By Douglas V. Gibbs
Nobody doubts that Gadhafi is a dictator that would serve Libya best if he was no longer the ruler of that nation. Gadhafi staged a bloodless coup in 1969 to gain power, eliminating the monarchy, and setting himself up as the military dictator. His rule ever since has been brutal.
An Islamist that believes in the future vision of a world dominated by Muslims, his fierce anti-Western policies have constantly placed Libya at odds with the world. To control the population within, Gadhafi made dissent illegal, changed Libya's calender into a Muslim based one, ordered the expulsion of all Italians from the country in 1970, and forced out as many Berbers as he could.
A Socialist, Gadhafi has ensured that Libya's economy is centrally planned. Oil revenues have enabled the country to stay afloat financially, despite Gadhafi's failed policies. A small population has also contributed to the slightly favorable economic conditions in Libya.
Regardless of the ups and downs (mostly downs) of Libya's history, society has been on a downward spiral ever since Gadhafi took office. He has expected the nation to abide by strict Muslim laws, which means that women are not seen in public, alcohol is prohibited, and the people of Libya are literally cut off from the outside except for whatever news the state-run media allows the citizenry to be exposed to.
Beyond Libya's borders, Gadhafi contributed to the Islamization of Sudan and Chad, and dispatching personnel and materials to Lebanon, Syria, Uganda, and Palestine to make sure that Islam remains in control in those countries.
In 1986, after a bombing of a discotheque in Berlin where Libya took credit, Gadhafi received a visit from U.S. warplanes, courtesy of President Ronald Reagan. The strike was quick, and the American fighters did not remain after the bombing run. At least 15 died, and about 2,000 were reported to be injured.
Gadhafi, in the next decade, refused to extradite the Libyans indicted for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. After three years of refusal, in 1994, Gadhafi was persuaded by Nelson Mandela to hand over the individuals to the Scottish Court in the Netherlands. The men faced trial in 1999. Only one of them was found guilty, and he was given a life sentence, that wound up not being fully served.
That all said, I understand the reasoning for wanting Gadhafi out of power. I get the anger over his treatment of the citizens of Libya. I even understand the argument the international community has made regarding the U.N.'s involvement with the rebels that are working to overthrow Gadhafi right now. But, I don't think in this case it is a wise move. As we saw in Egypt, Islamists worse than the one in power are behind these so-called democracy movements. The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt was quick to slip into power, and other groups, one of them possibly being al-Qaeda, are doing the same in Libya.
From the lens of original intent of the Founding Fathers, I also find it difficult to support a military operation of this kind in a country that has not posed a direct threat to the United States, or has not sponsored an offensive strike against one of our allies. Before the world finishes rejoicing the demise of Gadhafi, the growing Islamist threat will claim victory in Libya, and we may very well regret our involvement in removing Gadhafi from power.
Yes, I believe Gadhafi is about to fall, and the dirtbag definitely deserves it, but as a result of his removal it is very possible the world will be a much scarier place.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Libyan Rebels Say They Are Attacking Tripoli - My Way News
Libya Rebels Try to Reach Tripoli and Aid Revolt - Reuters
Libya Calls for Ceasefire as Rebels Advance - Sky News
Libya rebels in Tripoli, Gadhafi defenses collapse - Associated Press
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