More need to be done on sexist BN lawmaker

While it is wise for PM Najib to openly register his disagreement with what MP Bung Mokhtar's blatantly sexist utterances , I also think that the parliamentary whip has to cracked. MP Bung Mokhtar himself has to undergo psychology tests and counselling for his mental well-being. Besides making himself a fool by repeatedly insulting womenfolk, MP Bung Mokhtar has also brought shame to Malaysia and his own family.

Problems of supplying arms to rebels in Libya

Given the fairly bitter experience in the Afghan War in 1980-1989, to arm or not to arm the Libyan rebels is indeed a very difficult decision for the US, UK and France to make in a short while. The possibility of the weapons being stolen or seized and then sold in 'black' markets to criminals for profit is also real. Then there is the question of legality: whether the existing UNSC resolutions on Libya allow such a measure. Any imprudent move on this issue could come back to haunt the West for the next two or three decades even if the coalition succeeds in its immediate objective of ending Gaddafi's misrule throughout the land. To be sure, if no weapons are supplied, the Libyan rebels are likely to lose the war even though they may still be able to win a battle or two.

Indonesia reiterates urge for Libyan ceasefire

Indonesia's earlier call for an "immediate ceasefire" in Libya has been reiterated by its president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Indonesia, the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world and also a Sunni-predominant republic, achieved its independence after defeating and expelling colonial forces in a four -year armed campaign for Merdeka. Nowadays, policy positions taken by national leaders in democratised Indonesia can certainly be regarded as being far more representative of its own people than those made during the 32-year rule of Sukarto.

Sauds' propaganda against Shi'ites challenged

Hossein Askari has written a fairly noteworthy article in a respectable American periodical to provide what he reasons to be a more truthful profile and understanding of Shi'ites in the "heart" of the Middle East. Hopefully, the article would also contribute to more balanced thinking on the parts of non -Muslims in other countries of the world on earth. Shi'ites, whether in the Middle East or other areas of the world, must also learn to understand people of other faiths and belief -systems to contribute more to peace as well as justice for all in the bigger world.

Saudi Arabia to hold men-only local elections

Now, it has been verified by non-Shi' ite and non-Iranian news reports that Saudi Arabia has officially made the decision to bar women from voting and standing as candidates. in the coming municipal elections. According to Walden Bello, a Filipino congressman who went to Saudi Arabia recently on a field investigation tour , sexual violence against female workers from other countries in the purportedly very religious kingdom is frequent. Increasingly, all aspects of Saudi Arabia' s state and also society are becoming critical concerns of global attention as it is now believed that Saudi Arabia is the ideational and/or financial source of many groups and individuals in several regions in the world.

Obama addresses America on Libyan situation

President Barack Obama has addressed his nation on the situation in Libya. There is a wide range of views within America on this subject. Governmental responses and non-governmental opinions in the world are divided, and open to opportunistic swings and principled changes.

Jakarta calls for immediate ceasefire in Libya

Indonesia, the most populous Muslim-majority country on earth and a Sunni-predominant republic, has just reportedly called for "immediate ceasefire" in Libya where anti-regime rebels, facilitated by American, British and French air power, are fighting Gaddafi's regime in Tripoli. China , India and Russia are opposed to foreign intervention in Libya.

Washington calls for political talks in Bahrain

Once again, the Obama administration has urged the ruling family of Bahrain to hold dialogues with opposition leaders. US State Secretary Hillary Clinton is on record as describing the deployment of Saudi-led foreign troops to Bahrain to quell domestic unrest as a "wrong" move. It seems that, with the 'solidarity' of Saudi Arabia and its global Sunni alliance, Bahrain's ruling family now feels emboldened enough to defy America and confront Iran simultaneously for its own regime survival. Saudi Arabia' s ruling family, while still an American ally vis-a-vis Iran and 'radical' Islamism, is already known to be unhappy with America's liberal attitude or position on public protests as well as its inability or unwillingness to protect Mubarak during the recent upheaval in Egypt.

