- What began in Tunisia spread to Egypt, Yemen, Jordan,
Algeria, Bahrain, and now Libya, Morocco, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and
Kuwait. The entire region is erupting in protests, mischaracterized as
revolutions. They're not, falling far short convulsive, violent, unstoppable
tsunamis for change, removing old orders for new ones. So far, they're
absent in the region, not even close despite popular passion for change.
More on that below.
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- On February 20, Al Jazeera said Libya protesters want
Gaddafi's 42-year rule ended. He's violently suppressing popular anger
to prevent it. On Sunday night, one of his sons, Saif El Islam, warned
of civil war on state television, saying "we are not Tunisia and Egypt,"
then gave notice about a "fight to the last minute, until the last
bullet." Attempting to diffuse popular anger, however, he offered
new media laws, an amended constitution, changes in the penal code, other
unspecified reforms, and, unrelated to street anger, a new national anthem
and flag.
-
- On Sunday, Warfala tribal leaders, representing 500,000
Tuareg people, said they're joining the anti-Gaddafi struggle. Al Jazeera
reported they've been attacking government buildings and police stations.
The common thread throughout the region is poverty, unemployment, corruption
and repression, varying only by degree from one country to another.
-
- Precise numbers aren't known, but some accounts say hundreds
have been killed since violence erupted a week ago. As a result, divisions
in Gaddafi's government got two diplomats to resign - Libya's China ambassador,
Hussein Sadiq al Musrati, and Arab League representative Abdel-Monem al-Houni.
Other reports say members of Libya's military have joined protesters, and
army weapons and vehicles have been seized.
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- "Residents (said) at least at least 200 had died
in Benghazi alone....Protests have also reportedly broken out in Bayda,
Dema, Tobruk and Misrata. In the capital, Tripoli, government supporters
and security forces prevented spreading anti-government demonstrations.
On February 21, however, heavy gunfire was reported in central Tripoli.
-
- Unconfirmed accounts say protesters attacked the headquarters
of Al-Jamahiriya Two television and Al-Shababia, as well as other government
buildings overnight. In addition, again unconfirmed, the government-owned
People's Conference Center (where parliament meets) was set afire. Details
are mostly sketchy but suggest intense anti-government protests spreading.
-
- One witness called Benghazi a "war zone." A
doctor, Mariam, said military forces used live fire against protesters,
adding even the hospital is unsafe. Another doctor said bodies were piling
up, and numerous people were being treated for bullet wounds. They've been
coming in waves. Many have serious injuries, including to heads, chests,
and abdomens from high-velocity rifle fire.
-
- At the same time, dozens of Muslim leaders issued an
"urgent appeal from religious scholars, intellectuals, and clan elders
from numerous cities, towns and villages" against further violence.
A Benghazi businessman called events there:
-
- "big, a big massacre. We've never heard of anything
like this before. It's horrible. The shooting is still taking place right
now. We're about three kilometers away from it, and we saw this morning
army troops coming into the city. You can hear shooting now. They don't
care about us."
-
- Mohamed Abdulmalek, Libya Watch chairman, a human rights
group, said:
-
- "The security presence in Tripoli, for example,
was so intense that people gathered individually in the beginning....But
eventually, the pressure on the capital started from outside (the city)
and now you see the people revolting. We have no doubt that the east and
the west (of the country) will unite."
-
- On February 21, Al Jazeera said witnesses "reported
that some cities, especially in the east, which is perceived as less loyal
to (Gaddafi), have fallen completely into the hands of civilians and protesters."
-
- Because of government control, reporting is restricted.
Al Jazeera's signal is blocked. So are others, including most Internet
service. So far, telephones are working, and some Tripoli Internet access
was available. Issues are similar to elsewhere, including poverty with
"two-thirds of (Libya's) 6.5 million population liv(ing) on less than
$2 a day." People want some of Libya's oil wealth used for them. So
do others in oil rich regional states.
