Gadhafi Rant: Not All Nonsense

(AP) - In his first appearance at the UN, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi blasted the Security Council and called for the end of the five permanent members' veto power. He also wants to expand the group with additional member states to make it more representative. "It should not be called the Security Council, it should be called the 'terror council,'" said Gadhafi in a rambling speech, during which he quoted from the UN charter. At one point, he complained of jet lag, but that didn't stop him from speaking more than 90 minutes. More»

Fears no-fly zone is too late, backs broader resolution

(NEWSER) - With a siege in Benghazi looking like a distinct possibility, the White House is suddenly looking to use some muscle in Libya. After weeks of discussion, the administration has concluded that a no-fly zone would likely be “too little, too late” to save the rebels, the New York Times reports, so it's instead pushing for a broader UN Security Council resolution, which would also allow airstrikes to slow Gadhafi's march. More»

Opposition debates requesting strike on Gadhafi compound

(NEWSER) - Libyan rebels seeking to topple Moammar Gadhafi are considering asking for airstrikes against the dictator under the United Nations banner, sources tell the New York Times . Rebel leaders say they are firmly opposed to intervention by other nations, but, “If it is with the United Nations, it is not a foreign intervention," said an opposition spokesman. Gadhafi "destroyed the army; we have two or three planes,” he added. If Gadhafi "falls with no intervention, I’d be happy,” said one rebel leader. “But my priority is to save my people.” More»

'This problem has been solved to the satisfaction of all parties'

(NEWSER) - Moammar Gadhafi tried to leaven his image a bit after his 90-minute UN diatribe by sitting down with the Wall Street Journal yesterday. The Libyan strongman assured reporter Jay Solomon he could "comprehend" the anger of Americans who lost friends and relatives in the Lockerbie bombing. He denied orchestrating a hero's welcome for the bomber and said the release was all through "proper channels," adding, "We all feel the pain for such a tragedy." More»

(NEWSER) - Maybe he just needs a good night's sleep (somewhere). Moammar Gadhafi made such a long and rambling speech today—his main point seemed to be to rail against the Security Council's power—that he wore out his first translator. Some odds and ends:

• He suggested Israel had a hand in the JFK assassination.
• Swine flu might be a military weapon that leaked from a lab.
• He complained at length of jet lag and having to get up early for the meeting.
• On that note, he suggested moving the UN out of New York: "You will thank me for not having to travel for 20 hours to this place."