Iran blasts Saudi-led foreign troops in Bahrain

Iran has again officially condemned the highly controversial 'presence' of Saudi-led foreign troops in Bahrain whose ruling house has decided to also call in policemen from the United Arab Emirates and recruited security personnel from Pakistan to attempt to quell domestic unrest. Bahrain's economy is also heavily dependent on foreign workers from Sunni communities in neighbouring countries and Western expatriats.

UK: Saudi Arabia supports operations in Libya

Britain's PM David Cameron reportedly said that Saudi Arabia is "very supportive" of the Western actions in Libya. But, it is not clear at all what forms of support the oil-rich kingdom has given to the Western operations to enforce the no-fly zone and also conduct the air strikes. Most probably, it gives cash to pay for the campaign in Libya so that Western nations. like Britain and France are not financially burdened. It is unlikely for Saudi Arabia to contribute military personnel or/and assets which bear its name because it is still fearful of anti-Western blacklash in the now highly volatile Middle East and also North Africa, where the influences of Iran as well as its allies are not insignificant. As the fact of the continuing upheaval on Saudi Arabia's periphery in spite. of the condemnations made by its ruler and official clerics has shown, the moral authorities and soft power of Saudi Arabia' s ruling elites are fairly limited among Muslim masses on the earthly ground. Certainly, its ruling family would like to be in good terms with China, India and Russia which are openly opposed to the Western campaign in Libya, so that if and when America once again presses it for more reforms which threaten regime survival, it has some counterweights to serve as political and diplomatic leverages in international bodies. Above all, there is no clear sign yet of the regime in Tripoli certainly going to lose the war, even though the rebels have won some battles.

Iraq: Bahrain crisis may lead to sectarian war

Iraq's PM Nun al-Maliki has reportedly warned that the Saudi- led GCC foreign intervention in Bahrain could lead to a region - wide sectarian war between Shi'ite and Sunni. The Shi'ite-predominant Iraq was once ruled by the Sunni-majority regime of Saddam Hussein , which waged an eight-year large -scale and also very bloody war against the Shi'ite-predominant Iran from 1980 to 1988. There is now also a very serious concern that the situation in Bahrain could cause Sunni-Shi'ite tension and conflict even in Pakistan where there is a sizable Shi'ite minority.

'Crown prince' Muhammad al-Senussi of Libya

Muhammad al Senussi, a Libya who claims to be the 'crown prince', is a character to be watched in the unfolding events in Libya as the flag of monarchical Libya is now used again. as the rallying banner for the rebels within Libya who also hail the no-fly zone as well as air strikes. Whether he is an asset or liability for the rebels is open to questions.

NATO takes command of no-fly zone in Libya

Saudi women still disallowed to vote in polls

The ruling family of Saudi Arabia has decided to "reform" the land to make it appear to be more modern and also West-friendly by holding municipal elections, but women are still not allowed to vote. The ally of the West has many more other laws and regulations which control the daily activities of womenfolk and also condition their behaviours. However, there is no suggestion yet to implant women and girls with tracking chips to monitor their physical movement through satellites.

M'sia officially takes side on unrest in Bahrain

NATO takes command of no-fly zone in Libya

NATO has taken over the command responsibility to enforce the ' no-fly zone' over Libya. with the active participation of Qatar as well as the United Arab Emirates, America , Britain and France are to focus upon the 'protection of civilians' in Libya. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other Gulf Arab states are probably tasked to hold the Eastern Front and deter Iran whose Shi'ites and repulicanism are detested by them and. whose nuclear ambition frightens also Israel and Western allies.

