REMEMBER LIBYA? – AT 10:27 A.M. ET:  With attention focused on Japan, the civil war in Libya continues, and it's apparent that, day by day, Gadaffi is winning:

(CNN) -- Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi have wrested control of the town of Zuwara from rebels, an opposition spokesman and an eyewitness told CNN Tuesday.

Separately on Tuesday, at least two airstrikes were reported targeting the eastern city of Ajdabiya by pro-Gadhafi military jets, eyewitnesses told CNN. Ajdabiya is one of the cities between pro-government forces and the opposition stronghold in Benghazi. If Ajdabiya is retaken by government forces, it would give pro-Gadhafi forces access to roads leading to the heart of the opposition's base.

Pro-Gadhafi forces with tanks and heavy artillery forcibly entered Zuwara Monday, clashing with rebels for several hours before subduing the town, the sources said.

Troops entered the town around 9 p.m. Monday and began shooting randomly into buildings, the opposition spokesman said, declining to be named for his safety. He is in Zuwara.

COMMENT:  In the meantime, The United States continues "consulting" with its allies.  An Arab League call for a no-fly zone over Libya – an extraordinary move for the Arab League – is being politely rebuffed, at least for now.  While France and Germany are in favor, and Barack Obama is voting "present," Germany, Italy and Turkey are opposed.  There will be further "consultations," perhaps ending in 2014 or so. 

And Saudi troops are now in Bahrain, to protect the local king.  Heartwarming.

March 15, 2011