Qatari soldiers, not Green Berets, execute UW campaign in Libya
Qatari soldiers, not Green Berets, execute UW campaign in Libya
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The NTC vs the Misrata Militia ?
I don't have a dog in this race; but it may be interesting to see how the NTC handles its most recent change in course.
From The Guardian, Gaddafi killer faces prosecution, says Libyan interim government - NTC backs down from insistence Gaddafi died in crossfire and pledges justice for anyone proven to have fired lethal shot (27 Oct 2011) (2 snips):
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Abdel Hafiz Ghoga, deputy chief of the National Transitional Council, said it would try to bring to justice anyone proven to have fired the shot to the head that killed Gaddafi.
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"With regards to Gaddafi, we do not wait for anybody to tell us," he told the al-Arabiya satellite channel. "We had already launched an investigation. We have issued a code of ethics in handling of prisoners of war. I am sure that was an individual act and not an act of revolutionaries or the national army. Whoever is responsible for that [Gaddafi's killing] will be judged and given a fair trial."
Attempts to launch an investigation are unlikely to be welcomed in Misrata, where the rebels who captured Gaddafi in his home town of Sirte are based. Asked this week about the questions surrounding his death by people outside Libya, Misrata's military chief, Ibrahim Beit al-Mal, said: "Why are they even asking this question? He was caught and he was killed. Would he have given us the same? Of course."
...
The identity of the man who allegedly pulled his 9mm pistol from his waistband and shot the wounded dictator in the left temple around 20 minutes after his capture is widely known in Misrata, as is the unit he belonged to, the Katiba Ghoran.
"They won't come near us," said the rebel who pulled Gaddafi from a drain last Thursday. "They won't dare. Gaddafi was saying: 'What's this, what's this?' After nine months of blood, he was saying: 'What's this?'. What does he expect?"
A video of the alleged executioner is running in the Herald Sun, Brutalised with a knife: Attack on Gaddafi casts dark shadow on Libya's rebirth (25 Oct 2011):
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In the leaked video, the young man, who has not yet been identified, says: "We grabbed him. I hit him in the face. Some fighters wanted to take him away and that's when I shot him, twice: in the face and in the chest."
He then holds up what he claims is Gaddafi's bloodstained shirt and gold ring.
The videos will put the spotlight on Libya's interim rulers, who are already facing hard questions over their conduct during the war to oust Gaddafi.
And so it goes.
Regards
Mike
No, your syllogism doesn't work
The correct phrase is: All successful insurgents are by definition "the new government".
In the eyes of that new government, our militiaman from Misrata is one of its many conquering heroes - none of whom have to worry about treason charges. That is, until they run afoul of the new government.
The issue is what (if anything) that new government decides to do about its hero - and any others involved in crimes (domestic and/or international) during the course of the successful insurgency.
Regards
Mike
This comment is not directed at anyone here
(including COL Jones and Dayuhan).
It is directed against those in my profession in the International Law field (both in the US and elsewhere) who (1) select "justice" where the US is involved - holding it to the strictest legal tests; but who (2) select "reconciliation" where insurgents are concerned - holding them to relaxed legal tests. This dichotomy in applied morality is simply a subset of the mentality that supported the development of the 1977 Additional Protocols and the "direct participation" (transitory guerrilla) doctrine.
Frankly, my dear new Libyan government, I don't really give a damn as to whether you select "justice" or "reconciliation" in this particular case, or in others that will come to light. I am interested in how the International Law Watchdogs will react to those cases. I suspect that "reconciliation" (spelled OIL) will win out in the governmental arena.
To conclude, from Salon's Daniel Williams, The murder brigades of Misrata - Gadhafi's demise was just a part of a vast revenge killing spree (28 Oct 2011):
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MISRATA, Libya — If anyone is surprised by the apparent killing of Moammar Gadhafi while in the custody of militia members from the town of Misrata, they shouldn’t be.
More than 100 militia brigades from Misrata have been operating outside of any official military and civilian command since Tripoli fell in August. Members of these militias have engaged in torture, pursued suspected enemies far and wide, detained them and shot them in detention, Human Rights Watch has found. Members of these brigades have stated that the entire displaced population of one town, Tawergha, which they believe largely supported Gadhafi avidly, cannot return home. ... (more in article)
As much as I lack fondness for Human Rights Watch, at least it so far is being consistent in this case.
Regards
Mike
Libya: 76% of weapons employed were precision guided
Hat tip to the Australian think tank, Lowry Institute, for identifying this fact and oh yes, it is the UK who did it.
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From the start of current operations in Libya up till 1 September 2011, UKforces have employed around 1,100 precision guided munitions, 110 direct fire weapons, 4,100 rounds of direct fire 30 mm cannon rounds, and around 240 high explosive or illumination rounds from 4.5 inch naval guns. Therefore, excluding 30 mm cannon rounds, 76% of weapons employed were precision guided. We carefully select the type of weapon in every engagement to ensure the most appropriate munition is used to deliver the required effect, while minimising the risk of civilian casualties.