Debate on enforcement of Libya no-fly zone

Debate on enforcement of Libyan no-fly zone

Now, there is a serious debate in Western capitals of what country or organisation is culturally and religiously legitimate to enforce the no -fly zone over Libya as called for by the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Conference. A coalition of Saudi Arabia-led Gulf air forces, to be assisted by NATO advisers behind the scene , is not a bad idea. Moreover , Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have enough money to finance the operation for a fairly long period of time, without adding pressure on Western economy, which is still facing severe challenges. It is certainly a historic opportunity for Saudi Arabia's ruling house to prove by deeds - not just rhetoric -. that it is the leader of the Arabs and that its armed forces is more useful and formidable than merely marching and rolling armoured vehicles into tiny Bahrain to suppress largely peaceful demonstrators , many of whom are women and girls.

M'sian response to Libya situation ambivalent

M'sian response to Libya situation ambivalent

Malaysia' s official response to the dramatic developments in Libya is ambivalent, Probably, it is following the 'middle path' of Saudi Arabia. Malaysia has officially taken a clear stand on the situation in Bahrain.

India's response to Libya air strikes bipartisan

India's response to Libya air strikes bipartisan

India' s response to the air strikes in Libya is not only clear as well as consistent but also very vocal and reportedly bipartisan. India did not call for setting of the no-fly zone and also did not vote for it at UNSC. Having achieved independence in 1947, India asked all foreign troops to leave Indian soil by 1950. In 1950, India was proclaimed a republic. Many policy-makers in democratic India are English -literate and they follow developments in world affairs in English-language mass media.

Saudi Arabia's conspicuos silence over Libya

Saudi Arabia's conspicuous silence over Libya

Unlike India, China and Russia , Saudi Arabia is conspicuosly silent on the air strikes in Libya. Is it - or isn't it - waiting opportunistically for the right moment to announce its support for the Western nations, or declare its 'solidarity' with 'Libyans' in their fights against 'crusaders' ?

Arab League back behind Libya air campaigns

M'sia officially takes side on unrest in Bahrain

Malaysia has officially taken side on the controversial security role of Saudi Arabia in Bahrain. It is also going to sign a 'security' agreement with the kingdom which is the regional and international rival of Iran. The White House is also critical of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for their uncompromising responses to protestors. and also the deployment of Saudi Arabia-led foreign troops to Bahrain to quell domestic protests in the Shi'ite- majority state ruled by a Sunni monarch and his family. Many Bahrainis themselves have now opined that their ruler is only a puppet of Saudi Arabia whose troops he relies on for regime survival. According to a 'revelation' in an US diplomatic cable publicised by the WikiLeaks , the ruler of Saudi Arabia once privately urged the world's superpower to militarily attack Iran that is also Muslim -predominant. To roll back Iran by force is also an agenda of many hardline Zionists.

Malaysia & Saudi Arabia to seal 'security' pact

Arab League back behind Libya air campaigns

Now, the Arab League has reportedly got back behind the Western air campaigns against Libya. But, the position of the Saudi Arabia-based Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), which includes the Persian-speaking, Shi'ite-majority and staunchly anti-US Iran, is not yet clear. Whether the ruling or administrative elites of these state -sponsored organisations are representative of the masses is equally not certain.

India's stand on Libya issue clear & consistent

India's stand on Libya issue clear & consistent

India, like China and Russia, did not vote for the UNSC's resolution to impose a 'no-fly zone' over Libya and India also regrets the airstrikes. Like it or not , India' s position on Libya is clear as well as consistent. Many policy-makers in democratic India are English -literate and they follow developments in world affairs in English-language mass media.

Arab rulers forever on 'moral' high ground

Arab rulers forever on 'moral' high ground ...

The Arab League, which gave its approval for the setting up of a ' No-Fly-Zone' over Libya, has now criticised the Western air campaign for implementing it . Arab ruling elites are always on 'moral' high ground.

