The brutal treatment by Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi of Libya towards his citizens requires intervention. He is more of a mass murderer than a ruler. It’s not a wonder his people want him out of their country.
        According to the New York Times, Qaddafi obtained his power through a coup d’état against King Idris I in September 1969 and has ruled as a dictator for 41 years. Throughout his reign, he was involved in conflicts with the United States and was also involved in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed 270 people including Midwood students. However, he was one of the first Arab leaders to criticize the 9/11 attacks, which was a profound change from his earlier rule.
His reaction to the revolts demonstrated otherwise. His violence asserted the fact that he’s still a tyrant hungry to retain power.
        Although many rebels are armed and dangerous, the weapons they use are nothing compared to the methods of suppression Qaddafi uses. By sending tanks, artillery vehicles, fighter jets, and troops against lightly armed rebels, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi essentially lost his right to govern over Libya’s citizens.
        On March 15, loyalist forces sent out military tanks and rockets against rebels and residents in the city of Ajdabiya, according to the Washington Post. Residents at the city of Misurata reported that food and supplies was cut off by pro-government forces. This demonstrated the cruelty of a tyrant who doesn’t deserve to be on the throne. It is understandable that in the midst of rebellion, some actions are necessary and should be taken to restore order to the nation. However, it is unacceptable to starve and open fire randomly into groups of protestors. A nation without its citizens is not a nation at all.
    The number of deaths amounted to at least 1,000 since the beginning of the protests in Libya and is still rising, according to Left and Right News. The number far surpassed the death toll in Egypt which had a total of about 365 deaths and 5,500 injured, reported by Press TV.
    Before the situation got completely out of control, the colonel could’ve made an effort to halt the progress of the rebellions. The colonel could’ve opened negotiations with antigovernment protesters to advocate change in his leadership. He could’ve allowed his son to replace him. He could’ve stepped down from his throne and passed the power to someone else which was also advised by United States’ Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations secretary general.
        Instead of choosing a peaceful solution, he sent out war units to attack his own people, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, as noted by Human Rights Watch. As the tension between the government and the rebels grows, the consequences will grow more severe.