Art of the Rebellion

Colonel Gaddafi claims that as an honorary leader of Libya he has no power to relinquish. More incredible is his assertion that all his people love him, and would die to protect him. The sad truth is that hundreds of civilians have died opposing this man, who oppresses his people by using his air force to bomb them and foreign mercenaries to shoot them (such is Gaddafi’s confidence in the loyalty of his countrymen). His continued refusal to stand down has resulted in a refugee crisis at the country’s borders where thousands of people are stranded without food and shelter. Should this be prolonged it could turn into a humanitarian disaster.

In Libya’s second city Benghazi, the stronghold of the opposition, the inhabitants are administrating this city to remove it from Gaddafi’s influence and control, having set up their own newspapers and a radio station. An improvised gallery stands in Revolution Square plastered with derogatory cartoons of Gaddafi depicted as a criminal and a condemned man literally being swept away, or dead. It is a spontaneous testament to the will of these Libyans for change, whom Gaddafi claims are under the influence of drugs and controlled by al-Qaeda.

There is more credibility to the rebel’s propaganda than Gaddafi’s attempts to appear not to be failing to protect his people, or losing his grip on power. In Tripoli, BBC journalists were shown trucks adorned with Gaddafi green that it was claimed were bound for Benghazi filled with food and medical supplies. But people in Tripoli are allegedly being bribed with gifts of meat and fish to support the government. Tellingly, government supporters hold placards that appear decidedly more polished and professional than their rebel counterparts, in scenes that mirror the orchestrated pro-Mubarak protests in Egypt. However, even if Gaddafi’s public support remains tentative in his stronghold, the difference between Egypt and Libya is that the Egyptians knew the army would not intervene to stop their protests. In Tahrir Square they gathered momentum and were broadcast around the world (even on Egyptian state television albeit without sound) making Mubarak’s position untenable. In Libya it seems more probable at this moment in time that Gaddafi’s departure will be much bloodier, and possibly protracted through a civil war, for as long as he holds enough support in his army.