The precision guided munitions used include Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone, Enhanced Paveway II, Paveway IV, Storm Shadow missiles and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. Direct fire munitions include Hellfire missiles and CRV-7 rockets.
Link:http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2011/0...eptember-2011/
Inside story of the UK's secret mission to beat Gaddafi
A BBC Newsnight report, with a nine minute film clip on:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16624401
Yes, I know most SWC cannot access this; the written and more detailed report is on; which opens with:
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British efforts to help topple Colonel Gaddafi were not limited to air strikes. On the ground - and on the quiet - special forces soldiers were blending in with rebel fighters. This is the previously untold account of the crucial part they played.
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16573516
The role of Qatar, not to overlook Emirates and Jordanian elements, is mentioned:
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This Gulf emirate had taken a leading role in backing the NTC, and its defence chief was by June brokering an agreement with the UK and France to provide material back-up as well as training for the NTC....
Last October the Chief of the Qatar Defence Staff revealed that "hundreds" of his troops has been on the ground in Libya. British sources agree Qatar played a leading role - and accept it put more soldiers in than the UK - but question whether the number was this large.
The UK CDS has openly complimented the three Arab partners role in the Libyan campaign, in a speech at RUSI:
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Integrating the Qataris, Emiratis and Jordanians into the operation was key. Without them and their defence chiefs' leadership, especially the huge understanding they brought to the campaign, it is unlikely that the NTC's militias could have successfully acted as the land element without which the right outcome would have been impossible.
Link:http://www.rusi.org/events/past/ref:E4EA01B5272990/
The role of Qatar more widely features in this article, headlined 'Here comes Qatar' and sub-titled:
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Suddenly, the tiny Gulf emirate is the Middle East’s superpower
Which is not black & white, as the author concludes Qatar plays a double role:http://www.spectator.co.uk/essays/al...es-qatar.thtml
Arab Thoughts on the Italian Colonial Wars in Libya
Arab Thoughts on the Italian Colonial Wars in Libya
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Spin a coin: Jihad or not Jihad?
The UK-based Quilliam Foundation, with an ex-LIFG member as an analyst, has drawn attention in a short briefing note 'Quilliam Briefing : Rising Jihadism in Libya: the Abdul Rahman Brigade’s goal in Attacking Western Targets':http://www.quilliamfoundation.org/co...s-releases/942
I do wonder how the Jihadist viewpoint has gained traction, after the Western intervention to help and protect their national interests, has so quickly waned that attacks are made. Quite clearly Libya has many problems to resolve, notably an ineffective government and too many people with guns.
Just noticed this above...
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Originally Posted by
jmm99
Before that, some US authority existed for summary executions if ordered by a field grade officer (e.g., Tony Waller was found not guilty for Samar; at about the same time, Breaker Morant was shot in South Africa for the same thing).
Not quite the same thing: Morant killed people with white skin, Waller killed people with brown skin. There was once a big difference; some would say there still is.
Insight on Libyan Islamists
Dr. Omar Ashour an astute observer of matters Arabic and with time on the ground has written a short (8 pgs) Brookings paper 'Libyan Islamists Unpacked: Rise, Transformation, and Future':
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The policy briefing is divided into three parts. The first section identifies the main Islamist forces in Libya and briefly overviews their backgrounds. The second part attempts to understand the salient issues facing Libyan Islamists and the effect they have on Islamist political behavior. The final section concludes with policy implications for the international community.
Link:http://www.brookings.edu/research/pa...2-libya-ashour
Why the Islamists Are Not Winning in Libya
At last some insight that explains what has happened:
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Early electoral results indicate that the liberal, secular-leaning National Forces Alliance of Mahmoud Jibril, the former wartime Prime Minister of the rebels’ National Transitional Council (NTC), has swept the majority of the country’s new parliament.
Link:http://world.time.com/2012/07/10/why...#ixzz20UIxPP3N
Libya is clearly not in the same league as Egypt within the Arab World, but after a violent change of governance (NATO & US aided) one hardly expected to see the labels 'liberal, secular-leaning' forming a majority.
What will happen in Libya?
All the nuance you want on the Libyan election and what may follow:http://www.opendemocracy.net/alison-...m-deeper-story
Which ends with:
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Whatever happens on 8 August and beyond, it cannot be assumed that Libya has turned its back completely on Islamism - either now or for the future.
Benghazi and Libya's Jihadist Minority
Not exactly a title US audiences would expect this week, Dr. Omar Ashour, a regional analyst, has provided insight on what happened this week; the full title is 'The nature of Libya’s post-revolution armed Islamist forces is by no means straightforward'.
Link:http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/opinio...-minority_9544
Some key sections:
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Salafi jihadism is not an organization, but an ideological trend based on the core belief that armed tactics of all kinds are the most effective – and, in some versions, the most legitimate – method of bringing about social and political change.....
