‘I do not want our revolution to be stolen,’ says a Libyan rebel

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.

Humanity and military, a new fight for Libya

The lines between humanitarian aid and military operations has often been blurred by treacherous attacks of wars, conflicts and violence, culminating into odious proceedings.

The same, might or might not, happen in Libya, if given a chance.

Valerie Amos, the UN Under-secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, has stated that there is no immediate need to accept EU offer providing military escorts in Libya.

She stated that aid shipments of water, food and medicines are getting to the needy Libyans without the necessity of the military escorts.

Civilian assets are currently being used to evacuate the people and to provide the aid to the victims. Military help, she said would be needed only if the situation worsens.

She also stressed on being vigilant and respecting the boundaries between aid and military, without blurring them.

The NATO and EU need to take the permission of the UN before sending military escorts to Libya, she further announced.

Though, she did mention that security situation for the aid workers itself is very dangerous due to the continuous bombing in Libya. But she also revealed that the Colonel Gadaffi forces have agreed to allow the required access to the aid workers.

Amos went on a trip to Libya to meticulously observe the current status of the conflict. Unfortunately, the humanitarian deal does not provide security to the aid workers who are entering the city.

‘Libya Military mission’

In a major development yesterday, France and Italy have agreed to send senior military officials in Libya to give needed advice to the opposition forces.

In a report issued by Reuters, 27 countries in the EU have agreed to launch the military mission to support the humanitarian work in Libya.

This mission would involve the task of security the aid workers, guarding the transport channels and also guarding the Tunisian Egypt borders where several refugee camps are set up.

The French and Italian officials had stated that around ten military advisors would be sent to Libya under this decision.

This move was influenced by President Obama’s announcement of providing $25 million to non lethal force decision in Libya.

Meanwhile, Oxfam, the British aid group has also warned EU against sending military officials in Libya.

Jamie Balfour-Paul, Oxfam’s spokesperson in the Middle East also said referring from the past experiences, blurring the lines between humanitarian aid and military operations has only bought more controversies.

‘Two Award winning journalists dead’

Meanwhile, two award winning photo journalists Briton Tim Hetherington and US Chris Hondros were killed in a motor attack in Misrata.

According to few other journalists, these two were trying to pull back from the front line when they came under fire.

The Libyan government has expressed ‘sadness’ over the sudden death of these two photographers.

Credit: Photo from Getty Images