Latest posts by John Liebhardt from February, 2011
Libya: “The only thing we want is our freedom” (Audio)
Sunday, February 27 brought another day of bloodshed in Libya, as an uprising against Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi's 40-year rule continued into the 11th day. Phone calls with Libyans that have been shared online and translated, show that citizens are still struggling with even basic security.
Yemen: “I beg you to help us NOW”
While much of Yemen protested peacefully, the country's military used tear gas and fired live weapons on protesters in the sea port of Aden. President Ali Abdullah Saleh said the demonstrations had been hijacked by separatists. But those on the ground claim non-violent protesters were shot and killed.
Libya: “They Were Shooting Us Randomly” (Videos)
As each day passes, it seems demonstrators and rebel military factions are coming closer to ousting the 40-year regime of Colonel Muammer Al Gaddafi. Like other days, however, Friday bore more news of violence against civilians, and worries that Gaddafi will soon do something extreme.
Yemen: “Our blood is not cheap” (Videos)
Tens of thousands of protesters across Yemen rallied for and against President Ali Abdullah Saleh after Friday prayers. Two protesters were shot dead in Yemen's second-largest city Aden on Friday, February 25, in what appears to be confrontations between anti-Saleh groups and police. At least 34 others have been wounded, mostly by live gunfire.
Libya: “The Point of No Return”
The last gasps of Muammar Al Gaddafi could be counted in hours. But after the Libyan leader recently threatened to kill protesters and members of the military defying his regime, the hours will be spent nervously. In areas of the country no longer under Gaddafi control, people are beginning to document human rights abuses.
Yemen: At the Boiling Point? (Video)
President Saleh of Yemen has begun offering concessions to opposition protesters, ordering security forces to protect demonstrators. But most people don't appear ready to take the ruler at his word. Meanwhile, large anti-government protests continue to take place. The government's goodwill could be tested in a planned pro-government march on the nation's capital on Friday.
Libya: Feeling the Iron Fist in Tripoli (Videos)
What is happening in Tripoli? Afraid of levels of violence Muammar Al Gaddafi will inflict on the city while clinging to power, Libyans -- and the rest of the world -- want to know. With the city virtually closed to foreign media, videos, photos and Twitter tells us all we know.
Yemen: Bullets, Screams and Sirens (Video)
Breaking reports from Yemen's capital Sanaa claim that at least one university student has been killed and many others wounded in late-night fights with pro-government forces.
Yemen: Walking the Walk, One More Protester Dies (Videos)
A teenager was shot and killed in Aden, Yemen on Monday, February 21, 2011 as tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in four separate cities on the 11th day of protests calling for the end of the three-decade reign of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Libya: Death Before Liberty (Videos)
Since the uprising against the rule of Libya's Muammar Al Gaddafi, a dedicated group of people have been sending their videos and photos to the outside world so we can better view what is happening inside the country's larger towns. Very important today, these pieces will be reminders of the demonstrations and the government's violent reactions for years to come.
Voices from Libya: “It's a massacre” (Audio)
The online group feb17voices has begun interviewing and collecting audio testimonies of people throughout Libya. What they've created is a very personal and immediate perspective of the protests and how people are dealing with the chaos and violence.
Libya: “Tonight is the night. TONIGHT.”
Events in Libya can no longer be termed just anti-government protests. Fighting with anything from heavy weapons to clubs and sticks has broken out throughout certain cities between defecting members of the military who have joined civilians against the remaining factions of Muammar Al Gaddafi's government and foreign mercenaries he has brought in to protect his regime.
Algeria: Protesters Hurt as Police Try to Halt Demonstration
Algeria's government attempted to stave off a second large demonstration at May 1 Square on Saturday, February 19. A large police presence kept downtown Algiers open, but several protesters were hurt. Demonstrators also complained that police sent pro-government gangs to harass them.
Yemen: Another Life Claimed on Eighth Day of Protests
Protests in Yemen against President Ali Abdullah Saleh entered into an eighth day on Saturday with more demonstrations throughout much of the country. Clashes between protesters and the military seem to be worsening by the day since the demonstrations began on February 11.
Libya: Benghazi Rises Against Gaddafi (Updated)
News organizations and people on the ground have reported that Libya's army have shot at demonstrators in Benghazi protesting against the 42-year-rule of Muammar Al Gaddafi. Located 1,400km east of Tripoli on the Mediterranean coast, Benghazi is the country’s second largest city.