After Gadhafi, what’s next for Libya?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
In Libya, as in many parts of the Middle East, getting rid of the dictator is only the first step.
We're talking about people, for the most part, who have lived under oppression for generations and have no idea what freedom is about.
Now that governing will be in their hands, it's a good bet they'll make some mistakes along the way. And, change is not going to happen overnight.
You don't have to look too far for examples.
More than 8 years after Saddam Hussein was toppled, Iraq is still trying to figure out what it wants to be.
In Afghanistan, 10 years after the U.S. went in to knock out the Taliban, the country is pretty much the same disorganized, poverty-stricken collection of tribes that it's always been.
You can probably make money predicting 1,000 years from now it will still be that way... and Hamid Karzai and Barack Obama are not going to change that a whole lot.
Egypt without Mubarak is very much a question mark. Love him or hate him, Hosni Mubarak was a friend of the United States for a very long time and managed to keep the Camp David accords in place.
Since his ouster, the peace between Israel and Egypt has become more fragile.
In Tunisia, the social and economic problems that helped bring about that revolution are still weighing heavily on the interim government.
And now, Libya also finds itself on the threshold of a whole new way of life. In some ways, it's not unlike an inmate being released after serving a long prison sentence.
The world has changed and life without the structure behind the prison walls is frightening and challenging and a lot of them don't make it.
Here’s my question to you: After Gadhafi, what’s next for Libya?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 6pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
No. some of them are our friends but even they get backstabbed by the powermongers who are about to reach for the mantle of ruler and claim they are now in charge...beware, some of them are the same who spew hate towards israel and the west..you know they are gonna blame nato for an imperfect world
Trust them to do what? We can't trust our own government to follow the rule of law or the Constitution, why should we expect more from Libyans? Of course, I'm sure they're going to learn from our wonderful examples.
Ron Paul in 2012...
Jack,
Of course, all they want is our tax payer's money and military equipment. Kadaffi has lots of real gold bars and can buy any one and any thing at any time, any where in our for profit corporate world. Mercenaries – no problem. Will work for food or just the promise of food.
No. They will kill Americans in a second if they could plus where are the women fighters? why do we only ever see men. When I see as many women on the streets as men, women fighters etc. I will know that we can trust Libyan rebels.
I don't know if we should trust the rebels or not Jack, but we should stand back and let them deal with rebuilding their country in what they perceive is best way for them. Remember Iraq and the disastrous attempt at nation building there? Probably the best thing to happen to this country was there was no country around turning us into a clone of their government. Support and aid their efforts do not dictate; let them have their growing pains.
Jack,
230 years ago, folks might have asked the same question regarding Washington and his rag-tag crew. The answer is to support them cautiously ... with an open mind, and eyes wide open.
Rick,
Medina, OH
Jack,
The U.S. should proceed with caution as we don't know, yet, where Gadhafi is. Once it's clear that his [Gadhafi's] rein is over, the U.S. should switch to an advisory role. We need to have faith that the Libyan rebels can create a new government. The U.S. has its own problems to deal with. Problems that can no longer be avoided.
I do not not feel that the rebels can be trusted . They will turn on Nato and their country will be in cahos. Oak Hill, West Virginia Go Mountaineers
Definately not! Who is their leader? Do they have a leader, or is this just groups of anarchists with the same objective; get rid of Gadhafi. Time will tell if they can be trusted, but right now I wouldn't trust any of them.
I have missed who it is that is leading the rebels.who is it? The C.I.A.?The muslim brotherhood? who?If it is our secret war then no . we cannot trust the new regime because we put it there and we have a lousy record with that.
One thin g is clear . If the U.S. Comes riding in after the libiyans have fought and died to overthrow a certified wingnut them we did all this for oil not freedom of an oppressed people.and that sucks!
No. Let them sort this out on their own and then we'll decide. In the meantime, we might try to prevent the corporate American bloodsucking oil companies from sweeping in like vultures to get their greedy mitts on the natural resources.
U.S. should trust Libya rebels the same as the CNN should trust Christine O'Donnell not to walk off of another show. The rebels are made up of many groups of people which have different views on how Libya should be run. I don't think any of these views have what we consider a democratic gov't in them. You can bet whichever group ends up in charge they will be swarmed around like a rich uncle on his death bed because of all the oil involved.
We still don't know anything about them. The world may have lost a dictatorship, and gained an Islamic theocracy.
