Arab Americans Call for U.S. Support for Libyans, Denounce War Crimes Committed Against Civilians

posted on: Feb 22, 2011

The Congress of Arab American Organizations in Michigan (CAAO) denounces the horrendous war crimes being committed by Libyan strongman Muammer Qaddhafi against the Libyan people who are rising up in protest over 40 years of his dictatorial regime.

Inspired by the non-violent pro-democracy movements in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere across the Arab World, Libyans began protesting their total lack of freedoms on Feb. 17 after Internet activists called for a “Day of Rage” against political and economic conditions for Libyans under Gaddafi.

The protests began in the eastern part of the country and have now reached the capital. The regime has steadily increased the use of force against the people. Qaddhafi’s brutal and inhumane tactics include cutting off food, fuel and medical supplies as well as electricity to revolting cities. The regime also cut off most communications to try to make sure the unrest does not spread to other cities. Pan-Arab news outlets report that Gaddafi’s troops have used live ammunition and heavy military equipment such as anti-tank missiles in Benghazi and Tripoli. Late on Sunday and today fierce clashes were being reported in Tripoli. Today, protesters were reported to have come under attack by security forces using fighter jets, artillery and live ammunition. A human rights researcher in Geneva has said that Qaddhafi is massacring protesters in Libya.

Arab Americans stand as one with the Libyan people, knowing full well the conditions under which they have been living.

The resounding silence on the part of the U.S. government is inexplicable. Where is the outrage? A government attacking its own civilians using its military is an unprecedented event. We call upon the U.S. government to issue a clear and firm statement now that carpet bombing civilians by the Libyan government’s air force will not be allowed.

We call upon the United Nation Security Council and the Arab League to take immediate steps to intervene to stop these war crimes.

CAAO is an umbrella group for 40 Arab American organizations in southeastern Michigan.