Oh my, weren't we sensible bombing Libya ITK?

Not.

JK2006 wrote:
Oh my, weren't we sensible bombing Libya ITK?

The locals probably think so.

This "unspecified threat" is probably fall-out from the Algerian incident last week.

meanwhile Iran just watches on the sidelines as the US and it's allies bog themselves down in unwinable wars.

The Independent reports that the "get out" message was issued after a threat from Al Quaeda (as I suspected).

After the shameful and shambolic way the Algerians reacted to the hoistage crisis last week, AQ have realised they are on a win / win with such tactics.

In The Know wrote:
The Independent reports that the "get out" message was issued after a threat from Al Quaeda (as I suspected).

Suspected?

But never mentioned.

ITK, another Monday morning quarter-back...

In The Know wrote:
JK2006 wrote:
Oh my, weren't we sensible bombing Libya ITK?

The locals probably think so.

This "unspecified threat" is probably fall-out from the Algerian incident last week.

Abdelhakim Belhaj - former commander of the Tripoli Military Council. One time Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighter. This guy and his followers now run Libya. He was aided significantly by NATO in trying to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi.

Libya was, until 2011, the most economically prosperous, culturally diverse and self-sufficient nation in Africa. It is now one of the most dangerous places on Earth. I just wish we would realise once and for all that intervention in these countries ALWAYS makes things much worse.

My many Tunisian and Moroccan friends always told me - for poor people Libya under Gaddafi were the best off in North Africa. Likewise for non religious people or those tolerant towards multi faith belief societies.

Very little individual liberty but you can't have everything.

Gary M wrote:
Libya was, until 2011, the most economically prosperous, culturally diverse and self-sufficient nation in Africa.

Which is why the people wanted their (non elected) government overthrown !!!!!

AND were prepared to die in the attempt.

NOTHING is ever as simple as some people paint it.

JK2006 wrote:

Very little individual liberty but you can't have everything.

Is liberty not the most important thing - of all?

That is exactly the kind of simplification that is destroying humanity day by day.

What is more important?

Food, drink, breathing, dignity, happiness, Oh for God's sake grow up.

JK2006 wrote:
Food, drink, breathing, dignity, happiness, Oh for God's sake grow up.

Over the centuries, many nations and peoples have persistently fought for liberty and freedom. Why?

Because, often, the things you consider to be more important are not possible/available without it.

Those of us who have lived (for long periods) in countries where movement, worship and free speech are restricted - will confirm liberty's supreme importance.

Fair enough; I give you freedom but no food, drink or breathing. Hope you'll be very happy.

JK2006 wrote:
I give you freedom but no food, drink or breathing


Thank you.

With freedom, I can find them.......

Ben 9 wrote:



Thank you.

With freedom, I can find them.......

Very well said.

I'm sorry; not well said at all. My point is - nothing is as black and white as sloganistas make out; you need some leadership and control at the top (unlike democracies) to get prosperity for the most needy.

Sometimes that veers over into dictatorship. That's when change is needed. But not through violence and killing. Total freedom = anarchy and guess who suffers then too?

JK2006 wrote:
Total freedom = anarchy

No.

Freedom is when people are not repressed.

Anarchy comes about when people don't respect each other's human rights.

JK2006 wrote:
Sometimes that veers over into dictatorship. That's when change is needed. But not through violence and killing.

Can you name just ONE dictator that went peacefully when asked to do so ?

Many Roman Emperors did - Trajan, Diocletian, Vespasian, Agustus and Aurelian, for example.