In an attempt to stop public uprising, Kaddafi declared February 17 (tomorrow) public holiday. He also cancelled a major soccer game scheduled for the same day. In an attempt to reach out to some segments of the populations, He met yesterday with the most powerful local leaders. He intends to show that he is not detached from the population. However, He is yet to speak directly to the protesters.
There are reports that the government has hired thugs to attack the protesters, “à la guerre comme à la guerre” one would say.
Since 1969, when Kaddafi seized power, he has kept a tight grip on the country. There are no political parties and no free press. He managed to have the embargo lifted and took advantage to sign major oil deals as the West scrambles to find alternative oil source following the crisis in Irak. in 2004, then US President Bush ended the U.S. trade embargo on Libya to reward Kaddafi for stopping his pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. Some U.S. terrorism-related sanctions were left in place.
Kaddafi took advantage of the American bombardment of his residence that killed his child to burnish his image.
The political scientist Hasni Abidi, who specializes in issues related to the Arab world, thinks Kaddafi may not be in the good posture as he has alienated many constituencies by killing 1200 prisoners in 1996. The killing affected many segments of the population. Mr. Abidi reveals in an Interview with RFI that the army in general is not well paid as Kaddafi has created a separate special force headed by his son, well-equipped and design to protect Kaddafi.
It is not clear what impact internet may have at the moment, but there are some signs of planning by the protesters. A well-known blogger was arrested yesterday in Benghazi but liberated immediately as the regime tries to avoid fueling the crisis.
There are reports that the government has hired thugs to attack the protesters, “à la guerre comme à la guerre” one would say.
Updates:
Feb/3/2011 - Kaddafi releases 12 political prisoners in Benghazi
Feb/16/2011 - Kaddafi Promises to release even more islamist prisoners
Feb/17/2011 - Kaddafi releases more than 100 political prisoners in Tripoli
Updates:
Feb/3/2011 - Kaddafi releases 12 political prisoners in Benghazi
Feb/16/2011 - Kaddafi Promises to release even more islamist prisoners
Feb/17/2011 - Kaddafi releases more than 100 political prisoners in Tripoli
