News and Analysis 22 February

The Arabian Revolutions

Qaddafi’s Son Warns of Civil War as Libyan Protests Widens: NY Times The son of the Libyan leader, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, warned in a nationally televised address early on Monday that continued anti-government protests could lead to a civil war.

Gaddafi loyalists launch attacks against civilians as conflict in Libya escalates Post Libyan warplanes and helicopters fired from the air and loyalist militias fatally shot protesters in the streets as the government of Moammar Gaddafi fought back viciously Monday against demonstrations that appear to be fast eroding the autocrat’s four-decade-long hold on power.

Government Crackdown in Bahrain NY Times Mourners buried those killed in violent clashes between anti government protesters and security forces, as the government hardened its stance against the demonstrations.

Opposition Demands Dissolution of Bahraini Government The opposition demanded that the king dissolve the government and fire his uncle, the prime minister, before they agree to enter into talks.

Libya, Yemen Crack Down; Bahrain Pulls Back Tanks – Associated Press

Egypt’s Unknown Element – Washington Post opinion

South Asia

How Obama Lost Karzai FP Ahmed Rashid Talking to the Taliban is perhaps the only option now that can put them back on the same track as Karzai — and that is the only road that leads out of this conflict. Besides, if there is one thing that Obama and Karzai still share, it is the knowledge that the alternatives to that scenario are too horrible to contemplate.

It Takes a Network FP It takes a network to defeat a network in COIN.

Afghan officials allege that 65 civilians were killed in U.S. military operation Post Afghan government officials alleged Sunday that a U.S. military operation in the remote mountains of northeastern Afghanistan killed 65 innocent people, including 22 women and more than 30 children, the most serious allegation of civilian casualties in months.

Myanmar Hardens Stance on Opposition NY Times  The military rulers appear to be taking a harder line toward the pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi three months after her release from house arrest.

India and Pakistan are United, and Divided – Washington Post

South Asia Powder Keg – Washington Post opinion

‘New Yorker’: U.S. in Direct Talks with Taliban - Voice of America

What Next? Dawn Pakistan remains non-committal about its strategy vis-à-vis Afghanistan once the US withdraws its troops in July.

Related articles

• Gaddafi’s Son Warns Of Civil War, Colonialism If Protests Continue (outsidethebeltway.com)
• Libya in flames: Soldiers defecting as Qaddadi wages war on protesters (hotair.com)
• Libyan protests: Will they bring swift regime change or a protracted civil war? (slate.com)
• Libyan Wild Card: The Qaddafi-Berlusconi Pact (alternet.org)
• Qaddafi 2001 interview: I’m “not a terrorist” (cbsnews.com)
• Qaddafi’s Forces Strike With Fury as Unrest Grows – NYTimes.com (yzerfonteinchronicles.blogspot.com)
• Libyan protesters brave bullets to close in on Gaddafi – Reuters (news.google.com)