Posted on 09/22/2012 9:38:32 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
BENGHAZI, Libya, Sept 22 (Reuters) - An Islamist militia was driven out of the city of Benghazi early on Saturday in a surge of anger against the armed groups that control large parts of Libya more than a year after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.
A spokesman for Ansar al-Sharia, which some U.S. and Libya officials blame for the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi last week in which the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans were killed, said it had evacuated its bases "to preserve security in the city".
In a dramatic sign of Libya's fragility, after sweeping through Ansar's bases the crowd went on to attack a pro-government militia, believing them to be Islamists, triggering an armed response in which at least 11 people were killed and more than 60 wounded.
The invasion of Ansar al-Sharia's compounds, which met little resistance, appeared to be part of a sweep of militia bases by police, troops and activists following a large demonstration against militia units in Benghazi on Friday.
Demonstrators pulled down militia flags and set a vehicle on fire inside what was once the base of Gaddafi's security forces.
Hundreds of men waving swords and even a meat cleaver chanted "Libya, Libya", "No more al Qaeda!" and "The blood we shed for freedom shall not go in vain!"
"After what happened at the American consulate, the people of Benghazi had enough of the extremists," demonstrator Hassan Ahmed said.
"They did not give allegiance to the army. So the people broke in and they fled.
"This place is like the Bastille. This is where Gaddafi controlled Libya from, and then Ansar al-Sharia took it over. This is a turning point for the people of Benghazi."
(Excerpt) Read more at in.reuters.com ...
You are correct.
Robespierre went to the guillotine, too.
When I saw McCain was supporting taking him out, I realized the geezer was living in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Like you, I recognized the fact Khaddafy had been neutered.
Today I’d like to think that 30,000 people strong march on the militia was real. There’s a very good chance it was contrived.
The dogs of war have been unleashed I’m afraid.
In 2016, the author speaks of a United States of Islam. That caused me to have goose-bumps, because I have been referencing it as a United States of Iran. Whichever, it doesn’t look good. When he highlighted the Middle-East on the map and said, “The United States of...” I was shocked that he was seeing it exactly as I have.
What bothers me about the concept, is that most people (the 2016 author included) are not keying in on the fact that Islam isn’t limited to the Middle-East. It is a core belief from southern Europe, across the Middle-East into Africa, and clear across to Malaysia. We’ve also got converts and other adherents to Islam in the United States, and the same thing is happening in Europe.
Good luck with that...
Oooo I can’t wait to see the movie. I like fantasy.
Mubarak was a massive mistake. We’ve quite likely put the assassins of Sadat in charge of Egypt.
And we telegraphed that we will not stand by our allies.
That was the work of al queda and Leftist traitors within the US. It had nothing to do with Freedom but, in fact, presages even LESS freedom and more power to the Islamists. Now they have control of a country with large oil reserves.
Are you forgetting who were leading the cheers about “freedom”? The Disaster, Hillary, the enemamedia and the rest of the Usual Suspects. In short the same people you would not believe if the told you the sun would come up tomorrow.
As I am sure you remember there have been repeated attempts to form an Islamic super state since the days of Nassar. They never lasted long.
Iranians are not Arabs and neither likes or trusts the other Islam notwithstanding. So that does not predict a USI either.
As to the reality of this event, I don’t believe a thing out of Reuters.
This is why I refer to him as “The Disaster”.
Those are good points. I do believe a hatred of Israel causes them to be closer than they would be otherwise though.
As long as Iran’s leadership remains Islamic, there’s going to be some shared goals.
The world’s media has been corrupted. They are all Pravda these days.
Well, the Disaster title goes way beyond that IMO. I knew where you were going with that. I fully agree.
Iran has had a rocky road with the Jews since the days of Haman. But its greatest monarch (pagan, of course)appreciated them and took their consul. So their history of Jew hate is thousands of years older than the Arabs.
Where are “The 77th Bengal Lancers” when you need them?
BTW this shi’a - sunni split is also one reason there won’t be a long term unity within Islam. Both sects hate and distrust each other too much as only religious fervor can produce.
Since this was a surprise attack with heavy weapons, the ordinary citizens would have wisely stayed away. However, their large reaction is indicative of the appreciation that many Libyans have for our support in removing their dictator. The militia issue has been smoldering for months. Glad this has finally provoked the rest of the population to confront the issue. There are a number of different militias and gangs of various religious persuasions and intensities, not to mention tribal or city affiliations. Sometimes two or three concentrated in one area or city. Not easy to predict or control or even interpret.
I always get a kick out of the premise Jews have no claim to the traditional holy land around Jerusalem. At least if you’re going to make an argument, involve the Canaanites to some degree.
As for Iran, it’s interesting to read references in the Bible, and relate how relevant they are even today.
You’re kidding, right??? Don’t we wish there was no aid to “oil rich” countries! Doesn’t work that way . . .
We had not provided foreign aid to Libya for decades. We did put money into the overthrow of the Colonel. And Libya has asked for more in certain areas but that has not been approved as of yet.
We don’t provide aid to Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait.
That was a 365 dollar comment, gleeaikin.
Here is another interesting link illustrating the levels of complexity for interpreting goings on in Libya.
http://news.yahoo.com/death-libyan-rebel-raises-calls-vengeance-220259309.html
Hail Hillary.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.