Politics

The total death toll from a Syrian government crackdown on opposition protesters continues to rise today. At least 15 people were killed last Wednesday when repressive forces raided a mosque housing protesters in the early morning hours. But there have been reports insisting that the death toll may be significantly higher.

Reports of civilian casualties are mounting in Libya amidst ongoing U.S.-led air strikes and the Gaddafi regime’s assault on three rebel-held towns. At least 16 civilians were reportedly killed after forces loyal to Col. Muammar Gaddafi resumed an attack on the coastal city of Misurata, shelling an area around the city’s main hospital.

To avoid misunderstandings: Gaddafi is a brutal, cynical, corrupt dictator, who obviously considers Libya as his personal property. His sons were forged in the same furnace. And yet, to try to justify, as many do, especially the French government of Sarkozy, the international military mission against the Libyan regime as a matter of morality and values, is simply hypocritical.

The U.S. and allied air strikes on Libya have entered their fourth day as part of an international effort to enforce a no-fly zone. An U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter jet has crashed after apparent mechanical failure in northeast Libya. Libyan rebels rescued the pilot after he ejected from the warplane, which came down near the eastern city of Benghazi.

Following Western air strikes against Libyan military targets, Muammar Gaddafi looks set to try and bring the fighting to the big cities. Radio Netherlands Worldwide correspondent Hans Jaap Melissen reports that the tanks destroyed by French Mirage jets just a few dozen miles outside Benghazi have become a tourist attraction for the city’s residents.

International forces have launched attacks in Libya to enforce the UN-authorised no-fly zone to protect civilians. US President Barack Obama says he has authorised “limited military action in Libya”.
French warplanes were the first to carry out air strikes in Libya, followed by US and British forces firing Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Bolivian President Evo Morales today rejected the military attacks against Libya, which began on Saturday with an attack by the French air force. According to Morales, the actions against Tripoli violate human rights and lead to violence. During the inauguration of the third meeting of the ALBA social commission, he stated that the countries were interested in seizing the oil.

The United Nations Security Council has given the green light for a no-fly zone over Libya.
The measure includes an authorisation of air strikes against Libyan army facilities to stop Colonel Gaddafi’s regime from attacking opposition protesters. A UN spokesperson said that a majority of the 15-member council is agreeing to a no-fly zone in order to protect civilians in Libya.

Amnesty International today revealed evidence of the Bahraini security forces’ systematic use of excessive force in cracking down against protesters, as fresh violence left as many as 8 people dead.
The organization documents how security forces used live ammunition and extreme force against protesters and impeded and assaulted medical staff trying to help the wounded.

It’s amazing, just amazing, this international system! It presumably has a world Parliament made of delegates from all countries on Earth and called the General Assembly of the United Nations. Such a Parliament is led by a mini executive body of only five countries, called the Security and Peace Council.
By Baher Kamal*.