The Libya Civil War -- artillery, air strikes, tanks, and drone missiles elevated this from protest to civil war long ago -- marched on with rebel advances against loyalist strongholds, war crime indictments, and recognizing the rebel coalition as a legitimate government. Dictator Ghadhafi proclaimed his loyalists would fight to the death for him -- dictators like saying that as they escape to posh exile, a bullet to their heads, or a noose around their necks -- and handed out AK-47 rifles to these steadfast citizen-tribesmen.
But death before surrender seems to be less prevalent with rebels closing in than when they were far, far away. According to a Wall Street Journal article, citizen fervor seems to be weakening, with many selling their AK-47s. How much? About 2000 to 4000 dinars ($1250 to $2500). And the bullets? About 2 dinars each.
Archilochus, the Greek mercenary and poet, recorded much the same sentiment around 650 BC (BCE) or so:
Some Saian mountaineer struts today with my shield.
I threw it down by a bush and ran when the fighting got hot.
Life seemed somehow more precious. It was a beautiful shield.
I know where I can buy another exactly like it, just as round.
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