EDITORIAL - Crime against humanity

First it was Tunisia, then Egypt. Now it is the neighboring Libya exploding with thousands taking the streets seeking for an end to the regime of Col. Moammar Gadhafi.

But unlike the bloodless revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, Libya’s version of people power revolution had been a bloody one. Gadhafi has used his army and police to quell mass protests.

Hundreds have already been killed during days of uprising by the people in the countryside long tired of his dictatorial regime. Now the international community has cried foul over Gadhafi’s use of excessive force, condemning the violent crackdown on mass protests in cities surrounding Tripoli, the capital.

The United States said it’s time for Gadhafi to go since he already lost the mandate to govern. But it brushed off the use of force to help the opposition defeat the superior forces of Gadhafi, who recruited mercenaries from other African countries to boost his army.

Vowing that Libya will become the next Vietnam once the US intervenes, Gadhafy is using all his forces to hold on to power. But it seems his days are numbered.

The continued violent crackdown on protests only shows the Libyan leader is already desperate. Since the growing opposition in the countryside is already uncontrollable, he is now left to protect his last stronghold, which is the capital.

But for how long his forces can defend Tripoli remains to be seen. As protests get closer to the capital, his military has difficulty blocking opposition forces now knocking Tripoli’s door.

If ever Gadhafi managed to hold on to power, he still cannot escape global condemnation. The unimaginable killings and the massive destruction he brought to his country will surely bring him to the international court where he must answer crime against humanity charges.