Posted on 02/23/2011 12:41:36 PM PST by Red Badger
The Libyan leader has lost all three pillars of his rule - tribal, military and diplomatic. Judging from his desperate speech last night, he seems to be losing his mind and perhaps his nerves.
That's why it's only a question of time for his regime to breakdown.
For the last four decades, Gaddafi has based the stability of his rule on a careful balancing act among more than 100 tribes and clans, especially the 30 influential among them, that pride themselves on playing an important role in freeing Libya from colonialism.
Gaddafi has used bribes when possible, blackmail and scare tactics when necessary, to insure the tribes' loyalty to the regime, or at least its neutrality.
However, over the last few days, one after the other, Libyan tribes have declared their opposition to the Gaddafi regime and vowed their support and allegiance to the revolution of February 17.
Diplomatic breakdown
Gaddafi has also lost his diplomatic core as the country's overseas diplomats have been quitting their jobs in protest against the violence while others have expressed outright support of the revolution.
In reality, the Libyan regime no longer has diplomatic relations with the outside world, which for all practical purposes has severed all relations with his regime.
Much of the world considers Gaddafi's regime outlawed.
Last but not the least, the Gaddafi security regime has been losing support among its armed forces as fighter jet pilots, sailors and entire military bases disobey orders and take a stand in favour of the revolution.
Gaddafi has admitted that his police force has deserted and gone home refusing to use arms against the protesters. As a result, entire cities have been liberated from the grip of the regime.
Watching Benghazi, the largest city in the east, as well as other cities, celebrate their newly gained freedom illustrates the degree to which the Libyan regime has lost influence in the country.
The capital, Tripoli, might still prove to be the most dangerous. An escalation in the capital where Gaddafi’s sons have concentrated their militias might lead to more bloodshed.
As Gaddafi 'loses it', diving deeper in isolation and finding no way out, he is more than capable of ordering the worst crimes.
Unless he loses the loyalty of these militias, or they are deterred from carrying his orders, the last hours and days could prove to be violent.
Having said that, like the Tunisian and Egyptian military before them, the Libyan military and militias could still prove to be more conscientious than their dictators.
“Judging from his desperate speech last night, he seems to be losing his mind and perhaps his nerves. “
Lifelong VD will do that.
Did he EVER have “it”?
He probably lost it years ago and were just now finding out.
Give him time, it takes a while to pack all his tents.
I hate to see worse take his place.
However, I’m not at all sad to see him go.
He’s been Z # last evil from the beginning.
I continue to think that Gaddafi may go the gotterdammerung route. Technically he got rid of everything in 2003. But what if he lied a little? I just don't see him retiring to France. I think it might be payback time, Baby!
Time to start the death/escape pool on him. My guess: escape to Venezuela, March 2.
Now that it has come out that he was personally behind Pan Am 103, I'd like to see a squadron of B-52s arc-light his arse!
Now that it has come out that he was personally behind Pan Am 103, I’d like to see a squadron of B-52s arc-light his arse!
Ain’t gonna happen with this Admin.
I was surfing the internet yesterday; and, I discovered several photos of Obama shaking Gaddafi’s hand, even seemed to be posing with him in one photo.
First - has any other president been stupid enough to shake his hand?
Second - Obama has to KNOW this guy is a flat out murderer...another WTF moment for the One.
Oh yeah, his son goes to international film festivals, rubs elbows with celebrities like Beyonce, Usher, and Bon Jovi, etc. What is wrong with these people? These same idiots wouldn’t be caught dead with George Bush’s dog (because he’s eeeevil); but, they gladly hang out with the family of a dictator. The world is truly upside down.
Probably because this admin is a Gaddafi wanna-be.
I’d pick him in Howie Carr’s next death pool, but I don’t think his body would be found.
WHAT REAGAN WOULD HAVE SAID ON TV:
“So-called Colonel Gadafi. We need to get Americans out of Libya. We need permission to land a plane there and take our people out. If you are unwilling to give us this permission, we will take your airspace by force. All of it. I ask the good people of Libya to pray that all of your planes are grounded and all missile systems DOWN at 0600 tomorrow morning GMT. It is 1800 GMT. You have twelve hours to comply.”
WHAT OBAMA SAID ON TV:
(...)
Question is, is this true are is it wishful thinking on the part of the brotherhood supporters.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.