NP Rank:
U.S. Troops already on the ground in Libya.
According to a Pakistan Observer article, (the only English Newspaper in the country) “ The United States, Britain and France have sent several hundred defense advisors to train and support the anti-Gadhafi forces in oil-rich Eastern Libya where armed rebel groups have apparently taken over.”
Although the troops are classified as “advisers” they have brought not only fighting know-how but several caches of weapons and all the necessary provisions for a prolonged stay in the region, as well. Although not stated specifically what weapons the special forces operatives have brought with them, it is reported that a Libyan official has said “the three Western states have landed their special forces troops in Cyrenaica and are now setting up their bases, and training centers.” This is to reinforce the rebel forces that are resisting pro-Gadhafi forces in several adjoining areas.
According to the article the initial task at hand is to “neutralize” the Libyan Air force, this effort would be in an attempt to “limit Gadhafi’s rule in Tripoli if not fully uprooted from the country”.
A Pakistani Defense website said three war ships from the Indian Navy have arrived in the region with the mission to evacuate Indian Nationals from Libya. The ships are capable of holding 800-1000 people each. However, there are about 18,000 Indians living in Libya, mainly in capital Tripoli and Benghazi. Therefore, the purpose of sending war ships that would only have the capability to evacuate 3000 Indian nationals is not being commented on. Indian foreign minister S M Krishna is quoted as saying all Indian nationals were safe "as of now".
Gadhafi has been defiant in his assertion to his supporters that they will be triumphant. In a statement to supporters in Tripoli’s Green Square he vowed he would open Libya’s arsenals of guns to the tribes in order to protect the Libyan nation and its petroleum interests.
Crowd Power
-
theweeklystash
Watertown, New York, United States








Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (12)
at 06:35 on March 8th, 2011
Excellent post
at 08:48 on March 8th, 2011
The reports emanating from Libya are not only contradictory and conflicting but utterly confusing.Two towns which had fallen in the hands of rebels have been recaptured by pro-government or government forces,says one report.
Opposition leaders are claiming that Qaddafi offered negotiated settlement which aimed at safe passage for Qaddafi and his family,keep his assets and assurances that he won't be tried for war crimes.The official spokesperson has vehemently denied such reports and added that such reports are pure nonsense.One opposition leader said that we are considering Qaddafi's offer.
Gutter media is working overtime to disseminate false information,which can neither be verified nor accepted or rejected outrightly.Pakistan Observer is as trustworthy and dependable as Pakistan's political class and army generals.
Better if we wait until something comes straight from horse mouth.
at 09:02 on March 8th, 2011
Just to clarify, I looked up the author of the story, Akhtar Jamal. is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Press Agency (PPA) & Tele Visual Infolink. He is also a Special Correspondent of Bridges TV, USA and Channel News Asia (CNA-Singapore).
Akhtar Jamal also writes exclusivley on regional affairs for Pakistan Observer. Mr. Jamal also edits the weekly publication of Pakistan Observer's "Economy Watch".
He is a senior journalist with more than two decades of professional experience. He has worked for Jang Group of Newspapers for over a decade and represented several international top news organizations and electronic media. Akhtar Jamal has also written several hundred articles and analysis on regional situation and is specialized on Central Asian and Middle East strategic affairs. (source Wiki)
He seems pretty credible to me and is a consummate professional and has a boat load of experience I don't think that someone in his position would print an article unless he was certain of the facts. Also, I checked with Indian authorities and looked up the quotes to ensure they could be attributed to credible people and that they were actually stated. Everything checked out.
at 16:36 on March 8th, 2011
I don't question credibility of any journalist.But the sources of his information are reliable or not?That is the question.British Foreign Secretary said that Qaddafi has fled to Venezuela.An Indian newspapers(gutter,rather national toilet paper)with largest circulation carried the headline'Good bye Qaddafi.
Thomas Friedman is an experienced journalist,writes for NY Times.Isn't he embedded and blood thirsty?Boat load or ship load experience doesn't make a journalist credible,if his sources are fellow journalists like Thomas Friedman and Fareed Zakaria.
at 08:39 on March 8th, 2011
When the horse whinnies we'll find the barn. Find the barn and the bunker is busted.
- Sign In or Join to post comments
Vibhiat 09:00 on March 8th, 2011
I think the United States need to take control over Libya, if not done so, there could be a huge decrease in crude supply, and the prices will rise even above the current rate.
at 11:03 on March 8th, 2011
3% -- the US won't take over as we don't do that without just cause or unjust excuse as in the case of no WMD and GWB.
- Sign In or Join to post comments
junkcrusher (not verified)at 09:00 on March 8th, 2011
I don't know if US troops are in Libya now because the US didn't even determine the no fly zone there. wikileaksnet.wordpress.com/
at 11:05 on March 8th, 2011
Everyone seems to want the US to act and when we do, watch the people complain. We're not going to do it because we can't afford it. It is the cost versus benefit analysis that decides.
at 12:24 on March 8th, 2011
The only time I have a problem is when it is at the cost of human suffering. but people don't realize that oil is more than just what runs your car or heats your home. It is the plastics and resins that make up nearly everything we use on a daily basis. Your cell phone, grocery bags, and just about every button you push is all made from oil.
at 09:17 on March 9th, 2011
The entire US and crony capitalistic structure stands on the human suffering .Oil is important,its regular and uninterrupted supply must be ensured by controlling all reserves,and it should be done at every cost:devastating vast territories,maiming,killing millions and millions,effecting regime changes through armed intervention,as if US empire has divine right to impose its own economic system,once it is established rest follows.
at 10:29 on March 9th, 2011
You don't believe that, do you? Because i don't think that if it was happening to your family you'd be so quick to make such a call.