Battle for Misrata Libya (video)

I am not supporter of Gadaffi but I am confused a bit as to the situation on the ground.  The rebels that the  reporter speaks to in this video are both from the middle or upper middle class, a businessman and a scientist. He described the city as cut in two with rebels fighting for freedom on one side and "Gadaffi" forces on the other.  But Gadaffi forces must consist of of more than just Touregs and mercenaries, or is it that Gadaffi and mercenaries control the other part of the city and the population there all support the rebels but are basically being occupied and in fear?

Is the Gadaffi presence and ability to remain a force to be reckoned with simply an issue of more weaponry against a poorly armed resistance?  Or is it that there is genuine support for Gadaffi against another invasion of this country by  western imperialist powers.  It is not such a strange thing that Libyans might support a murderous nut like Gadaffi, Americans support them all the time, Bush, for example.  And given the two choices, relative autonomy under Gadaffi as opposed to a deeper control of the economy and theft of the county's resources by US imperialism and the oil companies Gadaffi would be the lesser of two evils, like Democrats as opposed to Republicans.

Those of us writing on this blog oppose the NATO/US invasion of Libya and have put an alternative to it.  We do not believe the imperialist countries are there to help workers.  In fact, if the opposition is unable to protect the interests of US imperialism and the energy corporations in the area then it will be with Gadaffi that a deal will be made. But it is a complex situation.