'Time to help Libyan people'

DOHA, (AP):

Libya's rebels are urging the United States to reassert a stronger role in airstrikes on Moammar Gaddafi's forces amid growing calls from some international allies for more aggressive action.

One of the loudest voices calling for a more robust push to help tip the scales is Qatar, the tiny Gulf Arab nation that hosted the first meeting yesterday of a group set up to guide NATO-led airstrikes and humanitarian missions in Libya.

air campaign

"It is time to help the Libyan people defend themselves, and to defend the Libyan people," said Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. His nation helped the rebels sell oil under their control and is one of the few Arab states contributing to the air campaign.

"And what are the rebels except civilians who have taken up arms to defend themselves in a difficult situation and an uneven battle?"