Gadhafi's Forces Continue to Advance on Libyan Rebels

Libyan military forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi issued an ultimatum to rebel forces in the eastern city of Benghazi, ordering them to abandon strongholds and weapons storage areas by midnight local time March 17. Though details coming out of the country remain scarce and there is no indication yet of enforcement of this ultimatum, it appears Gadhafi's forces have simultaneously retaken rebel-held western cities while striking eastward over the past week. As the rebels appear to falter, the question arises of whether they were ever able to mount a meaningful military resistance to begin with.