenaica.
Meanwhile, 27 countries of the European Union has frozen their diplomatic ties with the dictator. Also, the European Commission has confirmed to provide a grant of 20 million euros to the humanitarian actions in Libya.
Though, a soft spoken Haithem al-Mangoush simply states that ‘I do not want our revolution to be stolen.’
But as the ‘sea of assasinations’ continue, the most herculean task continues to be the procurement of weapons and ammunition by the Libyan rebels.
‘History of Iraq and Afghanistan repeats’
Questioning the role of NATO, Rear Admiral Chris Parry, the former Royal Navy admiral stated that the current situation in Libya is a repeated reflection of what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that its time time when the entire ‘strategy’ of NATO should be re-worked in Libya .
In spite of all the developments and surrenders that are hauting the country, in some cities, the everyday life seems to get back on track. Though, the current jubilation might seem deceptive eventually.
shubhdachaudhary 