Libyan forces have captured Muammar Gaddafi

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the capture and reported death of Muammar Gaddafi, the former Libyan leader, following the conflict in Libya. Participants explore various aspects of the event, including the implications of his capture, the circumstances surrounding his death, and the broader impact on Libya and the Middle East.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants report that Gaddafi was captured and wounded while attempting to flee, as stated by a representative of the NTC.
  • There are conflicting reports regarding Gaddafi's status, with some claiming he is dead, while others suggest he is alive but severely wounded.
  • Participants express differing opinions on whether Gaddafi should have been brought to trial or if his death serves a greater purpose in the context of the conflict.
  • Some argue that killing Gaddafi in the heat of battle is acceptable, while others condemn it as cold-blooded murder, advocating for a trial instead.
  • There are discussions about the potential implications of Gaddafi's death for Libya's future and the challenges the country faces post-conflict.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the authenticity of images and videos circulating regarding Gaddafi's condition and death.
  • Some participants reflect on the irony of Gaddafi's demise at the hands of those he once disparaged.
  • There are mentions of the difficulties Libya might face in pursuing justice through a courtroom given the current state of the country.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the circumstances of Gaddafi's death or the moral implications of his killing. Multiple competing views remain regarding the appropriateness of his execution versus the need for a trial.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the lack of clarity surrounding the exact events leading to Gaddafi's death, with various assumptions and interpretations of the available evidence. The discussion reflects a range of emotional responses and ethical considerations regarding justice and retribution in wartime.

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A representative of the NTC is just giving an announcement on Libyan state TV announcing that Gaddafi was wounded and captured whilst trying to flee from rebels.
 
Great news if confirmed. It'll be nice to see that war criminal brought to justice.

Think the NTC will keep him, or send him to The Hague?
 
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Looks like some serious fighting in Sirte:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpZl6pLcSoQ

Several (local) sources say Gaddafi is dead...
 
He who lives by the sword...
Good riddance to him, the world has become an infinitely better place now.
 
CNN just showed a picture that they claimed was the apparently dead body of Gadaffi. However you can't really tell if he's dead or just really bloody and wounded.
 
Can’t confirm this, but CNN is showing a (different) photograph of Gaddafi dead:

Gaddafi Dead footage of him dying Very grapic Unseen
 
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DevilsAvocado said:
Can’t confirm this, but CNN is showing a (different) photograph of Gaddafi dead:

Gaddafi Dead footage of him dying Very grapic Unseen


Ugly in life, uglier in death.
 
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  • #10
arildno said:
Ugly in life, uglier in death.

Yup, and here comes more (looks like the real thing to me):

GADDAFI DEAD BODY - WARNING GENUINE & GRAPHIC
 
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  • #11
He did have a single redeeming quality (uhm, not actually redeeming, but..).
Rather good looks, that faded as he let himself corrupt by power:
[PLAIN]http://www.newsabridged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/gaddafi_69_putsch_d_326961g.jpeg

Quite the Dorian Grey..
 
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  • #13
arildno said:
... Rather good looks, that faded as he let himself corrupt by power

Very true:

500px-Muammar_al-Gaddafi_at_the_AU_summit.jpg
 
  • #14
This is good news that, like arildno said, he lived through violence and now his ending has been violent. I'm glad he didn't escape. This sends a powerful message to the rest of the middle east (or well, is yet ANOTHER powerful message).

The day he claimed that the streets will run with the blood of every single person fighting him was the day I knew he didn't deserve to be brought up to a court.
 
  • #15
Agree 100% Pengwuino.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyQUp05wFHs
 
  • #16
Sky News is showing 'live' pictures of Muammar Gaddafi lying dead on the ground, and now also on CNN.

It looks like a definite confirmation.
 
  • #17
l-team-2.jpg


Shut up, fool. - BA Baracus.
 
  • #18
http://www.collegehumor.com/video/3368610/hes-dead-jim
 
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  • #20
I just saw a video of ghaddafi, badly wounded, but still alive. It's on the Guardian's website, I won't link to it..
 
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  • #21
yeah, i was just watching it at mondoweiss. he's a bloody mess, and it's not obvious what those wounds are from.
 
  • #22
Evo said:
I just saw a video of ghaddafi, badly wounded. It's on the Guardian's website, I won't link to it..

Is it possible they might have mistaken his hairpiece for a wild animal (that was about to attack them) - as it fell off - and (pure accident) shot him in self defense?:rolleyes:
 
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  • #23
I also don't know how he died but it is certain that he died bad. It is kind of ironic how people, whom he called "cockroaches", killed him.
 
  • #24
I think it's horrible that he was killed in cold blood like that. It's a very bad thing.

He deserved being brought in front of a courtroom and being judged. It's the only way that closure can really happen. Killing him in cold blood like that was not ok.
 
  • #25
micromass said:
I think it's horrible that he was killed in cold blood like that. It's a very bad thing.

He deserved being brought in front of a courtroom and being judged. It's the only way that closure can really happen. Killing him in cold blood like that was not ok.
Perhaps it wasn't in cold blood, perhaps he simply bled out from his wounds. It didn't appear that he was getting medical aid.
 
  • #26
Evo said:
Perhaps it wasn't in cold blood, perhaps he simply bled out from his wounds. It didn't appear that he was getting medical aid.

Could be. I'd like to know though. I was actually looking forward seeing him on trial having to answer for his crimes. And then probably rotting in jail. Right now, he got off easy.
 
  • #27
"Closure" is in the eye of the beholder, in my opinion.
 
  • #28
micromass said:
I think it's horrible that he was killed in cold blood like that. It's a very bad thing.

He deserved being brought in front of a courtroom and being judged. It's the only way that closure can really happen. Killing him in cold blood like that was not ok.

Libya already got loads of problems .. I don't think they could afford courtroom.

It would have been way harder to make progress with alive Gaddafi and his supporters still lurking around.
 
  • #29
War is hell. Killing the leader of the enemy who had killed thousands without blinking a eye is very OK and is the usual custom in a ongoing battle. Just because he was captured didn't mean the fighting would stop. With him very publicly dead, his supporters have less to fight for.
 
  • #30
rootX said:
Libya already got loads of problems .. I don't think they could afford courtroom.

It would have been way harder to make progress with alive Gaddafi and his supporters still lurking around.

They could have tried him in Den Hague.

And they didn't kill Saddam Hussain for example. We didn't really see much of his supporters. He got the trial and the punishment he deserved.

Killing an unarmed prisoner because "it'll make life easier" is not ok at all. I understand it, but I don't approve of it.
 

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