starting this thread, which i hope will be short-lived, to keep the board up to date with latest reports gleaned from the net

Interesting to see a War which was to cost UK 10s of millions has now had escalation of cost to over 250,000,000.

With the escalating costs of bullets and indecisive initial action and "gunboat" mentality of Cameron and Sarky should have been expected.

I think Cameron needs a white stick.

Think of all those contract's we will get from Libya for Oil and reconstruction.

I think scavenging around in Libya, when a new "ruling" body is in place, may produce less spoils than expected.

How many contracts did the Cameron's Egyptian Trade Crusade get.

Somehow, I don't think Britain and the USA are very popular in the ME, even becoming less welcome in Israel.

Seen as unreliable friends.

.As Received.....
Did you know this about Libya?

Some other facts (that mainstream media will never disclose) about "Gaddafi and Libya:

- Loans to Libyan citizens are given with NO interest.


- Students would get paid the average salary for the profession they are studying for.

- If you are unable to get employment the state would pay the full salary as if you were employed until you find employment.

- When you get married the couple gets an apartment or house for free from the Government.

- You could go to college anywhere in the world. The state pays 2,500 euros plus accommodation and car allowance.

- The cars are sold at factory cost.

- Libya does not owe money, (not a cent) to anyone. No creditors.

- Free education and health care for all citizens.

- 25% of the population with a university degree.

- No beggars on the streets and nobody is homeless (until the recent bombing).

- Bread costs only $0.15 per loaf.

No wonder the US and other capitalist countries do not like Libya. Gaddafi would not consent to taking loans from IMF or World Bank at high interest rates. In other words Libya was INDEPENDENT! That is the real reason for the war in Libya! He may be a dictator, but that is not the US problem. Also Gaddafi called on all Oil producing countries NOT to accept payment for oil in USD or Euros. He recommended that oil get paid for in GOLD and that would have bankrupted just about every Western Country as most of them do not have gold reserves to match the rate at which they print their useless currencies.



Remember the last time someone had the NERVE to make a similar statement was when Saddam Hussein advised all Opec countries not to accept payment for oil in US Dollars. Well, we all know what happened to him . Yes, they HUNG HIM.

Fahel,

It is difficult to understand why the peasants are revolting, when they are governed by such a benevolent authority!

Gadaffe preparing to run to Venezuela.

libya hs rather disappeared from the radar indicating stalemate and/or behind-the-scenes negotiation

meanwhile, i highly commend to you all, Parting Shots (Matthew Parris) and of specific relevance, particularly for Fred, the parting valedictory despatch of March 1974 (pages 267/270) ...... i shall leave you in suspense as to its content

Cynic, You haven't started selling books.

Cut and paste please and I will read with interest.

--------------------------

It will be interesting to watch the ME during the coming period of Ramadan.

Perhaps there will be a resolution to some of the conflicts.

Not sure what is happening in Egypt at the moment, but did not expect a smooth passage to "democracy".

-

it's a real book, so go and buy yourself a copy - i'm sure even you can afford 9.99

8.98 at Amazon.

Cynic,

I can, but won't.

Other than for a small number, I purchase books from second hand book shops and various Oxfams etc..

Having one room with books to the ceiling, I am considering opening my own third hand book shop.

My wife has said, it is me, or my books will be up for sale.

tight arse! ..... why don't you give your books to charity?

Don't know her.

Even though Cynic cannot see the links between events in Libya and Israel, this may be of interest to some in that area.


==================================

PALESTINE
AND THE
ARAB SPRING

Saturday 16 July 2011 at St Johns Church, Mostyn Street, Llandudno 12.00 4.00pm.

A half-day event jointly organised by Amnesty International UK Colwyn Bay Group and Conwy County Peace Group

The face of the political map in North Africa and the Middle East has changed markedly in recent months as popular uprisings have emerged in several countries. In some, like Tunisia and Egypt, leaders of old regimes have ceded power but in others they are clinging on to power, often using extreme brutality to suppress their own people.
The ripples have spread far and wide and have influenced some changes in Palestine too. Hamas and Fattah have recently agreed to work together and put aside their long-standing differences. This new coming together was aided by the new Egyptian regime.
How will Israel and the international community respond to this landmark development?
What other spin-offs may there be from the tumultuous changes in the region?
Are we moving towards a just and fair peace in Palestine and Israel?
To discuss these and other questions, join us!

Prof Suzannah Linton Professor of International Law at Bangor University, who has vast experience in the field of Human Rights and International Justice. She has previously worked for the UN and other international organisations. She will chair the afternoon discussion forum.

Peter Reilly - who was born in Palestine under the British mandate and is a recently retired school head teacher specialising in Economics and International Politics. He speaks regularly at conferences as an advocate for peace in the Middle East. He will speak about the history of and current political situation in Palestine/Israel and the prospects for peace in the light of the Arab Spring. Third presentation.

Hilary Browne - has recently returned from a three month stay in Palestine where she represented the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel. She will speak about conditions on the ground in the area and everyday conflict and resolutions as she experienced them. First presentation.
Shimri Zameret - is an Israeli citizen who refused the draft, and was consequently imprisoned for 2 years. Following release he worked as co-ordinator for the Human Rights Parliamentary Caucus and as Hebrew spokesperson for a Palestinian Member of Parliament. In 2010 he gained an MSc in Global Politics from the LSE and is currently working at the LSE Research Centre on Global Governance. He recently attended and spoke at the Amnesty International Annual Conference in Belfast. Second presentation.
In addition to the speakers and discussion there will be an exhibition of
materials related to the region and its current problems.
Do come along!

For more details contact: maggie@polefield.eclipse.co.uk or chris_joney@hotmail.com

=============================

I see Dodgy Dave is considering allowing Gaddafi to plan his retirement in Libya, after the little civil "upsets" both have their responsibilities for.

Mind Cameron had a brilliant idea support by his superior planning and the ability to execute them.

Another brilliant reversal of policy, but he puts up Hague as a "fall guy" to give the news.

Haven't heard from him on future policy discussion with Gadaffi yet. Perhaps, he will turn out to be another old "friend".

Mind our economy is charging ahead and can afford this escapade.

Good god.

Cameron and Hague have a last done something sensible.

They have actually expelled resident Libyan Embassy representatives.

Can't understand why the didn't do it 8-10 weeks ago.

I wonder when there will be British and French troops on the ground in Tripoli.

It is interesting that this thread seems dead.

Cameron seems now at a loss once again.

Perhaps he is planning his retreat from Libya.

So sensible rethink of policy or U-Turn.

-------------------------


Maybe!!!! He is considering having a pop at Syria.

So far Doggy Dave is being very quiet about the latter. Wonder why!

This thread is very quiet.

Now that the Libyan problem is settled what about Cameron having a go at the Syrian problem.

After all he is not involved with the present economic crisis.

the (orchestrated?) unrest in israel over the last few days will make interesting watching

???