Arab rulers' 'humanitarian' concerns for Libya

Arab rulers' 'humanitarian' concerns for Libya

There are certainly legitimate reasons for Western nations which are eager to impose a 'No-Fly Zone' over Libya to be wary of the declared commitment of the Arab League. First , given the massive as well as persistent anti -regime protests in the Arab world in the past several weeks , how respresentative are the regimes vis-a-vis. the streets in terms of public opinion ? How do ascertain for sure that the majority of the people in the Arab world support Western use of force against Libya ?. Second , how to ensure that the rulers in the Arab League do not play the games of 'supporting' Western nations on one hand, and activating their deniable propagandists to churn out and spread anti-Western 'stories' on the other ? Third, what types of concrete and/or specific commitments (like military personnel and assets) regimes in the Arab League are going to give (and at what stage ?) to the cause of 'Responsibility to Protect' operations in Libya ?. Above all, are - or are not. - the 'humanitarian concerns' of Arab regimes for the people in Libya only a strategem to divert Western attention from their own repression and to further weaken Western countries militarily as well as financially in yet another war so that they could gain more time to 'restore order', 'maintain stability' and 'preserve tradition' at homes ? It can be expected that if and when the regime in Tripoli is defeated, Arab elites would be the first ones. to claim credit for the decision or operations; but if and when Gaddafi' s regime somehow survives and regains control of Libya, they would tell people in their countries that they were actually 'duped' or 'forced' by Western nations and 'Zionists'.

US reportedly softens position on ME 'change'

Malaysia & Saudi Arabia to seal 'security' pact

Reportedly, Malaysia is to sign a bilateral agreement on 'security' with Saudi Arabia . It is still not known if the 'security' agreement would or would not infringe on the freedom of faiths and creeds, or violate the sovereignty and independence of Malaysia as a country. It is also still not known what is the definition of 'terrorism' in the said agreement. Would Iran, a well-known strategic rival of Saudi Arabia, also want to ink a similar 'security' pact with Malaysia to, at least, see if Malaysia is balanced and fair in its handling of Iran-Saudi Arabia relationship ? In view of the momentous developments in the Middle East and North Africa in the last one month or so, as well as the clearly unpredictable consequences, Malaysia needs to be more prudent in its management and conduct of international relations with countries in those regions. In other words, Malaysia must always strive to forestall a situation or condition of 'gajah lawan gajah dan pelanduk mati di tengah-tengah'.

India fears Saudi Arabia's money in South Asia

Saudi Arabia's strategic design on Gulf region

If or when mammoth Saudi Arabia succeeds in its highly questionable operation in puny Bahrain, would it - or would it not - turn against its GCE allies one by one later to establish its own hegemony in the Gulf region so as to ensure that its regional periphery is permanently and absolutely 'secure' for its own interests ?. What is new in the last two days is not Saudi Arabia's clear show of strategic antagonism toward Iran, but its evident determinaton to break free from the constraints imposed by its American ally on its own freedom of strategic actions. Some ruling elites in Saudi Arabia are already known to be not happy with America' s inability or unwillingness to protect Mubarak in Egypt. Any unchecked expansion of the power and influence of Saudi Arabia is obstructive to the people' s quest for modernity in the Middle East, especially with respect to religious pluralism and also gender equality.

Iran & Iraq criticise Saudi Arabia over Bahrain

Iran & Iraq criticise Saudi Arabia over Bahrain

The move of Saudi Arabia to send troops into neighbouring Bahrain is officially unacceptable not only in Iran but also Iraq. The White House is reportedly critical of the ruling palaces of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain over the violent crackdown on protestors in Manama. Now, there is a serious concern that Saudi troops "entry" into Bahrain could (1) result in more strifes in Bahrain as many Bahrainis resent as well as oppose the questionable presense of foreign soldiers on their land, (2) widen the sectarian split between Sunni and Shi' ite in the Muslim world and (3). lead eventually to major conflicts between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Like Turkey , Egypt , Pakistan , Indonesia as well as other well-known Muslim -prdominated and Sunni -majority countries, Iran and Iraq are republican in their polities. As such, the assumption that all Bahrainis who identify themselves as Sunni are royalists may not be empirically true. There are now also people inside Saudi Arabia who yearn or call for a constituonal monarchy. with parliamentary checks and balances. So, the absolute monarchy in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain is not 'heavenly' established but only a man-made ideology and institution on earth. It follows. that the thinkings as well as behaviours of the ruling elites in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain can be subject to rational analyses with the methodologies of modern psychology, sociology and political sciences.

