In Tripoli, There's Still Love for Gadhafi

Despite Libyans’ revolt against their leader, many in the country, and Tripoli in particular, still fervently support Moammar Gadhafi, reports the Washington Post. The paper tells of "near round-the-clock displays of devotion" in the capital, with residents clad in Gadhafi green chanting while holding pictures of their leader. His portrait is everywhere, in fact: hanging from lampposts, displayed in shopping centers and office buildings. One rebel explains that "75% of the people are against him," but "there are some people who really do love him. They think he’s in their blood."

"He gave us freedom and everything we need," says a supporter. Oil-rich Libya has supported its people with free health care and education, and per-capita incomes are twice that of Egypt's residents, notes the Post. Meanwhile, in the first enforcement of the no-fly zone, a French warplane destroyed a small Libyan loyalist plane that had been spotted flying, the BBC reports. (More Moammar Gadhafi stories.)