“My people love me”: Gaddafi

While he is gradually losing his once iron-clad grip on Libya, Moammar Gaddafi appears to be deeper into his delusions about his popularity and ability to regain control of his country.

In an interview with BBC, Gaddafi claims he is loved by all of his people and denied that any anti-government protests have occurred in the capitol, Tripoli, which remains a Gaddafi stronghold.

Gaddafi again accused that his enemies in Libya were brainwashed by al-Qaeda or were under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Citing that he would fight to the death to protect Libya, he scoffed at any suggestion that he would depart Libya.

Gaddafi is now under diplomatic assault from around the world – the governments of U.S., UK, the European Union as well as the United Nation have, among other measures, imposed sanctions against Gaddafi, frozen his assets and demanded he step down.

US Secretary of Stare Hillary Clinton said Gaddafi must “go now” and she also accused him and his followers of using mercenaries and thugs to attack unarmed civilians.

There have also been reports that Gaddafi supporters are executive soldiers who refused orders to shoot protesters.

It is time for Gaddafi to go, now, without further violence or delay, she said. If violence could be ended by his leaving... it might be a good step but we believe accountability must be obtained for what he has done.

In response, Gaddafi shrugged off the sanctions and accused the Western countries of “abandoning” Libya and simultaneously claimed they wanted to “colonize” the country.