NATO hits Tripoli; US says rebels can open office
NATO launched its most intense bombardment yet against Muammar Gaddafi's stronghold of Tripoli Tuesday, while a senior US diplomat said President Barack Obama has invited the Libyan rebels' National Transitional Council to open an office in Washington but stopped short of formal recognition.
The international community has stepped up airstrikes and diplomatic efforts against the regime in a bid to break a virtual stalemate, with the rebels in the east and Gaddafi maintaining his hold on most of the west. (AP)