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- Tunisian Protests
-
- On February 18, The New York Times said Tunisian protests
continued outside various government ministries in Tunis, demanding resignation
of interim government officials and release of imprisoned family members.
On February 20, Reuters headlined, "Troops fire in air at Tunis protests,"
saying:
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- They failed "to disperse tens of thousands of demonstrators
in the capital calling for a new interim government," defying a government
ban against rallies after earlier protests subsided.
-
- For the second straight day, up to 40,000 gathered in
front of the prime minister's office shouting, "Leave!" and "We
don't want the friends of Ben Ali!" Others demanded pay raises. Protesters
remained despite troops firing in the air and helicopters circling low
overhead. So far, no injuries or deaths were reported. Over a month after
Ben Ali's ouster, nothing in Tunisia changed despite mostly sustained protests
demanding it.
-
- On February 20, New York Times writer Thomas Fuller headlined,
"Next Question for Tunisia: The Role of Islam in Politics," saying:
-
- Weeks after Ben Ali's ouster, conditions remain tense
throughout the country. Popular anger remains. "Police officers dispersed
a group of rock-throwing protesters who streamed into a warren of alleyways
lined with legally sanctioned bordellos shouting, 'God is great!' and 'No
to brothels in a Muslim country!' "
-
- In January, turmoil erupted over social, economic and
political issues, including high unemployment, deep poverty, rising food
and energy prices and state repression, not whether Islamism should be
part of a new regime. Though 98% Muslim, Tunisia is very much secular.
Abortion is legal. Wine is openly sold. Polygamy is banned, and women commonly
wear bikinis on Mediterranean beaches. As a result, expect little chance
of an Islamist movement for change. More on that below.
-
- Protests in Morocco
-
- On February 20, Al Jazeera said protests spread to the
Kingdom of Morocco "where thousands of people have taken to the streets
in the capital, Rabat, demanding a new constitution," jobs, better
wages, as well as healthcare and education reform. Chants included "The
people reject a constitution made for slaves!" and "Down with
Autocracy!" They've had enough of one-man rule and want change.
-
- Some also demanded prime minister Abbas El Fassi step
down. So far, placards and slogans made no direct attacks on the king,
but that may change if security forces use violence. Mustapha Muchtati
of the Baraka (Enough) group said, "This is a peaceful protest to
push for constitutional reform, restore dignity and end graft and the plundering
of public funds."
-
- A group called the February 20 Movement for Change initiated
protests, attracting around 19,000 Facebook followers. Demonstrations are
also planned in other Moroccan cities, including Tangiers, Casablanca,
and popular tourist destination Marrakesh.
-
- Officially, Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with
an elected parliament, one with no power. In fact, the constitution lets
the king, Mohammed VI dissolve it, impose a state of emergency, and be
able to make government appointments, including for prime minister.
-
- Bahrainian Protests
-
- On February 21 from Bahrain, Al Jazeera said hundreds
of protesters occupied Manama's Pearl Roundabout, including many there
all night after another day of demonstrations. Chants included "Get
out Hamad," demanding the king, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, step
down.
-
- Abdul-Jalil Khalil, a Shia political opposition bloc
leader, said protesters were considering the monarchy's call for dialogue
after days of violence, deaths and injuries, enraging thousands to press
on. After troops and other security forces withdrew, protesters erected
barriers, wired a sound system, set up a makeshift medical tent, and deployed
lookouts to warn if they returned.
-
- Opposition demands include releasing political prisoners
and giving residents a greater role in politics. In exile, Hassan Mashaima,
leader of the opposition Haq Movement of Liberties and Democracy told AFP
he's returning to Manama even without guarantees for his safety. Nonetheless,
he said, "under the current circumstances, I cannot remain outside
my country."
-
- Ahead of mass Sunday rallies, a planned general strike
was called off, what may still happen depending on developments. Though
calmer than before, tensions remain high among many wanting change.
