Rebels in Libya's east pulled back Friday after a failed advance on an oil town, as embattled ruler Moammar Gadhafi called on his followers to strike back at NATO. ...
The failed rebel attack on the strategic oil city of Brega came just before a key meeting in Istanbul over the future of Libya, with delegates from more than 30 countries discussing Friday how to end the conflict.
As the shaky NATO alliance discusses what to do, I'm sure the rebels would have liked a small victory from their long-quiet frontlines. The fighting has been all in the west from the Misrata enclave and tribal rebels south and southwest of Tripoli, despite all the help given to the eastern rebels.
Turkey, which has seemed to come out against Khaddafi, nonetheless proposes actions that would save him:
Turkey, which is co-chairing Friday's meeting together with the United Arab Emirates, is calling for an immediate cease-fire and providing water, food and fuel to strife-torn cities.
It wants NATO to stop targeting ground forces to prevent civilian casualties before the start of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan in August, HaberTurk television said Friday.
Ah yes, the mythical war-free Ramadan is raised up yet again as a reason to ease off despite our fighting through Ramadan in our initial Afghanistan attack in 2001 and despite annual surges in terrorist attacks in Iraq throughout the insurgencies.
And as I said (reading further down in the article as I write):
The attack on Brega, a key oil installation and long a rebel goal, may have been an attempt to strengthen the rebels' position ahead of talks.
The rebels provided no reason for the skittish in NATO to hold fast and press on for victory.
Khaddafi's regime may be shaky, but his enemies may be in worse shape. The guns may fall silent yet.
