Developments in Libya Revolution

          After being ruled for 42 years by an repressive regime under Muammar al-Gaddafi, the people of Libya have followed the example of other surrounding nations and joined the revolution. With over half of the population under 18, extreme poverty and malnutrition despite a powerful oil revenue, a virtually nonexistent freedom of press, and widespread corruption and suppression, the Libyans had all the reason to revolt. Originally it was highly dangerous to even speak Gaddafi's name in public, but many rallied in belief that Libya's time had come.
          Like any tyrannical leader, Gaddafi is not going down with a fight. Since the first protest rallies, he has ordered his troops to use machine guns and large-caliber weapons against his own civilians. Over 1000 protesters or civilians have been killed, with countless injuries. Leaders, journalists, media, civilians, protesters, and even military have since condemned Gaddafi as an ideological megalomaniac. He has condemned his people as backwards and blamed the protests on Al-Qaeda, who he believes have taken advantage of his people's majority youth.
          To shed some positive light on this story, top Libyan political figures, military officers, authorities, and entire branches of the Libyan military have begun to dissent and join the rebel forces. The protesters are fighting back as best they can, have already overthrown several cities, and are preparing for what may be a final showdown in Tripoli. Gaddafi is literally battling against his own country (he hadn't trusted his own people to begin with, as many cities have very small military standing and no air resistance), and has vowed to continue fighting until his last drop of blood. Many fear an aerial assault.
          Gaddafi's rule has likely come to an end. However, Gaddafi was likely just a puppet to begin with. Powerful western conservatives with interests in the oil industry and free market trade will likely do what they've done in every other country that has not ironically at all revolted. In the tradition of the west's support of dictatorships and absolutist monarchies, I believe this direct quote will summarize the future of Libya quite well, unless there's someone with the guts to prevent it:

"For the last 50 years, America (and Europe and Asia) have treated the Middle East as if it were just a collection of big gas stations: Saudi station, Iran station, Kuwait station, Bahrain station, Egypt station, Libya station, Iraq station, United Arab Emirates station, etc. Our message to the region has been very consistent: "Guys (it was only the guys we spoke with), here's the deal. Keep your pumps open, your oil prices low, don't bother the Israelis too much, and, as far as we're concerned, you can do whatever you want out back."

                                              - Thomas Friedman, New York Times