In the past few weeks, the world has watched with amazement at the scenes in Libya. Thousands of protesters have lined the streets, demanding the resignation of Colonel Gaddafi. Only a few weeks previously in Egypt, the former president Hosni Mubarak refused to step down. Yet he was fully aware that he had lost control and respect of his people. Colonel Gaddafi on the other hand, is still under the illusion that he can hold onto power in Libya. Only today he stated: ‘all my people love me’.
Colonel Gaddafi still has a following of loyal supporters. A minority of people who believe that he should not step down. However, the vast majority of the population in Libya crave the resignation of their leader. The only last defence for Gaddafi is the capital city of Tripoli.
While other areas of the country have been taken over by those opposed to the regime, the capital of Tripoli still remains as a stumbling block. However many argue that it is only a matter of days before the activists take control of the city. Accoring to reports in The Independent, many areas in outlying districts of Tripoli have been abandoned by the security forces.
The uprising in Libya has proved to be very eventful and intriguing to watch. The world has watched with disdain as reports stated that forces loyal to Gaddafi had shot and killed large numbers of protesters. It appears that only Tripoli stands in the way of the activists and Gaddafi. The dictator may still believe that ‘all his people love him’, but once the rebels take control of the capital city, Gaddafi’s reign of power will have reached a distasteful conclusion.
Where does the US go from here? After years of tolerating or clearly supporting unpopular regimes in the region, the US is faced with an uncertain future here. The aspirations of a democratic Arab world
, also know as “THE BUSH DOCTRINE”, is a fallcy. Anyone believing that this allwill end in a democractic Arab world – call me…I have a bridge to sell you.
Hello Marc. Yes this is the all important question. For years America had advocated ‘democracy’, yet only on their terms and conditions. The recent events in Egypt, Tunisia and now Libya have shocked the American government. This will not all end in a ‘democratic Arab world’. I read an article the other day that the people who lose power eventually regain it. For example, those who supported Hosni Mubarak’s regime will one day return to important roles in Government. The only thing concerning Western Governments is the matter of oil. Libya is the 9th richest oil country in the world. That is why in Saudi Arabia the royal family is giving more welfare to its people. Keep them happy and they will have nothing to complain about.
Thank you for the comment Marc.
Why not a democratic Arab state? Does not one exist Palestine? Why not a democratic Muslin state? Does not one exist in Turkey? In the view of the west a Arab or Muslim state is said is democratic only if policies are in the favor of the west. Other wise there elections and institutions are said to be invalid and flawed.
I don’t know who is more delusional and self absorbed, Charlie Sheen or Gaddafi and his son. Either way, Obama now knows how Bush felt just 9 months into his first term.
those waiting for Libya to be the next Tunisia and Egypt are the delusional ones.
Gaddafi has thousands of well armed African and Eastern European mercenaries.
he has never trusted his army because they are from other tribes.
if the west does not step in soon, it will be over.
Thank you for your reply Exavier. I believe that Gaddafi will stay in power. Western governments are delaying the ‘no-fly zone’ policy which is enabling Gaddafi’s forces to bomb rebel held areas. The Arab League has stated that the West must intervene but our governemts are not doing anything. Slowly and surely, Gaddafi will regain control of the country.
The world and history will see this as a failure of the Obama administration, inept and cowardly. The Germans commit to nothing that costs them money, Italy just wants their oil. No surprises there. Only France and Britten displayed any courage. And for those in the world with aspirations of freedom, America again betrays them. Obama is their greatest disappointment.