They have shed their blood for their freedom. What government they decide is what they are entitled to. Our governement officials speak of the Peoples Governement. It will be what is in their interest. We chose in 1776 and agaqin in 1787 (Contitutional Convention) our form without interference. Let them be. It is not our business to determine what form the government is in other countries.
Trust the Freedom to choose they fought to have.
Jack: Trust, but verify those who want to run for office or be apart of the military. The rebels have fought a grass root campaign against a bloody dictator in Gadhafi. It is hard to have a democracy, if you have never experienced a free nation. It will take time and patience within Libya, and outside Libya. A republic with free elections, and the rule of law does not come like instant coffee. If in 2 years, the Libyan people feel better about themselves, and see a better future for their children, and Libya joins the world of nation's in pursuit of peace then the rebels will have been successful. Patience!
In this instance we get to see a country totally rebuild itself from the ground up. We obviously shouldn't just ignore them as they grow a new form of government. We, along with other countries, should make sure we keep a close eye on them as things develop. As Ronald Reagan said, "Trust,but verify."
Jason in New York
Trust them ?? Are you kidding ??
We should get our rear ends outa there as fast as possible and quit this money wasting game of heroics we somehow think is neccessary.
Enough !!
We have enough problems at home to occupy two lifetimes to fix.
Get outta there......................Now !!!!
The US already did..........75% of all NATO actions were conducted by the US.
I'd say trust them until there is actual evidvence to not trust them.
No, but then neither should the Libyan rebels trust the U.S. As well-intentioned President Obama seems, he has retained the existing foreign policy network, which means the same "realpolitik of the last half-century, which has been a mixed bag for our third world allies. Attempt to establish economic ties, support political reforms, but don't pick sides. How it plays out is out of U.S. control anyway.
No the rebels can't be trusted. A large number of the rebels are al queda just like gadhafi said. Gadhafi kicked al queda out the country, and that is why libya was taken off the terrorist list. Now the terrorists are back thanks to obama and nato. Now that libya is harboring terrorists again maybe we can send in 150,000 troops and occupy libya for the next 50 years like we will be doing in iraq and afghanistan. Obama has illegally ordered 1,200 sorties and 120 drone attacks on libya to support a bunch of anarchist rebels and al queda. Obama must be impeached, before he does anymore damage to the u.s.
So far they seem to have a positive view on the U.S. and the rest of the countries that were involved in the NATO strikeforce helping the rebels, I would keep an eye on them to check for any signs of bad news but so far it looks all positive to me.
Jack,
Absolutely not! History is rife with examples of gov'ts that trusted rebels, the ones in power, etc. and got bitten on the ass. Reagan backed Saddam Hussein and Iraq in the 1980's because they went to war with Iran, at that time, our public enemy #1. Bush I then sends U.S. troops to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in 1990-1991 to fight Saddam Hussein and Iraq in the first Gulf War, and 12-13 years later Bush I's son, Dubya, starts the second Gulf War, which is still ongoing. Neville Chamberlain trusted Hitler in 1938, caving to his demands and giving him Czechoslovakia. All that did was give Hitler more territory and power and tell the rest of Europe that Britain wouldn't support them if Hitler wanted more territory. In 1939, Hitler invaded Poland and in the spring of 1940 Hitler was blitzing London and England. So much for "peace in our time".
Better not to take sides and best to let Libya sort out their own political problems.
Not on our soldiers'lives.
Jack it is not wise to trust the unknown without proof of anything. We know nothing about these rebels other then they can fire weapons and have killed people. If I were looking for a friend with little to offer the world then Libyan rebels would be at the top of my list.
Trust to do what? The US and other NATO countries originally intervened to protect Libyan civilians. Then the mission morphed into helping the rebels overthrow the regime. Once the regime is overthrown, can the US trust the rebels to institute a democratic, pro-western government? If they do not, what are we going to do, overthrow the next government?
No, but this is what happens when we stick our noses into cultures we don't completely understand. Democracy to Americans isn't necessarily the same as democracy to Libyans. When are we going to figure this out and stop trying to force our values on others? Maybe if we run out of money war, as well as backing people who may turn on us, will be a thing of the past. And I believe in fairy tales, too.
Probably not and must look after ourselves. However we should reach out in friendship and recognize that they must find their own way which will not be our way. Hopefully they will come to recognize that we can be respectful friends and are not trying to impose our ways on them and will respond in kind.
