Libyan dictator Moamar Qaddafi is on the run as rebels converged on Tripoli. After months of civil war, the rebels, assisted by NATO from the air and probably by advisers on the ground, are bringing the conflict to its conclusion.
The scary part is not the departure of Qaddafi, an evil tyrant who has long abused his people, terrorized innocents, and threatened stability in the region. It is the unknown future that lays ahead. The rebels may celebrate together in the coming days, but they will soon be divided by factions, self interest, greed, and the pursuit of power.
Who is likely to prevail? Sadly, as is being seen in Egypt, it is likely that an Islamist group will do all it can to take the reigns of power. The chances of a liberal democracy growing in Libya that has never known such a government of the people are slim.
Rebels now control most of Tripoli and Qaddafi whereabouts are unknown at this time. His sons have been captured by rebels, but they have been defiant saying that their father has laid a trap for the rebels. Bluster of course.
President Obama may claim success for his tactics of "leading from behind" in Libya, but with no boots on the ground and no plan for the future, Libya could easily degenerate into what Iraq was in 2003, something Obama has routinely criticized Bush 44 and the Republicans for. It's very possible that Libya could become the next Yemen, Afghanistan, or Iran, continuing to pose a threat to its neighbours and the free world while oppressing it's citizens under Sharia law.
The hope for the rule of law rather than the rule of a man is dim. America and NATO may be back in Libya before long, and with a much higher casualty count.
The scary part is not the departure of Qaddafi, an evil tyrant who has long abused his people, terrorized innocents, and threatened stability in the region. It is the unknown future that lays ahead. The rebels may celebrate together in the coming days, but they will soon be divided by factions, self interest, greed, and the pursuit of power.
Who is likely to prevail? Sadly, as is being seen in Egypt, it is likely that an Islamist group will do all it can to take the reigns of power. The chances of a liberal democracy growing in Libya that has never known such a government of the people are slim.
Rebels now control most of Tripoli and Qaddafi whereabouts are unknown at this time. His sons have been captured by rebels, but they have been defiant saying that their father has laid a trap for the rebels. Bluster of course.
President Obama may claim success for his tactics of "leading from behind" in Libya, but with no boots on the ground and no plan for the future, Libya could easily degenerate into what Iraq was in 2003, something Obama has routinely criticized Bush 44 and the Republicans for. It's very possible that Libya could become the next Yemen, Afghanistan, or Iran, continuing to pose a threat to its neighbours and the free world while oppressing it's citizens under Sharia law.
The hope for the rule of law rather than the rule of a man is dim. America and NATO may be back in Libya before long, and with a much higher casualty count.
