REUTERS: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's four-decade-old rule appeared in increasing jeopardy Monday as anti-government protests reached the capital for the first time, leaving dozens dead at the hands of the security forces.Several cities in the east appeared to be in the hands of the opposition as protests spread from Benghazi, cradle of a popular uprising that has rattled one of the Arab world's most entrenched governments.
One of Gaddafi's sons said the veteran leader would fight the revolt until "the last man standing."
Protesters rallied in Tripoli's streets, tribal and religious leaders spoke out against Gaddafi, and army units defected to the opposition in a revolt that has cost the lives of more than 200 people.
Protesters said they had taken control of Benghazi and other cities, with some analysts suggesting the country was heading for civil war.
"Libya is the most likely candidate for civil war because the government has lost control over part of its own territory," said Shadi Hamid, director of research at the Brookings Doha Center in Qatar. >>> Tripoli | Monday, February 21, 2011
REUTERS: Warplanes bombing locations in Tripoli – resident >>> London | Monday, February 21, 2011
