Events are moving rapidly in Libya, so fast that it’s difficult to sift the facts from the noise of contradictory reports. But here are a few reports that point to a rapid breakdown of the government’s authority. Two high-ranking Libyan Air Force pilots have reportedly defected to Malta after refusing orders to conduct aerial bombing of civilian protestors. Reuters reports, with little detail, that a group of Libyan officers has issues a statement calling on the armed forces to “join the people” and remove Gaddafi from power. And the staff of the country’s mission to the UN has in effect defected from the current government. (Not completely sure you can do that; but I guess it’s the thought that counts.)
Finally, the country’s Ambassador to the United States — if I’m understanding this post from Ben Smith correctly — has just called on the Obama administration to more forcefully denounce his government.
Late Update: Actually, we were just able to watch a brief interview with the Ambassador on al Jazeera. He’s clearly cut the cord.
Latter Update: Watching the coverage of the Libya situation on al Jazeera English and, honestly, it’s pretty embarrassing to compare it to what you get on the US cable nets. Reminds me of what CNN was sometimes like 20 years ago or actually what the BBC used to be like.
