this is a really interesting article from electronic intifada that to some extent explains the peculiar turn(s) that gadhafi's speeches have taken in their attempts to frame the revolt:
ei: Libya's tragedy, Gaddafi's farce
meanwhile, perhaps the saudi's attempts to buy off the population won't work out.
1.59pm - Saudi Arabia: Leading Saudi intellectuals have urged the monarchy to make far-reaching political and social reforms. They say that Arab rulers should derive a lesson from the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya and listen to the voice of disenchanted young people. The group includes renowned Islamic scholars, a female academic, a poet and a former diplomat. King Abdullah, who returned home after a three-month medical absence, yesterday unveiled benefits for Saudis worth £23bn in an apparent attempt to insulate the world's leading oil exporter. The measures announced by state media include pay rises to offset inflation, unemployment benefits and affordable housing.
Libya in turmoil - live updates | World news | guardian.co.uk