The tragic death of Stevens and his colleagues has engendered wide public outrage in Libya, adding to the isolation and de-legitimization of the armed groups. Dozens of Libyan activist groups have uploaded videos paying tribute to Stevens, as well as issuing statements against terrorism and Al Qaeda. One of the Muslim Brothers’ Web sites includes such a statement, and Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Sadeq al-Gheriani, also condemned the attack....
Collective punishment and targeting the innocent is forbidden in the Koran in more than 20 verses: “That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another” (The Star Chapter 53:18).
There is a main thread on Libya, so this will be merged there another day.
Islamist militia bases stormed in Benghazi
From the BBC:
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At least four people have been killed in the Libyan city of Benghazi after military police and protesters took over militia bases. The violence followed a day of protests by tens of thousands of citizens demanding an end to the armed groups. The bases include the HQ of the Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia, suspected of involvement in an attack on the US consulate in the city.....Earlier, some 30,000 protesters marched through Benghazi calling for an end to the armed groups and a return to the rule of law.
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19680785 and slightly different, more detail:http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa...259561409.html
Will this be well covered by the US media?
My plan for a secure diplomatic military base for Libya
White House Mulls How to Strike Over Libya Attack
White House Mulls How to Strike Over Libya Attack
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Libyan humanitarian catastrophe ignored by Western media
http://rt.com/news/bani-walid-libya-violence-251/
'Libyan humanitarian catastrophe ignored by Western media'
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RT: There's yet been no international response to the fact that civilians are being killed in Bani Walid, especially from those states that backed the revolution in Libya a year ago. Why is that?
Neil Clark: Let’s think back to February 2011. We couldn’t pick up a newspaper in the UK or the US or put on the BBC or CNN without hearing about what was going on in Libya. The Humanitarian disaster, we were told Colonel Gaddafi’s forces were killing lots of people, there were dangers of a massive massacre in Benghazi, and because of that we went to war…that was the reason for war. And today, the situation is much worse. We’ve got a humanitarian catastrophe taking place. The number of people killed since NATO intervened has gone up by ten to twenty times. We’ve got massacres going on at the moment and there’s complete silence here in the UK and in the US.
This should be informative to all those who want to help the "freedom fighters" in Syria. Civil Wars don't just end, revenge will be extracted for a long time afterwards. It is likely more people are being killed after Qadaffi was killed than during the rebellion.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2012/10/199742.htm
Libya: U.S. State Department Daily Press Briefing: Libya
This is a very interesting exchange between a Russian journalist the State Department spokesperson. If it was a debate I would give the Russian the win, but more importantly it appears we suppressing more bad news coming out of Libya. Since the info comes from a .gov site we should be able to cut and paste more than two paragraphs without copy right violation issues.
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QUESTION: The story in Libya and Bani Walid continues to grow in its cruel brutality. And the matter at hand is a systematic slaughter of Bani Walid’s population by what used to be anti-Qadhafi rebels for not towing the party line and not supporting Libya’s new rule and government quickly enough and with quite open heart. Only yesterday, on Wednesday, 600 local residents --
MS. NULAND: Is there a question here, or is this a political statement that you’re making here in the briefing room?
QUESTION: No, no, just a – I wondering, 600 people, local resident, were allegedly killed yesterday --
MS. NULAND: Can you tell me what news organization you’re from?
QUESTION: -- and why this – and local appealing for the international aid and an international call, but why this call? Why these massacre completely ignored by the Western community and the – particularly by the U.S.?
MS. NULAND: Where are you from, please? What news organization?
QUESTION: Vera Volokhonovich, RT.
MS. NULAND: From Russian TV.
QUESTION: Russia. Yeah. Yeah.
MS. NULAND: Well, first of all, we haven’t ignored this at all. We talked about it a number of times here, and we’ve spoken about it very clearly. We have been urging restraint on all sides, respect for human rights and humanitarian law. We’ve been calling on Libyan authorities and rebel groups to provide access for humanitarian organizations who are trying to provide humanitarian assistance. And frankly, we can’t confirm any of these press reporting of what is actually ongoing there, but we are calling on all sides to exercise restraint.
QUESTION: But why Washington blocked – why did Washington block the statement – draft statement proposed by Russia for the United Nations Security Council resolution, which called for a peaceful solution for this conflict?
MS. NULAND: Well, I can’t speak to what may be going on at USUN. I’m not aware of what the Russian statement might have been. I will send you up to our people in New York to discuss that. But our position on this is absolutely clear: We support the efforts of the Libyan Government to get control of militias and to provide security throughout the country, including in Bani Walid, and to do so in a way that is respectful of the human rights of all citizens, and allows humanitarian organizations to get in. So we are watching this situation very closely.
Petraeus’s Quieter Style at CIA Leaves Void on Libya Furor
Petraeus’s Quieter Style at CIA Leaves Void on Libya Furor
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