Monday, February 21, 2011

Winds of Freedom in Middle East: Libya

The people’s uprising in Libya today entered a critical phase as the security forces in the Libyan capital of Tripoli retreated to defend a few strategic locations, including the presidential palace and the state TV building, while many government buildings are set ablaze. Meanwhile, senior government officials and diplomats are defecting to the opposition.

The opposition controls Benghazi, the second largest city. The revolt started in Benghazi only six days ago and is now spreading to the entire country.

The revolt in Libya is the latest mass movement in the Middle East that has already toppled two autocrats in Egypt and Tunisia who thought they could rule for life. What these movements have in common is their anti-autocratic nature, regardless of the economic conditions of the countries and foreign alliances of the regimes involved.

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