In the less-developed countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia family fortunes and homegrown foundations are taking on more of the causes that for decades were addressed by Western giants such as the Ford and Rockefeller foundations.

FORBES: The Poor Among Us

De Beers cites western market recovery and emerging markets as foundations for continued growth.

FORBES: De Beers Diamond Sales Up 53 Percent

It began around 1200 as a fortress built to protect the western walls of Paris, its chilly foundations still visible in the basement of the museum.

BBC: Classic sights in the City of Light

But for now it remains unclear whether they are simply strengthening their grip on areas around their home city, or laying the foundations for a bigger and more decisive offensive into the heart of western Libya.

BBC: Libya: Misrata breathes as Gaddafi siege lifted