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Mideast Expert in NJ Sees Qaddafi As Latest 'Arab Spring' Casualty

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A local expert believes Muammar Qaddafi has seen his last days at Libya's strongman -- which may have implications for Syria as well.

Shaheen Ayubi, a professor of political science at Rutgers University in Camden, says the turning point in Qaddafi's downfall came with the taking of the capital, Tripoli (see related story).  She says she doubts that Qaddafi (in file photo) will come back from that, and is probably already out of Libya and possibly headed for Venezuela.

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(Dr. Shaheen Ayubi, of Rutgers University. Photo provided)

Prof. Ayubi (right) says Qaddafi's downfall has serious implications for Syria's president, Bashar Assad, as the so-called "Arab Spring" continues its relentless momentum.

"We're in a new era and people want new leaders, democratic leaders, in the Arab world," she says.

Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio 1060

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