Saudi military "entry" into Bahrain disputable

Saudi military "entry" into Bahrain disputable

With the open backing of foreign troops, the ruling family in Manama has declared a state of emergency. So , it can be expected that many Bahrainis would be detained without trial and 'subversive' publications banned, but it is not clear if it is operationally possible to tag 70 % of the population with tracking chips even if Saudi Arabia can pay for it. As the earthly sovereignty of Bahrain is now in dispute , Bahrainis on all sides of the political divide can feel free to "invite" their relatives, "friends and allies" into their country to assist them to 'restore order'. Other countries in the region that have relatives, "friends and allies", properties and/or socio-religious heritage to protect in Bahrain could also pour in their soldiers 'at the invitation' of some Bahrainis, as the ruling family in Saudi Arabia has clearly established the unmistakably controversial precedent for border -crossing intervention with forces.

Questions for international relations students

Questions for international relations students

Was or was not the "entry" of Soviet -led troops into Hungary in 1956 an invasion ?. What about Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Afghanistan in 1979 ?. These are fairly thought -provoking questions for IR students.

Saudi troops "enter" Bahrain to quell uprising

Saudi troops "enter" Bahrain to quell uprising

Hundreds of Saudi Arabia's troops are now in Bahrain to help the royal family to quell the massive as well as persistent uprising . Although it is asserted that the foreign troops were only "invited in" by Bahrain' s monarch, but it is widely disputed by many Bahrainis who reason that the sovereignty of their country belongs to the people who reject and resent foreign intervention . The latter argument or reasoning clearly postulates that the monarch is the actual traitor who sells out his own country in exchange for his own protection by foreign troops who may kill, maim and bully many people of Bahrain in many months to come. Seen in this light , the "entry" of Saudi troops is an external invasion and the king of Bahrain now 'reigns' his country only as a foreign tool. Many Bahraini youths may be further 'radicalised' and take up arms or resort to 'unorthodox' warfare to expel foreign troops from their land. To be sure, Saudi would tell the world that they are simply 'terrorists'. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is expected to pour in its 'good' , 'moderate' and 'king-loving' clerics to try to 're-programme' the minds in Bahrain. 'Chauvinists' and 'trouble-makers' among Shi' ite would be deported or banished or exiled to Iran and schools with Shi' ite syllabus would also be de-registered as these are the "breeding grounds for subversives". Money, in cash and kind, is likely to be used to 'win' Bahrainis' hearts. The pertinent questions now are (1) What would be Iran's reaction to Saudi Arabia' s "quantum leap" at its doorstep ?. and (2) Would Saudi Arabia' s ruling family "do a Bahrain" next to Yemen on its periphery ?

Saudi police opens fire to disperse protestors

M'sia under pressure to address nuke concern

Malaysia's official nuclear agency has reportedly responded to popular concern over safety of nuclear power facilities. As verifiable dossiers have clearly shown , nuclear accidents could happen even without the plants or their surrounding areas being hit by any forces of nature or acts of terrorism . Leaked radioactivity does not practise positive or negative discrimination based on race, belief and political affiliation. The cases of. 'missing' fighter jet engines as well as murderers using military explosive is really not irrelevant to the discourse in Malaysia.