Probably about as much as they can trust The U.S. Jed Clampet wasn't lying when he call oil black gold,where there's oil
there's always the U.S. Donald Thrump wants to just take everybody's oil ,I'm afraid they may not go as quietly as the native Americans did,but the truth is we just don't really know who can be trusted these days
Absolutely not!! You can bet there will be more killings, maybe even ehtnic cleansing and wholesale corruption for starters. What do you expect when you have an ethnic and tribal mentaliity that's been repressed for 50 years and now looking for power The pent up anger, jealousy and resentment will be on display for the worlld to see.
Too early to tell. And trust who or what?
The Libyan diaspora now taking charge is relatively unknown to the West. What shape & form the future governance takes is hard to predict.
Those countries which meddled did so for their own political/economic objectives without factoring in this unknown.
The question should be, "Can the Lybian rebels, trust us?" We have completely clueless Michelle (Two dollar a gallon Gasoline) Bachmann and now the Trumpster. Who wants to just take their oil as the spoils of war. I guess us United States citizens should be taking his buildings anh bank accounts as spoils of Bankruptcies. We have clueless Lyndseed Graham and songbird McCain who now question pres. Obama's leadership. I just wish the entire Teabag'n/Kochpilcan party and all of our super rich patriots who are our, "Job creators (In communist China that is)" would put country first. Instead of their own self-interest's!!
There is not much known about the rebels. Many of these young fighters are compromised of ordinary civilian fighters who picked up a gun to fight. The current senior interim libyan rebel leaders are more trustworthy on the political front, but doesn't necessarily mean they are reliable, but they are not the ones that will hold up the new libyan government. It will be younger libyans vying for power and position in government. The U.S. shouldn't trust the rebels just yet, and they should be heavily monitored and aided in developing a constitutional government. With a post gaddafi libya, the west should help the new government develop prosperously created upon foundations of a democratic state. The only true testament to success in libya is how it develops in a post gaddafi libya. And a deep sense of trust between the revolutionaries and the west, which if happens, will be long from now and a democratic revolutionary government will be the only judgement of an absolute military and polictical victory for the west, something that hasn't been seen since the end of world war 2.
The process of building a government from scratch is never an easy one. At the very least, though, the Libyans will be able to determine the structure of their new government themselves, rather than having us do it for them. The responsibility is clearly and utterly in their own hands, so the Libyans have a better chance of creating a system that their whole country can accept, and they don't get to pin all the blame on us if it fails.
Now the Pentagon will do what they're paid to do. Loot it for Oil.
Jack: With Lybia being the supplier of 25% of the world's oil----I'm confiident that the politicians in Washington will extend the olive branch and a get well plan!-–Good project for the Super 12!
Libya has over 100 tribes and like the rest of Africa it will probably drift into Civil War. It has Oil resources so the Cold War between the USA, Russia and China will continue to try and influence ans suck up their Natural Resources. It will also become another Muslim state. We proved in IRAQ that we knew how to start a major War but didnt know how to rebuild the Nation. The same will be said for Egypt and Libya.
Haliburton is working on it and will get back to you with an answer shortly Jack.
I hope those in the rebel forces who seem to be very moderate in their views are the ones who wind up in charge. I think that since there does not appear to be any one leader who looks like seizing control, that sanity will prevail and the Libyans will truly be free.
This rebellion is unlike those where a 'leader' who turns into a dictator is in charge. I hope it remains that way.
That's up to them, as long as they don't threaten us.
Hopefully what's next is lots of support and assistance, from the same forces that assisted in the bombing campaigns and the neighboring arab nations that approved them. Its time other nations stepped up to the plate and stop letting the U.S. foot the entire bill for every nation that is rebuilding.
Hopefully what's next is lots of support and assistance, from the same countries that assisted in the bombing campaigns and the neighboring arab nations that approved them. Its time other nations stepped up to the plate and stop letting the U.S. foot the entire bill for every nation that is rebuilding.
freedom should be the out come of the revolt!
Civil war, Jack, Civil War... I am afraid that these rebels have little understanding of or will to move towards democracy. The warring mullahs will have their militia's or tribes and they will fight for supremecy. The strongest and most brutal will win and it's back to oppression of one group over all. What makes us think democracy is even on the table. This is tribal warfare, not an enlightenment.
Your guess is as good as mine, jack. Form weeks we have seen streaming videos of rebels but learned almost nothing about their leadership, values, objectives beyond the coup. There will be an immediate leadership vacuum until some et of leaders emerge and can begin to rationalize what they do with this country they just won. Hopefuly, their common interests will outweigh their diametric oppositions.
