U.S. Increases Pressure on "Delusional" Gaddafi

The U.S. has repositioned its forces around Libya to provide "flexibility once decisions are made," as the fight for Tripoli continues. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, has labeled Libya's dictator "delusional" and "unfit to lead," as Muammar Gaddafi told Western reporters that he was beloved in his nation and would not step down.

"All my people love me. They would die to protect me," Gaddafi said in an interview Monday, even as fighting raged in Libya's west. "As if anyone would leave their homeland," he replied when asked if he would step down.

The United States has repositioned its forces in the region in preparation of establishing a no-fly zone, but the operation "would be challenging," said General James Mattis. "You would have to remove the air defence capability in order to establish a no-fly zone - so no illusions here - it would be a military operation, it wouldn't simply be telling people not to fly airplanes," he said.

Western leaders have increased pressure on Gaddafi, cutting off military supplies, freezing assets, and calling for his immediate resignation. Despite the actions, The Guardian is reporting that Libya has received some military reinforcements from Belarus.

Libya's humanitarian and security situation continue to spiral downward. It has created an estimated 140,000 refugees, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that the nation teeters between developing into a democracy and exploding into years of civil war. Gaddafi has sent troops to retake areas seized by protesters, exacerbating an already serious humanitarian crisis.

Related Topics: IPT News, Libya, Susan Rice, Muammar Gaddafi

en