Finally, a good news story from the Islamic world.
Ten days after four Americans were killed in their Libyan city, hundreds of pro-democracy demonstrators marched in Benghazi and overtook the headquarters of a radical Islamist group tied to the attack.
The protesters took to the street Friday, loudly declaring that they — and not those behind last week’s deadly attack — represent the real sentiments of the Libyan people.
As militia members fled, the protesters torched a vehicle and took over the headquarters of Ansar al-Sharia without firing a single shot. They also claimed to have freed at least 20 captives held in the building.
One report says 30,000 Libyans marched to demand that the Islamist militias disband.
The difference between Libya’s reaction and the rest of that part of the world has been interesting, to say the least.
Our so-called allies in Pakistan blamed the YouTube video, set off a national holiday that put potential protesters in the streets, and ramped up the hate against the US to fan the flame. Their “day of love” resulted in 19 deaths. They’re now calling for our free speech to be curbed here in the US and around the world.
Libya hasn’t blamed the attacks on a film or on free speech or blasphemy. From the start, that interim weak government has been clear that terrorists were responsible. The Libyans were clear on that even when our own government was spinning about the attacks.
Pakistanis are throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at the US embassy in Lahore.
Libyans protested to show that they’re America’s friends. And today Libyans are rising up to kick Islamists out of their local offices.
Whodathunkit? Good for them.
Give aid to Libya, tell Pakistan to pound sand.
Who says there were 30,000? The DNC? Are there pictures that show what looks like that many? The picture I saw looked like about 30. Why were they carrying signs in English when most all Libyans can’t speak English? Didn’t they want them to know what they said? Maybe the other Libyans there thought the signs said, “Behead those who insult the Prophet”. Did it ever occur to you that this might just have been a play for more U.S. money by government employees there? Are you so desperate to believe they love you that you don’t even wait to see if things check out?
“Libyans protested to show that they’re America’s friends. And today Libyans are rising up to kick Islamists out of their local offices.’
If you don’t mind I think I’ll wait a bit before proposing to them.
Gadaffi brought in professional protesters all the time. They were paid off and dutifully marched.
Reminds of how in the USSR days we were told to “show up” for the government sponsored and directed demonstration, they distributed proper flags and placards upon your arrival and what you had to say/scream when prompted.
To me this is nothing but an “appeasement” from the Libyan government to a)show fake USA support and b) get more of our money.
Sorry, I am not buying any of this, seen this way too many times and was forced to participate in similar “government support” actions.
“As militia members fled, the protesters torched a vehicle and took over the headquarters of Ansar al-Sharia without firing a single shot. They also claimed to have freed at least 20 captives held in the building.”
Only a slow witted liberal mind can say that without breaking into laughter. They attacked HEAVILY ARMED militia/offices and got away with their lives? Wow…
We would get our ration stamps after the rally. If you didn’t show up, you didn’t eat.
So Mr. Preston, you are saying that a group armed with mortars, RPG’s, machine guns, and assault rifles who planned and carried out a precision military attack on the US embassy and are ready to get their 72 virgin at any time would run like 12 year old little girls? Is this believable?
Negative reaction to the attack and killing. Government hires a flash mob to protest. There is no sanity this is damage control by a government struggling after the US deposed the last one and walked away.
Call me suspicious, but couldn’t this have been orchestrated by the Libyan government (enlisting government employees) to make it appear, “We’re not all bad”. After all, Obama said that in an interview with some special interest Hispanic group recently… trying to downplay the damage and keep giving them money.
I did see reports on another website (been to too many today) that there were 3,000 hard line salafist protesters in one part of Benghazi and 30,000 demonstrating against the embassy attack in another.
Should we wait and see? Sure. But I want to point out one thing. Even if the government did pay/organize those protestors, it is a far sight better than what the MB Egyptian government is doing. Egyptian President was silent for two days, did nothing to protect the embassy despite knowing in advance of a protest, and is joining the chorus of voices blaming the video for the mob.
The Libyans have also arrested 4 persons they claim to be connected to the attack.
The fact is, we expect governments to protect our embassies. Libya failed initially, but the protest today, whether organized or not, is a far far better demonstration of support for the U.S. than any empty denunciation.
Count me as cautiously optimistic.
To be clear, the main march in Benghazi proper drew about 30k protesters. They did confront members of Ansar al Sharia (AQ wannabe) at the square in town and did shout chants that the “cowards” should go back to “Afghanistan”.
A local protester pointed out the obvious local context that he was tired of bearded men dressed like Afghans throwing up check points and hasseling him about his dress, beliefs, etc. The same should be pointed out un regards to three other local militia, not necessarily Islamists who were essentially acting like they owned the place and shaking down the locals. Militias in general have been the bane and fear of Libyans since end of revolution.
After main protest ended, various groups of young men, coordinating w/local police and army, stormed possibly four or five militia bases. That would be the later pictures of 30 or so men. They were met w/ various responses.
At first Ansar al Sharia base the resistance was limited. Largely because the militia had all but vacated the base prior to event. The “protesters” later stormed second Ansar larger base and were, in fact, met with heavy gunfire and grenades resulting in 3 dead, 10-20 wounded.
The other two bases included one local gang and one Feb 17 Brigade which is actually govt sanctioned militia who were center to revolt. The protesters simply didn’t care at that point as all non govt forces get same treatment.
Fifth potential point of ousting was local hospital held by Ansar. Hardly fortified. The issue now will be that Ansar al Sharia may become more of a parriah and definitely more violent. How a still weak govt will be able to or want to confront them is a question though obvious popular support could embolden forces while not seeming to provoke other local sectarian and tribal issues.
Our Libyan-Contras’ Anbar moment is yet another LONG overdue triumph for the Reagan Doctrine.
Post-Bush/Blair, it took EU conservatives (Cameron, Sarkozy, Berlusconi, Merkel) to successfully revive the Reagan Doctrine by arming and supporting Libyan-Contras.
American conservatives should focus on congratulating our heroic NATO airmen (and supporting our new Libyan allies) for a job well done– and ignore the predictably impotent handwringing of the nattering naybobs of negativity.
God bless Ronald Reagan and our heroic NATO airmen.
We’d better stand aside and let these various Muslim factions [wherever they are] fight among themselves. They’re all merely competing with each other for turf, and for access to the United States Dollar spigot…..not necessarily in that order.
Apologies from practicing Muslims are taqiyya, they’re facades. Any “regret” or “sorrow” according to our conventional definitions and usage of those terms isn’t applicable coming from those who remain our declared enemies…..these Muslims keep saying so again and again….we Americans close our ears and provide ever more money. It’s insane…..but politically correct among those willfully ignoring Muslim realities.
We should always remember that if whoever comes out on top are to remain a group of practicing Muslims they are then by definition committed to our eventual submission to Islam.
Forget our Peace Corps mentality. Forget it.