Reply #30: Intelligence experts see Gaddafi rebuilding power [View All]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/04/21/uk-libya-gaddafi-idUKTRE73J4KN20110421">Intelligence experts see Gaddafi rebuilding power
(Reuters) - Muammar Gaddafi has consolidated his position in central and western Libya enough to maintain an indefinite standoff with rebels trying to end his four-decade rule, U.S. and European officials say.

"Gaddafi's people are feeling quite confident," said a European security official who closely follows Libyan events.

A "de facto partition for a long time to come" is the likely outcome, the official said, because of Gaddafi's improving position and the weakness of the ill-equipped and largely untrained opposition forces.

Growing pessimism about the rebels' ability to challenge Gaddafi's control of a large section of the country has fuelled calls for greater support of the opposition from the United States and its allies.