-
- Yemeni Protests Continue
-
- On February 20, Al Jazeera reported that security forces
used live fire against demonstrators in Sanaa. Clashes between protesters
and government troops were reported, both sides firing weapons outside
Sanaa University.
-
- Thousands also staged sit-ins in Ibb and Taiz, demanding
President Saleh step down after 32 years in power. In Aden, security was
tightened with tanks and armored vehicles on city streets.
-
- Correspondent Hashem Ahelbarra said Saleh told pro-democracy
protesters there's "no way he can allow them to bring about change
by taking to the streets. The government has also been saying, over the
last few days, that calls for independence in the South won't be tolerated."
-
- Protests in Algeria
-
- Algerian protests also continue despite mobilized state
violence against it. Nonetheless, unemployed workers, university students
and others remain united for change, including jobs, a living wage, and
basic rights denied. Representing Algeria's League for Human Rights (LADDH),
Ali Yahia Abdennon said:
-
- "yesterday the police (brutally beat) many protesters,
amongst them pregnant women, old ladies, a journalist, young men and women,
(so) we (must) carry on protesting until we get our rights."
-
- As a result, struggles continue throughout the country
- sporadically in Algiers, as well as ongoing in the Annaba wilaya region,
oil-producing area Hassi-Messaoud, and several universities, including
Universite Mohamed Boudiaf in M'sila.
-
- Algeria's National Liberation Front (FLN) addressed an
open letter to "Brother Abdelaziz Bouteflika, saying:
-
- "The voices which demand a change in this regime,
who are concerned that it should take place in a climate of peace and free
debate, are many."
-
- Since early January, numerous protests and riots have
occurred across the country over poverty, unemployment, and rising food
and energy prices.
-
- Protests in Djibouti
-
- They've also spread to Djibouti in the strategically
located Horn of Africa area. Around 30,000 protested in Djibouti City,
the capital, against President Ismail Omar Guelleh. Earlier demonstrations
were much smaller. This one presents greater challenges. Though peaceful,
police attacked protesters with tear gas and batons, resulting in at least
four deaths and dozens of injuries.
-
- On February 17, opposition leader Ismael Guedi Hared
said, "We are protesting against dictatorship, bad governance, lack
of democracy and dynastic succession." Also at issue is poverty, unemployment,
and malnutrition affecting thousands of families, especially in the poor
Balbala neighborhood, home for 200,000 people.
-
- Earlier, Hared was briefly arrested, then released, but
reports confirm that 20 opposition Union for a Democratic Alternative members
were arrested and about 15 Movement for Democratic Renewal ones.
-
- AFP said Djibouti City protesters held banners reading
"IOG (Guelleh's initials) out" and "No third mandate,"
meaning after two six-year terms, they've had enough and want his dictatorship
ended.
-
- Djibouti is home to Camp Lemonnier, one of many Pentagon
bases in the region. Located strategically on the Bab-el-Mandeb strait
through which three millions barrels of oil pass daily, it's a key regional
chokepoint to keep open.
-
- Iranian Protests
-
- On Sunday, Tehran Vali-Asr and Enghelab square clashes
were reported between protesters and security forces. Government officials
denied one reported death. Similar demonstrations occurred in Shiraz and
Isfahan.
-
- Rahesabz.net said plainclothes Basij security forces
arrived in Shiraz, carrying the Iranian flag and blocking entrances to
some city streets. Arrests, tear gas, and beatings were reported near Tehran's
Sharif University. In contrast, state news agency Fars said the capital
remained calm.
-
- However, the International Campaign for Human Rights
in Iran reported large protests in various cities. The Human Rights House
of Iran (RAHANA) said uniformed and plainclothes security forces manned
several parts of the capital, and that at least 50 people were detained
in Shiraz.
-
- Spreading Popular Anger
-
- Al Jazeera said it can't independently confirm variously
reports In Iran or Libya.
