Politics

Following Western air strikes against Libyan military targets, Muammar Gaddafi looks set to try and bring the fighting to the big cities. Radio Netherlands Worldwide correspondent Hans Jaap Melissen reports that the tanks destroyed by French Mirage jets just a few dozen miles outside Benghazi have become a tourist attraction for the city’s residents.

International forces have launched attacks in Libya to enforce the UN-authorised no-fly zone to protect civilians. US President Barack Obama says he has authorised “limited military action in Libya”.
French warplanes were the first to carry out air strikes in Libya, followed by US and British forces firing Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Bolivian President Evo Morales today rejected the military attacks against Libya, which began on Saturday with an attack by the French air force. According to Morales, the actions against Tripoli violate human rights and lead to violence. During the inauguration of the third meeting of the ALBA social commission, he stated that the countries were interested in seizing the oil.

The United Nations Security Council has given the green light for a no-fly zone over Libya.
The measure includes an authorisation of air strikes against Libyan army facilities to stop Colonel Gaddafi’s regime from attacking opposition protesters. A UN spokesperson said that a majority of the 15-member council is agreeing to a no-fly zone in order to protect civilians in Libya.

Amnesty International today revealed evidence of the Bahraini security forces’ systematic use of excessive force in cracking down against protesters, as fresh violence left as many as 8 people dead.
The organization documents how security forces used live ammunition and extreme force against protesters and impeded and assaulted medical staff trying to help the wounded.

It’s amazing, just amazing, this international system! It presumably has a world Parliament made of delegates from all countries on Earth and called the General Assembly of the United Nations. Such a Parliament is led by a mini executive body of only five countries, called the Security and Peace Council.
By Baher Kamal*.

In news from the Middle East, the King of Bahrain has declared a state of emergency for three months following weeks of pro-democracy protests. The King’s announcement came one day after about 1,000 Saudi troops have crossed into Bahrain to help defend Bahrain’s ruling family. Pro-democracy protesters have described the Saudi presence on the island as a declaration of war.

In Libya, forces loyal to Col. Muammar Gaddafi have captured the city of Zwara, west of Tripoli, and are battling under-equipped rebel fighters for control of the oil town of Brega. In recent days, Gaddafi forces have won back control of several key cities. Debate continues at the international level over whether the U.N. Security Council should institute a no-fly zone.

The dramatic events in Egypt, Middle East & North Africa have seen millions taking to the streets to demand real change.
Women are standing beside men, demanding end to repression and calling for root and branch reform. Both women and men have suffered under repressive governments. But women have also coped with discriminatory laws and deeply entrenched gender inequality.

Wisconsin Republicans have pushed through Governor Scott Walker’s anti-union bill in the State Senate. After a three-week impasse that saw the state’s largest protests since the Vietnam War, Republicans split the measure in two, claiming that no quorum is needed in order to be able to pass the bill’s non-fiscal provisions.