I heard a news report that Assads troups appeared to be applying scorched earth tactics around the city—blowing up homes in surrounding villages and destroying orchards and crops. For some reason Turkey is making it hard to interview the refugees—perhaps their presidential election this weekend.
Meanwhile the fight goes on in Libya. Berbers in mountain towns to the south of Tripoli have apparently thrown govt. troups out, control at least one border crossing into Tunisia, and now are attacking outside Zawiya. This city tried to rebel months ago, but was retaken after a week of fighting. It is a major oil hub on the west side of Tripoli between it and the Tunisian border. Two groups of reporters being transported several hours apart between Tripoli and Tunisia report they were forced to detour off the main highway because of apparent fighting. Here is a more detailed link.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-libya-fighting-20110612,0,1882263.story
Thanks gleeaikin. Libya’s going the way of Afghanistan, imho, but with international assistance; it’ll wind up in at least two pieces, with a cease-fire between the entities, and with each one claiming the entire pos desert they call home.