Is the Libyan military about to dump Gaddafi?
James Forsyth 10:59pm
There’s an intriguing Sky News report this evening which suggests that the Libyan Army might be about to turn away from Gaddafi. The channel is reporting that soldiers in the second city of Benghazi have turned from the regime and have told locals that they have ‘liberated’ the city. If the bulk of the military abandon him, then Gaddafi is done for.
This combined with the news that the demonstrations have spread to Tripoli and that several of the tribes are joining the cause suggests that the revolution is Libya is gaining momentum. Certainly, the live resignation of the Libyan Ambassador to China live on air indicates that the governing class is split. Set against this though is that Gaddafi is nothing if not a survivor.
If the40 year old Gaddafi regime were to fall, it would add to the sense that the tectonic plates of the Arab world are shifting as well as reopening the debate about Britain’s decision under the last government to cozy up to the regime.
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VEBott
February 21st, 2011 12:32am Report this commentThe Libyan army, like Libya in general, is a mishmash of tribes and bribes. Sections of the army will shift in allegiance according to the inclinations of the relevant tribal leader.
It does seem that Gadaffi's juggling act is about to come crashing down, as the alliances that have sustained his domination fall apart. However, that doesn't mean that there'll be a coherent 'Army' to manage the succession. Libya has a pretty good chance of falling into civil war.
Tom (Bristol)
February 21st, 2011 4:51am Report this commentWhen did Jonah Brown meet with Gaddafi ?
tb
February 21st, 2011 7:33am Report this commentAnd after all the problems Labour went to wooo him by f**cking over the UK's long term allies.
cuffleyburgers
February 21st, 2011 8:00am Report this commentI wouldn't be surprised if old Megrahi will soon be pleading to come back to bonny scotland...
Felicity
February 21st, 2011 8:34am Report this commentIt should be remembered that Tony Blair sent the SAS to train Libyan forces (see Telegraph article). The very forces who are now shootinig demonstrators.
Andy Leeds
February 21st, 2011 9:06am Report this commentI do hope so. And I hope he, like Saddam, gets to meet the hangman.
Percy
February 21st, 2011 9:55am Report this commentAhhhh the curse of Mr Tony strikes again.
oldtimer
February 21st, 2011 10:22am Report this commentTim Marshall had a perceptive piece on Sky this am. He pointed out that Libya was, in essence, governed by gangsters. There is no alternative structure in place, only potentially warring tribes. The prospect of civil war must be very real. Alternatively there will be a military takeover - as in Tunisia and Egypt. As he pointed out, democracy has not taken over so far anywhere in North Africa and the Middle East - and may yet fail to do so.
Tankus
February 21st, 2011 11:09am Report this commentWhere can mad dog run too ?
Central America with a pot of gold.?
The USA is bound to have a pop if he is on their doorstep .
I think he may charge the hostile tribes on a white stallion and martyr himself.
His son will run after a major bank transfer to the cayman islands or such !. methinks !
Doesn't his son remind you of Benito Mussolini ?
lids
February 21st, 2011 11:57am Report this commentCould the monarchy be restored in Libya?
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