Halliburton will be awarded a non-compete contract to build their infrastructure, we'll foot the bill and send in troops to maintain order. And just like Iraq, we won't ask for any reimbursement.
Well, the first thing they need to do after the transitional government comes in power, they need to established a constitutional committee, to develop a constitution which will outline the role and responsibilities of government and the rights of the people. Once this constitution is adopted, then they need to call for a new election inline with the new constitution. Once that government is seated, then they will need to work on re-establishing their oil industry and international diplomacy, and requesting loans to repair the damages and build a new military which is loyal to the new constitutional government.
Let's send those rebels to Syria. Maybe they can do what everyone else is a afraid to do.
John T from the Fl. Keys
Hi Jack. I would imagine that we'll spend severl billion dollars to try and show them how to set up a government of the people, by the people and for the people. We'll also spend more money that we don't have helping them to have elections and corrupt their leaders, just like ours.
Not worth the time to figure this out.
After Gadhafi is overthrown and removed from political leadership, the Transitional National Council will establish order and security and set up a transitional government to run the country until a new constitution and democratic elections are formulated and implemented. Libya is reportedly a country that has no established political institutions and has no historical experience with democracy–the same can be said of other countries in the Arab world. All citizens of Libya must rise above tribalism and come and work together for a greater Libya. They must resist retribution and seek justice.
Reporting from Missoula, MT! – Whats next for Libya? I think the real question is what exactly does our government loot from the country? Obviously the propaganda used is to make Libya a "democracy." We all know that the real reason we are there is to plunder their gold, oil, and water resources...next up Syria! If we really were in it for humanitarianism reasons, why are we not doing anything in Somalia?
What's next ?? That question has only ONE answer.
America...................us dummies.................... go in and spread our dollars around that we don't have from one end of Libya to the other, making complete fools of ourselves for the umpteenth time and, in the end, they TOO end up hating us.
We will never learn. Ever.
Pathetic.
Who cares? We have enough to worry about in this country after eight years of Bush and hopefully only four years of Obama. But I am doubtful that even Ron Paul could fix 12 years of disaster.
Dear Jack: DUCK! The MIC, those countries "interested" in making $$$, not the future of Libya, are NOW going to come out of the woodwork! STAY OUT! Let the libian people make it what they want! Once the "rat" gadhafi is caught, let "his own"? people take care of him and keep all those "DO GOODERS" out of the country. Van Columbus, GA.
hopefully a stable democratic republic where ALL the Libyan people have a say in their future BUT, because like much of North Africa snd the Middle East where they have NO history of democracy, I fear that we could end up trading one dictator for another. people thought the Shah of Iran was a despot and look what replaced him?
it looks like Egypt may be slipping back toward dictatorship. I just pray the crazy Islamists don't get control in both countries.
The only people who know what is next for Libya are the Libyans! We shouldn't try to dictate what happens because then the Libyans won't truly be free. However, we should try to make sure that it's all equal and fair, something we don't have here in the U.S.
What's next for ANY of the goverments formed in the recent conflagration of the Arab spring? More dictators? Unstable Democracies? Jack, you might as well ask a magic eight-ball wether or not our country can get it's debt woes under control: "Ask again later"!
After Gadhafi, what’s next for Libya?
We will hear less about Libya as they concentrate on getting their country in order. I'd like to ask "What's next for Gadhifi?"
I don't pretend to predict the future Jack, like my rear-end, my crystal ball is cracked.
Jack, what is next for Libya is Wal-Mart and McDonalds
It will not be a Democracy totally free of tribal strife and adherence to separation of state and religion as we enjoy(so far). We may, however, see a more moderate country that actually accepts the West and their commitment to freedom and individual rights. No matter what their religion, most people in the world are not militant and warlike and actually want peace.
That's an easy question Jack. It's just going to be more tumoil. These people do not want the kind of freedom that America is used to. That would bore them to death. I
f they came to America they would say "What, no warring factions, no enemy to kill?" That's all they know. There idea of freedom is freedom to be heavily armed and fight thy neighbor because they are of a different religion or tribe. It would be like trying to train a rabid dog.
The U.S. going in to "help" them with their gold and Oil, Jack. (wink).
After Ghadafi, what is next for Libyan.
Remember 9-11, all of the cheering that went up in the Moslem World when the twin trade towers came tumbling down?
Al Quaida will be moving in–if they are not already there organizing.
