Libyan scene remains tense and uncertain

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury | Published: March 07, 2011 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury
Amidst a large degree of uncertainties and escalating skirmishes, a defiant Muhammar Gaddafi is seeking every means-ranging from face-saving diplomatic overtures to tough military actions-to remain in power in Libya, the world's 12th largest oil producer. The embattled leader is refusing to step-down in the face of deepening unrest against his 41 years of authoritarian rule while exploring all avenues to stay as the leader of the country that appears to be on the brink of a change in the helm following new faces replacing the old and longtime guards in the fellow Arab countries -Tunisia and Egypt. Several other nations in the middle east and north African region-where the demands for democratic and economic reforms are gaining momentum-are also on the verge of leadership change despite the hell-bent efforts by the rulers to remain firm in the saddle. But certainly, Libya is the prime focus for the last several days with the endless interest and curiosity all over the world-how long Gaddafi would be able to cling on to power when vast areas of his country has been whittled away from his control and he is struggling to retain areas including capital Tripoli. He is the most talked about person in the international scene at the moment. Whether Gaddafi remains in the Libyan stage despite colossal problems or he is compelled to quit like the presidents of Tunisia or Egypt, he is the cynosure of all eyes unquestionably. But he is a person of a different mentality and background than most of the beleaguered Arab rulers and he is talking and conducting himself even at this dire situation in a manner that definitely others would not venture. He says there is no question of "stepping down" as he holds no official position and ridiculed those who describe him as the "president" or any other such designations. Still known to many as "Colonel Gaddafi" for his lead in the Libyan revolution 41 years ago toppling the monarchy of King Iddris, the young army officer has remained firm in the scene for more than four decades. It has been possible with relative ease because of the fact that he was a socialist in outlook and chose to bring about social justice in his country that benefited the poor and the middle class. Then again, his has been a totally one-man show with no relevance whatsoever and having even no semblance of democratic rule. Besides, he has also embarked on a scheme to bring his son in the line of succession. His whimsical pattern of functioning is also something that has not earned him accolades at home and abroad, although his fiery speeches, including the one delivered at the United Nations General Assembly Session (UNGA) in 2009, was acclaimed by some quarters as "courageous." True, Gaddafi has established himself in many ways different from many others. But the fact that he has been there for 41 years making him the longest serving Arab leader is in itself a bane that was destined to evoke great protests at one stage or the other. Now, this is happening as a logical corollary to the Libyan conditions. Gaddafi is rejecting all the calls for resignation as he says he remains the "leader" of his people, who "love him." But fact remains that his government is killing protestors demanding reforms. His son Saif Gaddafi claims that they are not involved in the killings. Then who is killing the demonstrators? Libyan fighter jets have been pressed into service against the 'rebels', who are in control of most places in the east including second biggest city of Benghazi. The rebels are finding it hard to retain the gains in face of such attacks as the number of foreign workers leaving the country has swelled to more than two hundred thousand. Gaddafi is maintaining his control in most parts of the western Libya but facing big difficulties elsewhere. His people are armed -- even the civilians -- to fight his loyalists. Consequently, the situation is becoming civil-war like. Western powers have made some decisions like sanctions, but these are having scant effect. The movement of the American naval ships centring the Libyan crisis is also seen by some quarters as helping Gaddafi earn sympathy. This could be true, but the very fact that a "once revolutionary leader" is killing his own people in ruthless manner just to remain in power, cannot ensure a safe place for him in the country. Things are worsening for him and his close friend Hugo Chavez - the Venezulean president - is seeking to broker a negotiated settlement to the tangle. But the rebels want Gaddafi to quit and leave the country, which the temperamental leader is highly unlikely to accept. Gaddafi is stubborn not to cave in, but the bottom line is that Libya has changed and his time is clearly running out - although it is difficult to predict whether his time could be counted in "days" or "weeks" or even "months." (e-mail: zaglulbss@yahoo.com)