Gaddafi’s Grip Slips in Western Libya

NATO’s plan to amp up its airstrikes in Libya—expanding its targets to palaces, communications centers, and other key institutions—may be coming at an auspicious time. Muammar Gaddafi has suffered a string of setbacks in recent days, losing his hold on the western portion of the nation, a region he must maintain in order to stay in power. Gaddafi’s troops have been driven out of Misrata, a rebel bastion, and opposition forces have taken control of a border crossing as well. NATO hopes its new airstrike offensive will erode enough confidence in Gaddafi to peel off key aides and perhaps even drive him into exile.