Continued support of terrorism will be on tap.
Sharia Law under Islam will be their Anthem.
All the most disgusting things, torture! Dictatership! Hate for Israel. Hate for America! That's what next!
But, America stay out! Stay out, America, or you will taste defeat under a mountain of unsurmountable debt.
Stay out of debt, America.
Let Libya stumble around like idiots!
Once the Colonel is gone we can stop obsessing about how to spell his name.
For their sake, let's hope the Tea Party does not take their country over. We all see how they act in America.
After Gadhafi come the religious zealots seeking the power to convert Libya into a church state. They come not in peace offering an alternative way of life; a choice. They come in absolute terms as the one way with one lord and one outcome. And they come resolutely, well supported, to institute Shariya and spread their absolutism and hatred of all "infidels'".
They come to fight all reasonable people for all time.
They come to fight to rule. They offer heaven as a reward and death as opposition.
Sorta reminds one of "dominionism", eh, Jack?
"The Russian Foreign Ministry encouraged the international community to stay out of Libya's internal affairs."
Yes, keep your ideologies, missionaries, ambassador-at-large's away from liberated people of North Africa!
Never thought I would find something to agree with Russians!
Nation building and big buck contracts for Morrison-Knudson and Halliburton to add to our national debt.
Noel
New mexico
I don't know what's next for them but whatever is next, I hope it doesn't involve Senator John McCain or Donald Trump. If John McCain or Donald Trump is involved in their future they are screwed.
Only time will tell but we all must hope the people of Libya have a strong and true voice in their fate.
The U.S. government should ask itself if the young African generation is happy about the events in Libya. It seems western countries have taken their big brother mindset too far. Kaddafi is a well known and respected figure among young africans especially in sub-saharian Africa. Personnally I am disgusted by France, U.S. and U.K.
I believe there will be a time of transition for the Libyan people. They will need international support to keep Al-Qaida from establishing a base there, and ruining the good name of the Libyan people once again. Gadhafi was a blight on the face of Libya, and it'll be good to see that blight removed.
It's 6 million people. Basically the size of Washington state. So there is high hopes.
Finally, what ever the Libyan people can dream.
Hopefully Libya ends up like Egypt, but that may be too much to ask. Since Gadhafi held out for so long, I have a sneaking suspicion that there will not be a seamless transition.
Jack,
If there is one thing we can predict about Libya and it seems all countries of the world is that the human race seems to enjoy contrariness. Political social polarization seems to be part of human nature.
People are not happy, unless there are problems, so Libya will fit right in with the rest of the world. One big problem.
Joe, Binghamton, NY
Libya is a loose canon. It is going to have to flounder until it feels its way to stability. It will take time but it will happen–for better or worse.
All you have to do jack, to see what's next for Lybia, is to look at what's happened in Egypt since Mubarak was overthrown.
While the Left-wing media was touting "Democracy" in Egypt during their riots, reality today is that The Muslim Brotherhood is running the show in Egypt and "democracy", without a Constitution like the one we have, is nothing more than 'mob rule'.
Libyans that are 40 years and older and have been oppressed for so long should never forget what they have lived through. Now is their chance to get it right.
The country will be partition into 3 zones of colonial spoils : The british,BP oil, the French,in telecommunictions, and Italy ,in trade. Were is our cut ?
Nothing disturbs me more than to read what I have read today in your article about Libya. Have you ever met a person born and raised in Libya. I have they came to the US in the 1970's to go to school many stayed. They became doctors, pilots,,teachers, engineers etc. They are bright highly educated and soft spoken They are free to travel anywhere in the world to have medical treatment paid for by the oil money that is given to the people. We have met them, traveled to Europe but not allowed to go into Lybia. They are free to travel but Americans can't go into Lybia. So they meet you in Tunisia, Malta, Germany or Italy. If you become a citizen of another country you can never go back, so your family comes to America to visit. They love America and want to be free... If you look at a map you'll see that most live along the sea. They are not dessert rats, Yes Qaddafi was a Berber, it is to bad Americans are not more educated and believe such lies about something or someone they hate...out of ignorance. My friends have a beautiful home and all they have wanted is to be free but to cross Qaddafi would mean death. I don't believe they wanted the US to come into Lybia and I think President Obama has helped and not hurt those young people that are willing to give their life to have what they think we have here in the US. Many American and other countries worked in Lybia and talked respectfully of the people,before this all began last winter.
Don't count Gadhafi out.He is still in control.
