Gadhafi Mans the Phones

Last week I posted an outstanding essay on Libya's tentative opening to the world by Ambassador Mark Palmer. He noted the vital role to be played by the Libyan dissident Fathi Eljami. On Opinionjournal.com today, Claudia Rosett writes the disturbing news that Mr. Eljami is missing, along with his wife and son. This followed the surrounding of his house by state security personnel and the cutting of his phone line.

Ms. Rosett nails the situation: "That is Gadhafi's test of the Western diplomats and politicians who have been flocking to Libya to praise him. He is now busy discovering what he can get away with. If Mr. Eljahmi--and his wife and son--are allowed to disappear into the murk, the dungeons or the graves upon which Gadhafi has built his long totalitarian rule, we fail not only Gadhafi's test, but our own principles, at our own peril."

She also provides Mr. Eljami's phone numbers and urges anyone who cares about his fate to call. When you receive something other than mere ringing or a recorded message followed by a busy signal, you'll know Gadhafi has felt the international pressure to free this brave dissident. The numbers:

(218 is the country code for Libya, and in the U.S. you must dial 011 first):

Home: +218-21-360-8921
Mobile: +218-91-371-9129