Libya's tipping point proving elusive

Is opposition waning in Tripoli?

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Until the leadership is overthrown, then Tripoli is where the tipping point will need to happen
  
• It appears at the moment that both sides are heading for a stalemate
  
• If talks can progress in rebel-controlled Zawia and Misrata it could provide incentive for other areas
  
• The government is feeling international and domestic pressure but it is also a diehard leadership

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- In Libya, the rivals for power appear to be heading a stalemate. CNN's Nic Robertson explains what's happening in the capital, Tripoli, why two cities in rebel control could be key to the country's future, and why neither side has the power to dislodge the other completely.
What's it like on the streets of Tripoli?
We have seen about three rings of security around the capital. They include Army checkpoints with armored personnel carriers, anti-aircraft batteries and tanks.
But there are not that many soldiers around and they don't stop many vehicles. They are more interested in vehicles coming into the city than those leaving it.
On the streets in the outskirts where we know there have been anti-government protests we saw some police in armored vehicles and riot gear.
But we are talking about a couple of dozen at any one location. At street intersections there might be a couple of soldiers or police armed with automatic weapons but it is not a complete lockdown of every street.
The traffic passes through and they are not stopping people.
How willing are people to talk to you?