Firefights between Libyan rebels and loyalists continue as the nation's president Moammar Gadhafi remains at large.
According to reports, Colonel Gadhafi has not been seen in public since April. However, in a radio broadcast last night, he vowed to fight or die. "Victory or martyrdom," he said, calling on Libyan tribes to march on the capital.
And the fighting was fierce. Libyan rebels used everything they had, even a gun designed to shoot down aircraft. The rebels said hundreds of people have been killed in Tripoli in the last few days.
The fighting has cost at least 400 lives and hundreds more are lying injured in hospitals across Tripoli. One of the victims,Shahad Mohammed, is only five years old. According to reports, shrapnel from a mortar shell almost severed three fingers on her right hand. The surgeons hope they may have saved her fingers, but in these conditions, with drugs in short supply and even fewer specialists, they can only hope.
Gadhafi's former justice minister said he didn't object to the colonel's departure from Libya, as long as he faces international law. He also offered an amnesty and money if someone turns in the longtime dictator.
Quotes
"And the snipers are still everywhere, certainly in the (INAUDIBLE) area. And they are still shooting just normal civilians and women and children." -Dr. Haiten Dhan, Zawiyah hospital.
"Businessmen in Benghazi have set up an award of two million Libyan dinars for anyone who captures Gadhafi..." -Musafa Abdel Jalil, head of Libyan National Council (through translator).
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is Libya?
2. What is a revolution?
3. What is a dictator?
Discussion Questions
1. Why is Colonel Gadhafi and his immediate family at large?
2. What is the difference between a loyalist and a rebel?
3. In the radio broadcast, Gadhafi is quoted as saying, "victory or martyrdom." What does martydom mean?
4. Why do you think Gadhafi has been able to maintain power for so many years, despite his often erratic behavior? What do you think it takes for a dictator to stay in power so long?
Additional Resources
Rebels Claim Victory in Battle for Libya
Fighting Continues Across Libya, NATO Helping in Manhunt for Gadhafi