-
- Clearly, however, popular uprisings have spread regionally,
including mass protests, violence, and strong security force crackdowns.
Platts, "a leading global provider of energy and metals information,
said:
-
- "Saudi Arabia, the oil Goliath which holds in its
hands the only significant spare production capacity that can meet any
potential global supply disruption, has been besieged by bloody riots in
neighboring Bahrain and a growing anti-government protest south of its
border in Yemen."
-
- Former Saudi ambassador, Charles Freeman, told Al Jazeera
that the monarchy won't "tolerate excessive unrest" in Bahrain
because of its proximity to its main eastern oil fields. Nonetheless, unrest
spread to Saudi Arabia where foreign construction workers went on strike
at the King Abdullah Financial District and King Saud University in Riyadh,
the capital.
-
- In Kuwait, hundreds of stateless Arabs demonstrated in
Jahra, northwest of Kuwait City, demanding citizenship. Clashes erupted.
Arrests were made, and numerous injuries were reported.
-
- In Jordan, protesters clashed with thugs wielding batons,
saying they were attacked after a march called for an elected government
and end to corruption. In January, they forced King Abdullah to sack his
cabinet, but appointing Marouf Bakhit, a retired army major general, new
prime minister angered many, a man they want replaced and all regime members
close to the monarchy.
-
- Since regional January protests erupted, fig leaf changes
left old regimes entrenched, resolving nothing about redressing deep-seated
inequity, including poverty, unemployment and repression, especially against
public anger.
-
- On February 20, London Independent columnist Robert Fisk
headlined, "These are secular popular revolts - yet everyone is blaming
religion," saying:
-
- Mubarak, Ben Ali, Jordan's King Abdullah, and others
blamed Islamists and Al Qaeda for regional unrest. "How on earth do
well-educated if singularly undemocratic men get this thing so wrong?"
-
- In fact, they're fear-mongers, opportunists, pointing
fingers at targets of choice despite their own regimes at fault.
-
- "Bobbysocks Obama and Clinton have managed an even
weirder somersault." They and past US regimes have backed dictator
allies for decades. Now, rhetorically at least, they "support civilian
calls for democracy in the Arab world," when, in fact, they won't
tolerate it. In Tahrir Square, an Egyptian student told Fisk:
-
- "The Americans interfered in our country for 30
years under Mubarak, supporting his regime, arming his soldiers. Now we
would be grateful if they stopped interfering on our side." Bahrainians
also him, "We are getting shot by American weapons fired by American-trained
Bahraini soldiers with American-made tanks."
-
- For decades, Washington's interference made numerous
global enemies. No wonder its influence is waning. Perhaps worker protests
in Wisconsin, Ohio and other US states highlight it, people reacting against
anti-populist policies everywhere.
-
- A Final Comment
-
- In his latest article, Webster Tarpley said Washington
ousted Mubarak because he opposed US regional war plans. Behind Egypt's
military coup, CIA operatives did the shoving. "There is growing evidence
that the threat in question involved the seizure or blocking of the Suez
Canal....strong indications" point to Washington/UK antagonism over
Mubarak's opposition to their plans "to organize a block of Sunni
Arab states such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the Gulf states - under
a US nuclear umbrella (aligned) with Israel" to target Iran, Syria,
Hezbollah, and their Shiite allies.
-
- At issue is "remov(ing) entrenched rulers who have
been in power so long that they have acquired a significant degree of autonomy"
from imperial Washington. Restoring waning US hegemony is planned. Others
think America keeps shooting itself in the foot and is expert only at overreaching,
fostering distrust, making enemies, and destroying its global influence
by counterproductive policies. How this plays out ahead bears watching.
No one knows for sure, but the more America interferes, the less credibility
it has, and the more likely it will eventually fail. For global millions,
it can't come a moment too soon.
-
- Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at
lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com
and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the
Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays
at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs
are archived for easy listening.
-
- http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.
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