MANILA, Philippines – US and allied forces under the UN coalition launch calculated missile assault and military strikes on Libya and the forces of long-staying leader Moammar Khadafy.

A lesson in power play and international relations.Tomahawk vs African hawk.

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But Khadafy shows defiance, declaring that his country “is ready for battle.”

Khadafy isn’t happy. And he’ll likely be “bottled.”

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The world, intensely watching the unfolding Libya drama, should pray that the war for democracy doesn’t end bloody for civilians or tainted with political strategy and the strategic quest for oil.

The world is widely awake now.Time to avoid the pains of history.

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Jubilant Egyptians vote freely this Saturday for the first time in more than 50 years with the advent of constitutional reforms after the recent ouster of the Mubarak regime.

Time to celebrate under greater democratic air and freedom-frolic.

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Bahrain’s king pledged to bring reforms so with other long-staying Arab-African leaders as pro-democracy demonstrations spread.

Freedom rings everywhere. And it's unstoppable.

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US President Barack Obama calls for “clarity” on command structure and allied military operations.

Yes, ensure the protection of civilians. No collateral damage.

Meanwhile, as Obama juggles Libyan war and his LatAm trip, business tycoon and TV mogul Donald Trump announces plan to join the field of GOP contenders for 2012.

Future headline: Obama trumps Trump! Or: Trump tells Obama: You’re fired!

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Back home, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) says contingency plans are in place to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos in Syria and other Arab countries affected by pro-democracy uprisings.

Yes, let’s take good care of our overseas workers.

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More than three million OFWs face security threats and displacement due to the African-Arab turmoil, the DFA adds.

The problem is getting serious. The government and the private sector should help remedy job loss.

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Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) honors its new 25- year loan commitment worth $500 million to finance Philippine road projects while PAL flies bottled water to quake-devastated Tokyo.

It’s a small world. Let’s continue helping each other.