Qaddafi’s reign must end soon

In Libya, Muammar al-Qaddafi is placing blame on everyone but himself. His accusations span from Queen Elizabeth to al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden, and his arguments become borderline ridiculous with the idea that Libyan rebels and protestors are on hallucinogenic drugs.

The Libyan people demand the right, above all, to be treated as human beings. There is certainly pressure from global leaders for Qaddafi to take a bow and step down for good, and to see a somewhat cohesive stance on this is welcome and refreshing.

President Barack Obama commented on the situation in Libya, stating “The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters. These actions violate international norms and every standard of common decency. This violence must stop.”

President of France Nicolas Sarkozy says it is possible that the European Union would sever economic ties. The United Nations voted 15-0 in favor of a resolution that would place an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel bans on Qaddafi’s family and associates. “This resolution will be a signal (to) put an end to the fascist regime that is still in existence,” said Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham, Libyan ambassador to the UN.

But if anything could be said about Qaddafi, it is that he is as mad as he is stubborn. His second oldest son, Seif al-Islam, recently vowed that “his family would fight until the last bullet.” Regardless if this was just a wild boast, it is sadly in the realm of possibility.

Speculations from human rights groups and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon estimate that Qaddafi’s allied military and security forces have killed anywhere from 300 to 1,000 people during the uprising.

With hope, the killing may end sooner and somewhat smoother than expected. Intelligence says the rebel forces are gaining majority control and military and political defections are becoming more common.

Qaddafi has been considered a joke and a target for mockery for many years as he grabbed for esteem and support where it wasn’t deserved. But now, no one is laughing because the punch line has worn itself thin.

Some may call the situation in Libya a civil war, while others may say that it’s a revolution. But practically everyone worldwide would call a future without Qaddafi one to look forward to.