This is the first election in Libya since 1964. Nearly three generations have not understood the idea of freedom.
Benghazi was being shelled mercilessly by Gadaffi until NATO moved against the regime.
There are reports of violent militias within Libya since the government overthrow and how the world is looking the other way. That is not the case. Quite amazingly and to their credit Amnesty International has been able to document the anarchy that still exists. No one is looking the other way, but, only seeking solutions. Iraq had the problem for many reasons; revenge, control, fear and even defense of a Cleric, so the presence of outside troops are not the answer; if anything it can make circumstances far worse.
In "The Independent," Patrick Cockburn has a strong criticism of the violence and rightfully so; but the answer to his criticism is not the return of the old regime. The problem in Libya is not so very different than that of any transition of government, there is fear and strong arm local control. Everyone raising a voice against the current dynamic is viewed as a enemy. Right or wrong, the militias that fought in their liberation war are still worried about maintaining their new freedom.
While Mr. Cockburn talks about the violence, he doesn't talk in detail the measures of bringing order to Libya by the National Transitional Council. He also neglects the fact Gaddafi's son is still in the country, imprisoned and waiting trial. While having Saif al-Islam Gaddafi alive in prison seems a victory all by itself, the reality of his presence also fuels the fear of a loss of freedom to the people. His presence in the country rather than at the World Court may be a mistake.
Trying Saddam in Iraq was a mistake as far as I am concerned. I believe removing the monster to a place where he can have no visitors to consort with as allies to invoke a return or an escape is a better outcome for the people. But, removing Saif to a World Court prison would itself bring about apprehension to the outcome of losing control of him. There is no easy answer for Libya post Gaddafi. The elections will prove Libya to be stronger and its future more secure, but, there will continue to be problems.
The people need to find the strength to report outlaw militias to the authorities of the government they have elected. Additionally, the militias should be sanctioned and paid by the newly elected government and come under its leadership. The militias need training and confidence. They have to be legitimate members of the country they fought for. They have to bring their concerns to the leadership for resolution through applied structure of justice. The rule of law doesn't happen overnight in a country having overthrown their government only a year or so ago.
There is no immediate domestic peace when this occurs, perhaps that is why so many were still willing to fight for Gadaffi as assassins on rooftops. The revolution was a brave act by the people and still remains a brave act.
Libya is not a poor country. It can afford to pay their militias to come under the umbrellas of the newly elected government. They can purchase the arms from those that will not commit to government leadership and ultimately it can forcefully disarm those unwilling to be peaceful. But, to those in LIbya, while the militias are a problem, one might ask them if they want a return to oppressive government control or even the appearance of it; most likely they would say no.
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Luke Harding in Tripoli
Federalists in eastern Libya (click title to entry - thank you) attacked several polling stations on Saturday as the country voted in the historic first election since last year's revolution and the death of Muammar Gaddafi.
Although voting took place peacefully across much of the country, armed gangs in Benghazi stormed a polling station and burned ballot papers. Two other polling stations were attacked, with one man shot in the arm. There were similar incidents in the eastern coastal towns of Guba and Suluq, where fighters stopped ballot papers being delivered.
However, in the capital, Tripoli, and other cities thousands queued from 8am to vote, the overwhelming majority for the first time.
Libya's last election took place in 1964 under King Idris al-Senussi, the monarch Gaddafi ousted five years later....