Rudy P.
Roanoke, VA
Jack,
This might sound Un-American, but I could careless what's next for Libya. Don't we have enough of our own problems, no jobs, homeless people walking the streets, corrupt and political government of our own, a President who has no idea of what he's doing. An illegal alien invasion that needs to stop, that's bleeding our economy dry. How about we keep our nosy noses out of other countries business, stop all of the free hand outs everywhere, and take care of the good old U.S.A. for a very pleasant change!!
The glue that holds the world togrther comes in many varieties. Haven't we learned that lesson by now? Apparently not.
You mean besides the huge oil conglomerates setting up shop as soon as possible?
What's next for Libya is the battle that will determine if this revolt will bring some form of prosperity for it's people or let it remain immersed in poverty, and unemployment .. to be.ruled by some new nut job of a dictator.
Libya, however it has to, must create jobs for it's people by joining the international economic community...( do you really think these thousands of rebels left jobs to fight?)
.
My guess, this wont happen. . Long held traditional beliefs will place faction against faction, there will be years of conflict among themselves, and more bloodshed in the future.
Just another Muslim theocracy waiting to happen. Something like Egypt will become.
Global Warming like the rest of us, but where Gadhafi is headed things are even hotter.
They're going to change one tyranny for another which the Muslims take over in bring in Sha'ra Law. Just like elsewhere in the Middle-East.
-Stephen
Yarmouth, NS Canada
Well, Jack, what's next for Libya depends on how much we stick our unwanted noses into their business. It is a virtual certainty that a large segment of our government will want to "help" these people construct their new society. If these nitwits don't butt out, then it is guaranteed that within a few years we will have even MORE enemies in that region.
Who knows Jack? I'd like to believe a democratic form of government, but we really don't know who's behind this revolution.
Probably chaos just like Egypt.
I'm afraid it may be another Iraq. The area is tribal and once the jubilation is over, the Tribes will begin fighting for power. I truly hope I'm wrong and a smooth transition takes place.
Here's another example: America. We fought the British for nearly ten years and we were governed by one of the weakest governments under the Articles of Confederation. The people were poor and un-united. There were rebellions against the new American government, which ultimately led to the creation of the Constitution. Libya will probably go through some very tough times ahead, but in the end, I feel that they can make a great nation. They have massive oil reserves and a small population, and with the right governing body, Libya has great potential.
If history is any indication Libya will end up with another brutal dictator. Let's hope it is not a fanatical muslim extremist.
Ther"s never been freedom in the united states, for certain people. So if the people in Libya are looking to the united states for leadership in demoracy (poor example) to follow.
I am not the smartest guy in the U.S., but I am convinced Mohammar Gadhafi and his family are in the hotel and holding the journalists as hostages.
Jack,
The transition to a new government will be chaotic for at least a while. But maybe they'll get lucky and find some genuine patriots to take the reins of power. I know, Iraq, et al don't provide much reason for optimism. But we can still hope, can't we?
Jim
Reno, Nevada
What up Jack –
I wish Libya the best, but we're too busy dealing with this quake (yawn). I have to say that the DC bar scene is hopping right now, probably in celebration for the Libyans!
Best,
Mark
After Gadhafi, what’s next for Libya?
At least a couple years of instability while they define their brand of Democracy.
Jenna
Roseville CA
After Gadhafi, Install an oilman as president, establish a central bank, and invite all the rebels to the Tripoli central square for a celebration so the military can kill them all at once.
I remember when the Shah of Iran was overthrown and replaced with hardline religious zealots whom the population recently rebelled against and were brutally brought back to reality. This lesson was well learned by other populations in the Mid-East and , I feel, will not be repeated. So goes Egypt, so goes Libya. Look out Syria, Iran and Yemen.
Ideal time to leave them to their own fate. Pull out, stop the money flow, and start minding our own business and caring for American citizens until they prove without question they want a democratic government and human rights for all. We are there in hopes of gaining hold of future oil production and have based our involvement in Syria and the other mid-east countries on pure corporate and imperialistic greed. Leave and leave no one behind...now.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
My concern is that Libyans might look to emulate the United States as an example of an inclusive, accepting, thoughtful, peaceful democracy but they first encounter the rantings of the Tea party
Freedom
Instead of After Gadhafi, we should think "Before, After Gadhafi" Jack. By this i'm saying that we should think of what's going to happen to Libya before Gadhafi is already gone. We should be setting up the basis of this transitional government before Gadhafi is apprehended, that way once all is said and done the trasit. gov't can move in and get things under control before they have a chance to run amuck. Libya is and has been a Tribal country, this change to democracy will be a hard one no matter how many precautionary steps we take.
