Posted on 08/11/2011 7:46:57 AM PDT by Former Fetus
BENGHAZI, Libya — (MCT) Omar el Keish wanted to make a strong statement when he headed out with his wife and daughter recently for a revolutionary rally here in the de facto rebel capital.
Keish decided to bring along a flag. It wasn't the ubiquitous Libyan rebel flag that flutters at every downtown rally. He chose the American flag — the Stars and Stripes — on a long, heavy pole.
The 57-year-old airline pilot waved the big fluttering fabric with both arms, and rallygoers smiled and flashed the V for victory sign at the sight of Old Glory.
"Libyans love America," Keish explained as he cut through a boisterous crowd that numbered in the tens of thousands. "They love the flag because it stands for freedom and democracy — exactly what they want for Libya."
In a region where America is often mistrusted and resented, rebel-held eastern Libya stands out as an island of pro-American sentiment. The rag-tag forces that drove out Moammar Gadhafi's security forces in February credit U.S. and NATO warplanes for rescuing Benghazi from a government counterattack in March.
America's popularity has risen further since July 15, when the U.S. formally recognized the rebel Transitional National Council as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people.
More American flags have begun to pop up at opposition rallies and outside shops. Some young men sport ball caps emblazoned with a small U.S. flag and the New York Yankees logo.
(Excerpt) Read more at jewishworldreview.com ...
Been there done that, LOL
I was too young, but I sure heard it a lot at Balibago and Bangkok. Being of an age when I was observant but not ‘engaged’, it sure did make me a cynic.
70 stars and 15 stripes??
lol
They’ll be burning the flags after Obama/NATO abandons them.
Oops! MY mistake. It is 13 extra states in addition to the 57! I should read my own posts! LOL
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.