NATO military operations end in Libya - how the scene is emerging?

The North Atlantic treaty organisation (NATO) military operations in Libya officially ended on October 31 and a post-Gaddafi era is now emerging in a country which has long been at the centre of discussions not only in the Arab and African world, but far beyond in the wider international arena. Muammar Gaddafi remained at the helm of the country for a long uninterrupted forty two years - a rarity in contemporary global history. He was both cheered and jeered, but the last phase of his rule and life has been marked by booing of the person, once acclaimed as a great "revolutionary". Gaddafi took power aged only twenty seven causing a worldwide sensation by toppling the well-entrenched monarchy in Libya and ruled the oil-rich nation with an iron-fist till February this year, when the ripples of uprising struck his country like several other nations in the middle east and north Africa.The once-benevolent dictator and whimsical leader remained firm in the saddle initially but gradually gave in to the spreading unrest against his rule and finally, he was killed and that too in a merciless manner. Even though a controversy rages about the circumstances under which the once seemingly invincible strongman met a pathetic end, the truth is that he is now a footnote in history. A post-Gaddafi Libya is now the area of interest and curiosity both at home and abroad and it remains to be seen how the "New Libya" emerges in conformity with the hopes and aspirations of its people. NATO played a crucial role in shaping up the Gaddafi-free Libya unlike the changes that have taken place in two other regional nations - Tunisia and Egypt. NATO military operations in the form of unremitting air attacks on key installations and Gaddafi forces for several months largely helped bring about the drastic change in Libya. In case of Tunisia, not a very important country as such when viewed politically or otherwise, it is the people who brought the much desired changes. In fact, the flame of democratic and economic reforms ignited from this country spread like wildfire to other nations. President Zainulabedin Ben Ali, the long time autocrat, was swept away by people power and he had to flee the country and take refuge in Saudi Arabia. He has been sentenced to long term imprisonment in absentia for the political and economic repression unleashed by him on the Tunisian people. But it was Egypt, the most populous and politically influential Arab country in the region that caused headlines all over the world as it was not only rattled but its three-decade long ruler Hosni Mubarak was toppled from power by the people. He is now facing trial for myriad offences including ordering killing of protestors against his rule. The third country to be battered by the developments was Libya while several other nations also felt the heat of the on-going uprising for democratic and economic reforms. However, the scenario here was different as NATO operating under the cover of a resolution of the United Nations Security Council intervened at a very critical hour with heavy bombing of the Libyan government troops and installations. Anti-Gaddafi forces gained ascendancy at the beginning of the unrest, but was about to be crushed by the loyalists in their stronghold Benghazi at one stage. The timely intervention by NATO war planes led by France changed the war-scene that eventually saw the total capitulation of the Gaddafi regime. The National Transitional Council (NTC), the de facto government established by anti-Gaddafi forces during the civil war is now in total control of the country. Even before the old regime was totally eliminated, Western leaders like French President Nicholas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameroon landed in Tripoli which had earlier been freed by the NTC forces. Then the United States Secretary of States Hillary Clinton came, whose arrival in Tripoli signalled that the remaining strongholds of Gaddafi would soon fall and that actually happened along with the demise of the ex-ruler and his close associates. The interim government has announced a roadmap for elections in Libya and things are moving in that direction although somewhat haphazardly. The squabbles among the tribes, rivalry within the leadership of the NTC and fear whether the welfare pattern of governance would really continue in the future are some of the factors that are causing confusion and scepticism about a bright "New Libya". Many institutions are in a shambles and putting them on right track will be a Herculean task. Additionally, there appears a lack of cohesion and coordination, which however, are not uncommon at this juncture. Nevertheless, a "New Libya" has to emerge and that has to be consistent with the desire of the people and it is necessary to see that the hopes are not belied. Hopefully, the future of Libya would be encouraging and the post-Gaddafi phase must see that "New Libya" is better in many ways than the previous one. The task is delicate, but not impossible. The NTC wanted NATO to continue its military exercise for some more time since it fears that remnants of Gaddafi regime still may create some problems. There is hardly any scope for such possibilities and NATO has rightly turned down the plea. It is now up to the Libyans to make their home better and the world is looking forward to them. The NTC has elected through vote, a little known but respected academic Abul Rahim Al Keeb as the interim Prime Minister, who will oversee the coming elections expected within eight months. Hopefully, he would be able to discharge the onerous task with efficiency even though the road to democracy is bumpy. zaglulbss@yahoo.com