Monday, April 4, 2011

Libyan Rebels: Who are They?


National Public Radio insists that the Libyan rebels are NOT affiliated with Hezbollah or al-Qaida or any other terrorists. Their source of information is a member and former leader of an anti-Gaddafi rebel group, the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), who insists that LIFG is not associated with al-Qaida. NPR supports this one-sided and unconfirmed LIFG rebuttal despite the LIFG being declared a terrorist organization by the United States, as well as a declaration by al-Qaida that the two groups had joined up.


NPR also insists that the rebels are part of a "decidedly nationalist, democratic movement." Hmmm.....


Yet that fact is that rebel leaders include Mr. al-Hasady, a known mujahideen--defined as "a military force of Muslim guerilla warriors engaged in a jihad" or simply "terrorists" (courtesy of the Free Dictionary)--recruits and trains rebel soldiers. His underling Mr. al-Barrani is a member of the afore-mentioned LIFG. Another rebel leader, Mr. Ben Qumu, has worked for both Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida.


And just what are the rebels rebelling against? Even NPR admits that the Libyans are fighting against a regime that has led to a horrible economic situation. But does this lead to democracy?


The answer is: Not Necessarily, and, truth be told, Not Likely. President Obama states that the Libyan rebels are "saying the right things" so far. "Most of them are professionals, lawyers, doctors, people who appear to be credible."


Wow, that's comforting. On the other hand, Bob Baer, ex-CIA who's been in Libya, feels that the U.S. has no clue about the rebel forces. "They [the U.S. and CIA] don't have a clue. These guys [the "rebels"] are as likely to attack the CIA as Qaddafi."

So, according to Obama, we might be doing the right thing, for hopefully the right people. Hope and Change, anyone?

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