Nuclear power as new energy source in Malaysia

World watches nuke crisis in quake-hit Japan

The world is still nervously watching Japan's crisis management of its quake-hit nuke plants. Nuclear leaks are not unprecedented in Japan, but past accidents happened without catastrophic complications, like dislocation as well as devastation caused by earthquake and tsunami. As indisputable records have shown, nuclear leaks happened in Japan even when the plants were not hit by earthquake or any other natural forces. This is Lesson No.1 for us to learn from the Japanese dossier. There are 56 operational nuclear plants in Japan providing about 30% of the energy need for the densely-populated Northeast Asian nation. Objectively, Japan lacks natural sources of energy, such as oil, but it is a fairly highly industrialised economy as well as automated society. As such , domestic nuclear-generated energy is considered to be able to cut its dependency on foreign oil and gas , whose supply as well as delivery is subject to more unpredictable factors of global instability. Seen within this context, Japan's decision to turn to nuclear power as a source of supply of alternative energy was not totally thoughtless or irrational although, given its history of catastrophes, it is fairly risky.

Nuclear plants in disaster-hit Japan in danger

Nuclear plants in disaster-hit Japan in danger

Two nuclear plants in quake-hit Japan are reportedly in danger. While we surely hope the problems would be solved. as soon as humanly and technicaly possible, it is also very important for us to keep an eye on the developments in order to learn useful or valuable lessons with the guidance of experts or specialists in the relevant fields of knowledge. Indeed , watching on TV the damages in Japan is very heartbreaking, but I believe the people of Japan are resilient eough to cope with the difficult times and to rebuild their houses, schools, offices, factories and all other infrastructures which support human activities on earth.

Our solidarity with people of quake-hit Japan

Our solidarity with people of quake-hit Japan

My family and I would like to express our solidarity with the people of Japan who are distressed and aggrieved by the blind forces of nature. We certainly share the sorrow of those who have lost their dear ones.

Sympathy for all families of NZ quake victims

Saudi police opens fire to disperse protestors

The ban on protests in Saudi Arabia has been breached and the police reportedly opened fire "into the air", to break up breakers of the ban. Earlier, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Saud al-Faisal was reported to have openly threatened, to "cut foreign fingers" to respond to unrest. Confronted with the geostrategic pressure of the Shi'ite-majority and republican Iran, Saudi Arabia's ruling elites are also evidently wary of the United States' liberal position on the rights to dissent and protest and fairly disillusioned by the America' s 'betrayal' of Egypt's Mubarak. Allying with European powers to break up the Ottoman Empire, Saudi Arabia's ruling family was also anti-Soviet Union during the Cold War. Since 1991, it has been serving as the West's counterbalance to Iran. However, the fact that massive protests and popular revolts persists on Saudi Arabia's periphery despite its condemnations clearly reveals that its moral authorities and soft power among the Arabic-speaking Muslim masses in the regions are not as great as its ruling elites and clerics would like to imagine for themselves or/and project to others.

Saudi Arabia FM decries 'foreign interference'

Saudi Arabia FM decries 'foreign interference'

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Saud al-Faisal has reportedly rejected "foreign interference" in the "internal affairs" of the kingdom. There are other news reports which said that the prince threatened to " cut foreign fingers ". Saudi Arabia has lately imposed ban on all protests and also reportedly mobilised 10,000 soldiers to deal with protestors. There is a serious concern that Saudi Arabia's troops might suddenly surge into neighboring Bahrain to prop up the besieged Sunni regime whose king is being confronted with massive and persistent demand for a constitutional monarchy or even a republic for the island- state. There are also calls for a constituional monarchy inside Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia releases anti-government cleric

Saudi Arabia releases anti-government cleric

While the clerical establishment, in Saudi Arabia has repeatedly been condemning protests and revolts, the regime has reportedly released an anti-establishment cleric. As European history on earth has shown, one holy book could be quoted or cited selectively by men and women to rationalize the political status quo or to legitimize its termination. 'Heavenly' verses could also be used to justify slavery or its abolition. As the Saudi Arabia - Iran contradiction has clearly shown since 1979, ideologically different clerics who subscribe to one faith can also find in their scripture words that endorse absolute monarchy and republic. Critique of the clerical establishment was an important dimension of the French Revolution which heralded political modernity in the world.

