U.S. Reaching Out to Libyan Rebels

Anti-Gadhafi forces shoot down a military aircraft in Misrata as fighting continues on the outskirts of Tripoli.

U.S. officials said that the international community has to send a message not only to beleaguered dictator Moammar Gadhafi, but to those around him who may have a stronger sense of self-preservation. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was in Geneva Monday for a meeting of foreign ministers, where she is expected to push for more international action aimed at isolating Gadhafi from his supporters, including fresh sanctions. She said Sunday Washington is reaching out to rebels who are fighting Gadhafi’s forces, which have lost control of most of the country outside Tripoli. Rebels downed a plane as it fired on a Misrata radio station Monday and continue to hold Zawiya, only 50 km from the capital.