I think what should happen is that total waste of money known as the UN should be approached to help these countries become respected nations in the global community. Isn't this the sort of thing it was made for Jack?
Libya has always been semi-friendly to the West and many exiles live in London–plus they have lots and lots of OIL. The Mother Lode will be a lot different than the millions starving with no jobs for the youth–reconstruction alone creates millions of JOBS. When you are too busy and have a good Parlimentary system–they will be better than Egypt et al.
Well I don't know what's next for Libya, but let's hope that it's a faster turn around than the mess that was post-Hussein Iraq. All I can truly wish for is that the United States and other western powers will take a hands off approach to helping the new government.
A long period of getting it's act together but then a sense of national pride and a sense of belonging to the rest of the world. If they can avoid the theocratic trap, Libya can become a model democracy in Asia with peace and prosperity for all, well, almost all.
Correction, Jack. I meant to say "Libya," not Syria. Same difference, I guess.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
As much as we Americans would like to hope, this isn't good for us. Bottom line, people in that region don't like us. Whatever is next, it will definitely not be in the best interest of America. Sure, Gadhafi was a deranged lunatic, but at least we knew what we were dealing with. Something tells me the people at Langley are putting in some over time right about now.
Next is freedom, civilization, human rights respected, no more corruption , no more killing and torturing...tell me Mr Cafferty, which nation built its institution and freedom and economy overnight, I would love from educated non bias man, not to make it as if middle east is gonna collapse after those criminals are gone. GOD BLESS HEROES IN MIDDLE EAST .
Jack, nothing is certain for the Libyan people. What's next? Sara Sidner will become the next ruler of Libya ensuring freedom of the press to be sure....
Jack, the people of Libya are just that: people. They're not all fanatics like people fear and they're not all clueless dopes like so many have suggested. They'll make mistakes. Sure. But they can create and sustain a democracy as well as any other country in the world. They just need time and more importantly, a chance! Here's hoping the world allows them that.
It will be chaos and anarchy, like most middle eastern countries, there is no civil education. Everyone think democracy is being totally free with no accountability. It is a country of tribes that hate each others, they will kill each other to gain control and power. An arabic quote says. " one man ask the Faroe, who made you Faroe. He answered, i did, didnt find anyone to stop me and my madness." that will be the case in Libya.
Jack,
We need to be careful what we wish for,
Libya is ripe for extremist to take over.
And sadly we will pay a large price, and not just in money.
Iraq, Afganistan, nothing will ever change, they do not know any better.
They are all led by trible leaders, and none are our friends.
more US involvement, of course, you know, trying to teach them the right thing? (what)? Too bad, too. We can spend their seized money better if we didnt have to give it back....might be able to say in afghanistan a few extra days. and of course, lets not lose sight of big oil seeing BIG opportunity, while we show FREE libyans American greed. God, we are SUCH leaders...
Think of the communist countries. They survived quite well after the regime change. They learned to think and manage their economy. It is still a rugged road to get there.............. Is the U.S.A. managing well? Do people know which way the country goes?
Geza
They've got oil and a great beach, all they need is the money and talent to develop it. And once they have a convention center they can have a great gun show.
The people of Libya will be pumping their fist in the air and displaying signs saying all the "infidels" get out. That's what's next for us.
Libya and Egypt are in a similar situation. We already pay the Egyptian Army. Libya should combine with Egypt to make Egyptia or Ligypt. I know it sounds crazy but statigically it would be nice. Not only that but the Egyptian Army would certainly know how to handle the heavy weapons in Libya. Oh yeah. The Earthquake was different. It rocked my world...
Libya will now become America's "little buddy", keeping the oil flowing to the U.S. and giving us a reason to keep troops there...to "protect our interests". As far as the people of Libya, they will go through alot of internal strife, trying to figure out who will rule the country and with what kind of law. They will probably become "drunk" with freedom before they learn how to live with it. Let's hope that their new "government/congress" will not emulate ours.
The first goal of the National Transitional Council, no matter what comes after, will have to be to establish stability. Not an easy task as this will involve dealing with the remnants of Gadhafi's loyalists and controlling starvation and unemployment. The nation will likely be placed under martial law, during which the National Transitional Council can either work towards establishing a true democracy with a constitution and fair and open elections, or consolidate their authority as Libya's next dictatorship. All eyes should be on the National Transitional Council to see how they respond to the pressures of controlling a post-revolutionary nation.
