On the battlefields of Libya, it appears the fighting has reached something of an impasse. Momentum has shifted between Gaddafi forces and pro-democary fighters.

But neither side has made any significant advances since the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's rule began more than six weeks ago.

The international air strikes on his forces have not done much to change that. While a growing number of diplomats and senior officials have defected from Gaddafi's regime, the man who has ruled Libya for four decades remains firmly entrenched in Tripoli.

Just what are the options as the conflict lingers into stalemate? And what does the rebels' talk of ceasefire  really mean?

Inside Story, with presenter Hazem Sika, discusses with guests: Shaemus Milne, the associate editor of the Guardian newspaper; Mohammed Ali Abdalla, the deputy secretary-general of the Libyan opposition group, National front for the Salvation of Libya; and James Spencer, a defence analyst specialising in the Middle East and North Africa. 

This episode of Inside Story aired from Saturday, April 2, 2011.