Women in Saudi Arabia speak up for freedom

Women in Saudi Arabia speak up for freedom

Amid the revolutionary upheavals in the Arabic-speaking world in the Middle East and North Africa , some women inside Saudi Arabia have reportedly also spoken up for liberation and equality for their gender. The Russian and Chinese Revolution in the early 1900s freed millions of women who participated in the world-historic process of liberation of their countries and also societies from feudalism and imperialism.

Saudi Arabia to use troops against protestors

US reportedly softens position on ME 'change'

Reportedly, the United States has 'moderated' its policy of supporting 'change' in the Middle East and North Africa , including Bahrain where its 5th Fleet is based and where popular demand for reforms persists.

Pressing questions to asked about Libya's rebels

Saudi Arabia to use troops against protestors

Reportedly, Saudi Arabia has mobilised its troops to cope with unrest in its north-eastern provinces as well as neighbouring Bahrain, where massive and popular protests mobilised by the Shi'ite against a Sunni monarchy persist. Saudi Arabia, whose polity is still a family-founded and Sunni-monopolised absolute monarchy, has prosribed all protests. Saudi Arabia's military actions against its own Shi'ite or against those in Bahrain would almost certainly provoke tough responses from Iran, which has declared official support for mass revolts in its neighbours.

Saudi Arabia reacts to very fast-moving times

Pressing questions to ask about Libya's rebels

Who are those armed rebels in Libya. ?, Who are their leaders ? What is their ideology ?, What form of government they aspire to install for Libya if they come to power in Tripoli ? These are legitimate and also pressing questions to ask, as Gaddafi's downfall is said to be in sight. That the flag of 'kingly' Libya is waved as a rallying standard for anti -Gaddafi dissenters, both armed and unarmed, needs deeper thinking. The proliferation of small firearms in Libya now is likely to impact on the law-and-order and security conditions in the very unstable region.

USA cautious in coping with disorder in Libya

USA cautious in coping with disorder in Libya

America, which has repositioned its military forces and assets around Libya, is obviously cautious in making decisions on further measures. Certainly , the situation in Libya cannot be assessed in isolation from the bigger picture in the very tumultous Middle East and North Africa where many political forces , including those animated with fanatical and reactionary 'visions', have been unleashed in the regional unrest. Of course , there are geostrategic considerations in decision-making.

OIC & AL reject military actions against Libya

OIC & AL reject military actions against Libya

The Organisation of Islamic Conference. (OIC) and Arab League. (AL) have reportedly rejected. any "foreign military intervention" in Libya. Reportedly, Iran, Turkey and Russia have also adopted the same line. Like him or hate him, Gaddafi appears to be still fairly spirited in his defiance against forces hostile to him, whether domestic or external. There is, however, an observation that the Libyan supremo, who has been in power for forty one years since 1969, is mentally "delusional".

America deploys forces around chaotic Libya

America deploys forces around chaotic Libya

The United States has reportedly repositioned its military forces and assets around LIbya as a contigency plan. Its naval vessels have also reportedly moved closer to that fast -changing North African country.

No cause for optimism for post-Gaddafi Libya

No cause for optimism for post-Gaddafi Libya

There is an interesting observation that the tricoloured flag waved so passionately by anti-Gaddafi protestors or demonstrators, armed and unarmed, in disorderly Libya these days is the symbol of monarchical Libya. The former crown prince is still around , as he is also reported to be watching the situation very closely. Like it or not, the future of post-Gaddafi Libya is far from clear and certain because it could be a period of, (a) people-centered democratisation as normally idealised, or (b) monarchical or royal restoration, or (c) warlordism in a process of national disintegration, leading to the territorial breakup of Libya. Obviously, many heavy weapons as well as small firearms have fallen into the hands of people with very different values and also interests.

Geostrategic dimensions of upheaval in Bahrain