I think Libya will take on a new democratic country. The people of libya have asked for freedom and they have been granted this number one priority by defeating Gaddafi. The future of Libya lies within the hands of its own people and will evolve to be a country with many international relations and a new era of democracy. Libya has the support of many countries around the world which will help rebuild Libya's future. As I am a Libyan Canadian, I would like to congratulate all my fellow Libyan citizens on this victorious day where the Libyan people have changed history!
There is a lot of options open for Libya, they can become democratic and elect the leaders they want, Libya can become a republic so they wont give all power to a single man. Maybe even a constitutional monarchy like the United Kingdom. If you ask me its still to early to decide what they will do. Its up to the Libyan people.
Civil war, Anarchy, Chaos and Hunger. Twenty years from today there will be Tribal militia men fighting for power. Jack, bad government is better than anarchy state.
I am from Saudi, studying political science in the States, my prospective is it's going be less safe for western countries, especially Italy, and france. Plus, a good base for extremists. A new government would reduce the risk of Al-qaida. What we don't understand about their ideology is that they are looking for a weak, unstable government in the middle east to work on training the young extremist and spread their ideology. Look where Al-qaida is in the middle east: Yemen, Algeria, Iraq, and Somal.
It is easy to allude that the people in these Islamic countries have a history of failing when they suddenly find themselves 'free' but it must be remembered that none of these places are countries with a historical context but rather a mish mash of different tribes that were combined into a country to better serve the needs of the west. The countries of the former Yugoslavia have struggled with their new found freedom after escaping Soviet domination so why are we surprised that when the west seemingly demands that unlike Serbia or Croatia that Iran or Libya remain as a 'country for our convenience' that the transition to democracy does not go smoothlly.
(Denver) It sounds as if there are a variety of voices within the rebel forces: some pro-democracy who would like a constitutional form of government. I hope those are the successful voices. However, there are also various forces outside of Libya who will want to influence the country toward ends which benefit interests outside of the interests of the Libyan people. These forces, unfortunately, tend to have a great deal of experience in taking advantage of chaotic moments to manipulate ends to meet with their desires. Some moderate mixture of these disparate interests will battle until one becomes dominant. My guess is it will look like a democratic, free market economy controlled and corrupted by inside, and outside forces to the ultimate benefit of rich, Western interests.
Glad they got rid of Gadhafi, what a long run that tyrant had!
I wish the Libyan people well and hope this revolution works out for them.
So, I won't make a joke out of offering Obama to replace Gadhafi.
Best of luck to the Libyans, don't do what we did!
As long as they say alah akbar they are different then gadhafi
Jack: Your comments on Libya and the other Mid East countries are right on the money. Things will not change to any substantial degree and may (or probably) will get worse for the people and for relations with Western countries. I personally spent one year in Egypt on a UN peacekeeping force in 1964 , which was eye opening. We will not change the mindset of these people no matter how much President Obama and other Western leaders orate on democracy western style. Think about it, could they change our way of thinking?
Civil war, Anarchy, Chaos and Hunger. Twenty years from today there will be Tribal militia men fighting for power.Jack, Libiya will be as same as Somalia.
What Obama has done reminds me of what Carter did to the shah of Iran . He pulled the rug out from Mubarek in Egypt and now Gadahfi in Libya .He has replaced the devils we know with god only knows who will replace them . Not Good !
The global bankers have attacked Libya for one reason and one reason only – Libya has 144 tons of gold.
Maybe Gadhafi is hanging out with Saif at the hotel.
Hey Jack, what is happening right in Iraq is the future of Libya. Libya tomorrow will be more likely a Libya 2.0
What ever it is, it is up to the Libyans. One day the west will cease attempting to control the world. Who tells us what kind of Government to have? Oh, that is different is it not?
Anarchy , Obama needs to do his homework . Like Carter before him , he's made a very bad call that leaves both Egypt and now Libya in a world of turmoil .
No need for speculation, go to the library (its hard to find a lot of substance on the internet) and look at Cosmopolitian Tripoli in the 60"s and 50's BEFORE Gadhafi and AFTER European Colonialism. Can they become a successful Northern version of say, South Africa if Europe and America works with them. That brief period before Gadhafi and after Italian Colonialism seem to indicate that they can.