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OpEdNews Op Eds    H3'ed 3/23/11  

Western Aggression on Libya

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Foreign Forces in Libya 

According to Stratfor Global Intelligence, reports suggest "European and Egyptian special operations forces (are) deploying" near Benghazi. Unconfirmed sources say 100 or so Egyptian commandos, in plainclothes, joined opposition rebels in early March, likely at Washington's behest. UK SAS and US Special Forces as well as CIA operatives have been there for many weeks, maybe months as explained above and in earlier articles.

On March 22, the Israeli news site Debka.com said reports about "jubilant Libyan rebels encouraged by (cruise missile attacks) to resume their offensive against Qaddafi's forces Monday were misleading at best." Rebels, in fact, have only one organized platoon, no match against government forces without supportive air strikes, as well as "American, British, French," and perhaps Egyptian and other Arab ground troops joining them. "The rebels must therefore be satisfied with holding Benghazi downtown and a few sectors for as long as they can."

UN Resolution 1973 prohibits a "foreign occupation force." By implication, Western and Arab ones may invade but not stay once hostilities end. Whether large numbers are coming remains conjecture. Given Washington's determination to remove Gaddafi, it's possible, perhaps even claim a reason to stay. Discount nothing when Washington arrives.

Short of killing him, whether Gaddafi falls isn't certain. Libya is very tribal. He has considerable support from half or more of them and the army. They'll lose out if he's gone. As Stratfor explains, he "was very careful to reward his friends and hurt and weaken his enemies, (so) his supporters (are) substantial and motivated."

Moreover, rebel forces aren't "democratic, much less organized or cohesive." It's why Gaddafi routed them. In addition, no-fly zones alone are ineffective. As a result, Saddam's removal took invasion and ground war. Expect it perhaps in Libya, again claiming "humanitarian intervention" with or without Security Council approval, what America prefers but isn't deterred without it.

However, Gaddafi didn't last 42 years by being stupid, "but rather because he speaks to a real and powerful dimension in Libya," and rewards the right people to support him. As a result, nothing ahead is certain. Gaddafi has everything to lose by defeat, including his life. It's incentive enough to hold on. 

Moreover, whether "coalition" adhesion sticks as civilian casualties grow is unknown. Bomb and missile diplomacy only goes so far. For sure, it doesn't make friends, especially in a region very uncomfortable about America's presence. Growing anger strongly objects to another Arab state's destruction and colonial takeover. 

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