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February 17, 2011

Libya: The Guide & The Expected Return (Iron Fist)

There is not much surprise in this report:FT.com / Middle East & North Africa - Libya crushes ‘day of anger’ efforts

Libya crushes ‘day of anger’ efforts Libyan security forces arrested activists and clashed with protesters on Thursday as Muammar Gaddafi’s regime cracked down on efforts to organise a “day of anger” on the back of uprisings that forced the Tunisian and Egyptian presidents from office.

Activists and human rights officials said protesters and security forces clashed in Benghazi, the oil-rich nation’s second city, and Al-Bayda, the scene of violence the previous night.

Tripoli, the capital of the oil-rich nation, appeared calm as several hundred supporters of Mr Gaddafi, who has ruled Libya since 1969, held a demonstration in the centre of the city.

“There were clearly attempts to demonstrate in Benghazi and al-Bayda since this morning and there have been arrests since last night,” said Heba Morayef, North Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “What we have seen in the last couple of days is a crackdown on peaceful protestors though arrests, beatings, tear gas, and in Al-Bayda, live fire.”

Doubtless The Guide can suppress opposition through flagrant violence, although probably damaging his long-run transition stability (Saif?) and possibly seeing his new western friends (mmmm I resemble that remark) scared off.

Posted by The Lounsbury at February 17, 2011 12:18 PM
Filed Under: Libya Civil War , Maghreb , Political Development , The MENA '48

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