Tyrannical Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi is dead, following eight months of what can only be called civil war. A part of the greater Arab Spring movement, the popular uprising in Libya was spontaneous in its genesis, but took on the character of a war between entrenched forces soon after. The progress of the uprising was as dramatic as could be asked for, with the rebels first dealing heavy blows to the Libyan military, who were caught by surprise. Soon after, though, once the government military machinery regained its bearings, the tide began to shift in favour of Gaddafi?s forces. The rebels were just not trained or equipped well enough. Enter NATO on behalf of the rebels, supplying them arms and ammunition and carrying out air strikes. Although the rebels asked for NATO ground troops, the latter hesitated, a wise decision in the long run. So, now, eight months after it began, the Libyan uprising is at an end, but does it spell the end to the country?s troubles? Although the situation in Libya is different from that in Iraq and Afghanistan, where NATO forces initiated the conflict, there is a fear that they could hold undue influence in the country. There is
also concern about whether the rebel government, the Transitional National Council?recognised by the US, UK, Russia, China, African Union and IMF?is equipped and capable enough to handle the arduous process of rebuilding the country along democratic lines. The TNC has already been allowed to receive $500 million of frozen Libyan assets following a Security Council decision unfreezing the assets. Diplomats from the US, UK and France are working on a UN resolution for the unfreezing of the rest of Libya?s assets.
It?s easy enough to voice what you don?t want?in this case, Gaddafi as dictator?but it?s far harder to articulate what you do want out of your government. This is where Libya?s new government is going to have the most trouble?reconciling all the demands that the erstwhile rebel forces will surely have. Also, don?t forget the international ramifications of the end of the Libyan civil war, especially on oil prices. No, Libya?s story is far from over.
