MERGED: The Arab Spring

[samsungster]

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BENGHAZI—(UPDATE 3) The UN Security Council Thursday authorized air strikes to halt Moammar Gadhafi's offensive against embattled rebel forces in Libya, with the first bombing raids possible within hours.

The council voted to permit "all necessary measures" to impose a no-fly zone, protect civilian areas and impose a ceasefire on Gadhafi's military. Enforcement will rely on air power as the resolution rules out sending ground troops.

Celebratory gunfire immediately rang out across Libya's main rebel-held city of Benghazi. Tracer bullets streaked across the night sky as preachers at mosques shouted "God is greatest!" over loudspeakers.

"This resolution demands an immediate ceasefire and a complete end to violence and attacks against civilians," the US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said.

"The security council has authorized the use of force, including enforcement of a no-fly zone to protect civilians and civilian areas targeted by Colonel Gadhafi, his intelligence and security forces and his mercenaries," Rice said.

Gadhafi vowed earlier that his troops would take Benghazi within hours.

"The decision has been taken. Prepare yourselves. We will arrive tonight," Gadhafi said on state television. "Show them no mercy. The world needs to see Benghazi free."

His defense ministry, meanwhile, warned that foreign assaults on Libya would trigger retaliation putting "all air and maritime traffic in the Mediterranean" in danger.

The UN vote passed 10-0 with five abstentions in the 15 member council. Permanent members China and Russia were among those abstaining, but did not use their veto power. Germany also abstained.

UN authorizes Libya air strikes - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

[reptoid]

Gadhafi announces ceasefire in the face of impending no-fly decision. This is the beginning of the end for him now. The rebels will be able to regroup and advance.

[AntitaniC]

Gadhafi is the next sadam... gubat napud...

[KontraBida]

you can call me ignorant, or anything,

pero nganung mag-apil-apil pa man ning UN nga internal conflict man nil?

mao ng mugara ng mga tao tungod ani.

mura man noog naay hidden agenda

[stew_griff]

you can call me ignorant, or anything,

pero nganung mag-apil-apil pa man ning UN nga internal conflict man nil?

mao ng mugara ng mga tao tungod ani.

mura man noog naay hidden agenda

internal kung imong tan awn,, pero libya is one of the world's richest oil-producing country,, apektado ang presyo sa world market sa conflict nila,,

[pantaleon]

LOL!!! Mao nay number 1 reason sa US na gi invade nilang Iraq unya karon ang Afghanistan.Pro ni samot na hinoon og taas ang price sa oil,BS kaayo ni siya!

Ang Corporate world ra ang madato ani,ang mga businessman.Conspiracy theory nani!

[k.A.i]

internal kung imong tan awn,, pero libya is one of the world's richest oil-producing country,, apektado ang presyo sa world market sa conflict nila,,

LOL!!! Mao nay number 1 reason sa US na gi invade nilang Iraq unya karon ang Afghanistan.Pro ni samot na hinoon og taas ang price sa oil,BS kaayo ni siya!

Ang Corporate world ra ang madato ani,ang mga businessman.Conspiracy theory nani!

sa laktod pagka-istorya mga sir, naa silay hidden agenda?

[AntitaniC]

you can call me ignorant, or anything,

pero nganung mag-apil-apil pa man ning UN nga internal conflict man nil?

mao ng mugara ng mga tao tungod ani.

mura man noog naay hidden agenda

harsh reality it that... gana jud kaau ang other countries mo gubat ani nga country... coz maka oil jud sila kung maka da-ug... just like Baghdad....

[reptoid]

I don't think it's all about oil this time and America is not leading the way (France & UK have been most vocal). The UN is doing what it should be doing... protecting a population from a murderous unelected leader ie dictator. There has been a wave of pro-democracy demonstrations in the region and Gadhafi decided that he would rather kill the protesters than listen to their grievances.

If the UN has any valid purpose then surely enforcing human-rights in the face of oppression is number one.

[pepponeskie]

I smell a well-vested interest of the US here...is it the oil again?

War is a very good business for them.