Libyan Civil War, July 8th Update
Major Libyan Cities
Misrata Front
Rebels on this front continue to close in on the neighboring city of Zliten, with rebels now only with in 2-6 km from the town center, having captured the outlying town of Suq al-Thulatha. In addition, there has been reports of some heavy weaponry leaving the city, going towards Al-Khums, about 37 km to the west. This indicates that the “arc” mentioned earlier does not completely surround the city, instead creating a salient, with an opening to west.
However, there are some problems here as well. The Hospital in the city was largely destroyed during the earlier Siege of Misrata. Because of this, much of the medical care is now being done in private clinics, and they cannot cope with the number of injured in the fighting at the front line and those hurt from the rockets continuing to hit the city. As a result, a request for a “floating hospital” has been put out.
In addition, the next point of Qaddafi resistance after Zliten is in a location that could result in the sad destruction of history, the ancient ruined city of Leptis Magna. There has been talk for well over a month that the ancient city is being used to store military supplies, and as cover for military vehicles. This may lead to a tragic loss of history depending on the amount of arms at this site.
Nafusa Front
Use Map only For Location Reference.
Progress along this front has come to a dead halt as a result of the discovery of a minefield between the recently captured town of Qwaleesh and the neighboring town of Asabaa’a. This minefield is being cleared, but has claimed the 3 vehicles, and injured some rebels. In addition to this, Qaddafi forces in Asabaa’a are now shelling the rebel forces in Qwaleesh.
NATO however is continuing airstrikes in the region, not only pummeling Asabaa’a and Gharyan, but also expanding the bombing to the town of Ghazala, which being used as a base for rocket attacks into Nalut, and the border town of Wazzin.
Diplomatic and Political Fronts
Russia continues to criticize the NATO involvement in the war, stating that the intervention has now been in aggressive action for longer than either of the Bosnian War in 1995 or the Kosovo War in 1999.
These actions by the Russia government towards Libya could have a negative effect on Russian business in the area, with the Rebels stating in the last week that they would review contracts that Qaddafi’s government had with other nations and foreign companies, and decide whether to keep them or not. China may be similarly affected, as they have also continued to act in much the same way as Russia, in addition to the finding of Chinese landmine. Venezuelan registered rifles have been captured from Qaddafi soldiers by rebels, which could cause trouble for Chavez’s government.
In addition moonbat Kucinich’s Amendment to a defense spending bill to bar the use of any military funding for the intervention has failed. However, another amendment banning arms transfers to the Rebels has succeeded. This has led to criticism of the House by some members in the Senate, including John McCain attacking House Republicans who voted for the measure. While I can agree with the Senator regarding the Republicans in the House, this wasn’t unexpected, as many Republicans have been obstructionist out of little more than hate for Obama. My loathing here is centered straight on the little freak Kucinich. He must lose his seat in the upcoming election, hopefully during the Democratic Primary. He did not win an overwhelming victory during the 2010 Primary, so a sane Democrat willing to use any tactic necessary maybe able to defeat him. Recommended tactics include tying him to al-Assad in Syria because of his recent trip there when he supported the tyrannical dictator, as well as showing the hypocracy of being supposedly being Pro-Human Rights, while not wanting to intervene when a Qaddafi wanted to slaughter his own people by the tens of thousands at the least
Qaddafi Goes Fully Bug-Shit Insane
And finally, we having Qaddafi’s speech today, where he seemed to have lost whatever marbles he had left. Some of his most interesting parts were:
“Scotland needs my help to gain independence from England. Libyan women are beggars. Gulf donkeys are NATO puppets.”
“We will liberate Europe from the imperialist nations and defeat the aggressors.”
“We will press charges against EU & NATO leaders and get them tried at the ICC”
“Ploughing the sea is not easy (Anybody got a clue what the hell he is talking about?). Our armed jamahiriya will defeat the crusaders”
Two things stick out to me. First is that he said here would try people in the International Criminal Court, which he himself does not recognize. Second is his assertion that the nations attacking him are imperialistic. This man is the same person who crowned himself King of Kings in Africa. In addition, only two of the nations actively attacking him were at Imperialistic, those being the United Kingdom and France. Of the other three, Sweden’s attempt and Imperialism and Colonialism fizzled in by the 1700s, Denmark never possessed more than the a few small or unproductive areas, and Norway has been under control of the first two for most of the time since the discovery of the Americas, with the past 111 Years being it’s first time as an independent state. The conclusion I get based on this last speech is that Qaddafi’s mind has left this world.