Closing the chapter
With the rebels entering Tripoli amid public jubilation, Gaddafi is now history. It remains to be seen if Gaddafi, the dictator with the longest ever tenure of 42 years, is able to leave the country like Ben Ali, or ends up in custody like Hosnie Mubarak or meets a violent end. Two of his sons, including heir apparent Seif al-Islam have been arrested. With the capital city’s airport under the rebels’ control, he is left with no means to escape. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court which has issued warrants for his arrest for crimes against humanity wants him to be handed over to it.
Gaddafi has been aptly described as ‘one of the world’s most flamboyant and mercurial figures’. Gaddafi was widely hailed in the third world when he overthrew the monarchy and promised to employ the country’s vast oil resources for the betterment of his people. Many believed that with a relatively small population the country would turn into an outstanding example of a welfare state. With the monarchy gone people hoped there would be democracy in the country. Gaddafi failed to fulfill the expectations on both counts. He squandered the country’s resources on interventions in other countries as well as on wasteful economic projects at home. Instead of allowing opposition parties he set up a one party system where he himself played the central role. Gaddafi’s tirades against the US and the neighbouring countries further led to his isolation. For many years the country was subjected to sanctions.
Libya was among the first countries to be affected by the Arab Spring. Gaddafi had enough time to enter into negotiations with the dissidents to introduce improvements in the system. He chose instead to crush them. As he continued the ruthless suppression, the US and Nato countries decided to intervene. The success of the rebels is in no small measure due to the weapons supplied and logistic support provided by the US and Nato. With no political parties in the country and a lot of tribal contradictions, it remains to be seen if the rebels are able to bring peace and stability that existed for most of the period under Gaddafi.
It is very important that after the end of Qadafi the rebels are able to get organised and hold the country togather.There are some experianced and well educated lawyers, Professors among the rebels. Former Justice Minister Abdul Jalil who was a well respected Judge heads the Provisional Transitional council'.Hopefully ,the council will able to handle the critical situation otherwise there will be chaos for along time. A Good analysis in the Editorial.I agree that Col. Qadafi brought this upon himself by being stubborn and ignoring the writing on the wall.
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