Where is Moammar Gadhafi?
After six months of battling with Moammar Gadhafi's forces, Libyan rebels finally broke through on Monday, capturing 95 percent of Tripoli and many key members of Gadhafi's circle, including two of his sons. But the big question remains -- where in the world is Moammar Gadhafi?
On Saturday, Gadhafi stated his plans to remain in Tripoli, the nation's capital, and urged Libyans to join his side and fight off the rebels. But as rebels continued to march further and further into Tripoli, there is still no sign that Gadhafi is still in the city.
Leaders from across the world, including England's Prime Minister David Cameron, have stated they do not know Gadhafi's current whereabouts and that he may no longer be in the country. Gadhafi was last seen in the country in mid-June, so it's conceivable he hasn't been in the country for months, though most speculation has him still in Libya.
There was some initial speculation over the weekend that South African officials sent planes into the civil war stricken Libya to help Gadhafi escape, but the country has steadfastly denied these rumors. According to reports, South Africa is unable to accept Gadhafi due to its membership in the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for him.
Despite the official denials, The Telegraph (UK) reports that South Africa has a plane ready in Tunisia and it would seek help from Tunisia or Algeria to move Gadhafi out of the country. This move could be made, in part, to speed along the transition process in Libya.
There is also some speculation that Gadhafi could -- or already has -- seek political asylum in dictator friendly Cuba or Venezuela. Another possible option could be Russia, according to a government source.
Pretoria is playing a very delicate and useful role to ensure he leaves the country through a safe passage, avoid a bloodbath for Tripoli, and end up in a safe haven such as Russia, Venezuela or Cuba, a source told The Telegraph.
More and more world leaders have asked for Gadhafi to surrender, if he is still in the country, but a former longtime aide doesn't expect Gadhafi to go easily.
I think it's impossible that he'll surrender, Abdel-Salam Jalloud said in an interview on Italian RAI state radio, He doesn't have the courage, like Hitler, to kill himself.
As the rebels continue to fight off Gadhafi's forces, the world should hopefully get a resolution soon as to Gadhafi's whereabouts. Rebel forces have promised to turn over every stone possible in Tripoli --so if he is still in the capital they'll find him eventually.
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