Monday 11 April 2011

tripolitania

Via Mindhacks, the dispatches and observations from the situation in Libya from the perspective of a sociologist found at Revolutionology are dense accounts and explanations about the atmosphere that could foster an uprising--in the country's here and now and not in some sort of hypothetical land painted in broad strokes like its neighbours, matriculating classmates of Reform 2011. It is difficult to penetrate the propaganda from both camps, which is moreover clouded by outside arbitrators whose vested interests may not be readily apparent. Lack of clarity makes criticism in general, rebels too weak or without a popular mandate for change or that the de jure government is beneficent or whether either party wanted or needed outside intervention, suspect and contentious. It is especially interesting in the light of the truce apparently brokered by the African Union, though the UN resolution was acquiesced to as well.
The map of Africa and the map of Libya is being filled-in by the news, rebellion, partnership and colonial posturing. The AU's peace is promoting protection for civilians as well as providing a forum for settlement or even surrender, but with NATO patrols still on-going, sometimes treaties also have locked swords--or locked shields.