NATO Airstrikes Intensify in Libya
NATO forces have stepped up their bombing raids on the Gaddafi stronghold of Tripoli, targeting his residential compound as well as military operations centers in the area.
As the Libyan rebels begin to make incremental progress in gaining control of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi's forces are being slowly pushed back toward Tripoli, the primary stronghold of the regime. But despite increased air attacks from NATO forces, the rebels are still significantly out-gunned on the ground. As a result, progress is slow and the fighting is still intense for each piece of ground that is gained.
As the airstrikes have intensified, more nations have reached out to the Libyan rebels in an attempt to establish a relationship with the likely leaders of Libya, after Gaddafi is killed or removed from power. Even China and Russia have made overtures to the Libyan rebels, which is a bit of a departure from their previously cool stance on NATO's intervention in the ongoing civil conflict.
NATO has already officially announced that it will continue operations in Libya through the end of September, but it is likely that the forces will remain engaged until a resolution to the conflict is reached. And while the majority of the International community appears to stand with NATO and the rebels in demanding that Gaddafi step down, at least some have expressed concern that such demands are ensuring a long and bloody conflict.
The International Crisis Group (ICG) suggested that the rebels and NATO offer terms of a ceasefire to Gaddafi that don't demand his immediate ouster and facing charges of war crimes. ICG argues that making such demands as pre-conditions to a cease-fire ensure that Gaddafi will probably fight to the death. And, at this point, that may be the outcome that all sides have agreed to.
As the airstrikes have intensified, more nations have reached out to the Libyan rebels in an attempt to establish a relationship with the likely leaders of Libya, after Gaddafi is killed or removed from power. Even China and Russia have made overtures to the Libyan rebels, which is a bit of a departure from their previously cool stance on NATO's intervention in the ongoing civil conflict.
NATO has already officially announced that it will continue operations in Libya through the end of September, but it is likely that the forces will remain engaged until a resolution to the conflict is reached. And while the majority of the International community appears to stand with NATO and the rebels in demanding that Gaddafi step down, at least some have expressed concern that such demands are ensuring a long and bloody conflict.
The International Crisis Group (ICG) suggested that the rebels and NATO offer terms of a ceasefire to Gaddafi that don't demand his immediate ouster and facing charges of war crimes. ICG argues that making such demands as pre-conditions to a cease-fire ensure that Gaddafi will probably fight to the death. And, at this point, that may be the outcome that all sides have agreed to.
Post Comment