New York Magazine

Skip to content, or skip to search.

Skip to content, or skip to search.

revolt like an egyptian

France Armed Libyan Rebels Against Qaddafi

In early June, France air-dropped medical and food supplies to civilians at the behest of the U.N. — and also, by the by, slipped in "assault rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades and launchers," making them the first NATO country to do so. The assistance came at a crucial moment of stalemate. Watchers who were previously puzzled when rebels were suddenly able to beat back government forces are now not so puzzled. [NYT]