Libya update

Coalition forces continued to bombard Libya for a third consecutive day Monday as the 'no fly zone' which was imposed on Friday got under way on Saturday. According to U.S. officials the campaign to destroy Moammar Gadhafi's air defenses and establish a no-fly zone over Libya had nearly accomplished its initial objectives. U.S. and European diplomats also moved Monday to rally wavering Arab support after key Arab officials complained that Western airstrikes appeared to exceed the narrow mandate authorized by the United Nations.
Meanwhile Libyan government forces continued to engage in scattered fighting Monday while rebel fighters trying to retake the eastern town of Ajdabiya said their advance was halted Monday by tank and rocket fire from government loyalists still controlling entrances to the city. Dozens of fighters fell back to a checkpoint about 25 miles to the north. In the western city of Misrata, forces loyal to Gadhafi still were at large and using civilians as human shields, Reuters reported. Libyan state TV said a new round of strikes began Monday night in the capital, Tripoli.
The air campaign by U.S. and European militaries unquestionably has rearranged the map in Libya and rescued rebels from the immediate threat they faced only days ago. But while the airstrikes can stop Gadhafi's troops from attacking rebel cities -- in line with the U.N. mandate to protect civilians -- the United States, at least, appeared deeply reluctant to go beyond that toward actively helping the rebel cause to oust the Libyan leader. (Updated 22/03/11 @ 12:15pm). from City Alerts