It's another tense night in North Africa, but nobody would have predicted that Gaddafi could be so vulnerable. When fighter pilots defect, when diplomats walk out of embassies, when Gaddafi resorts to air power, and many cities are in the hands of protesters, it is surely hours, not days before he has to flee.
Of course, it is not over yet. Those who have murdered as many as 600 people in the last few days, will hold desperately on to power. This is the bloodiest of the peoples uprisings, and the biggest test of ruthless despotism we have seen so far.
But when the state resorts to such violence against its people, it is over. Gaddafi is hated by the people and will soon fall. Though despised by his nation, he has been courted by the West. Befriended by our former British Prime Minister, one of the the most disturbing pictures I have in my head is from Dec 2003, when Tony Blair shook Gaddafi's hand in front of the then chairperson of BP - befriending a tyrant for the sake of political gain and an oil deal.
Blair turned his back on the atrocities committed by Gaddafi against his own people, and chose to forgive Gaddafi's arming of violent terrorist throughout the world (including the IRA) for the sake of a few arms deals and an oil deal.
The US and Britain governments must take their share of the blame for arming, trading with, and supporting regimes from Libya to Burma. It must end with the demise of Colonel Gaddafi.
The time of dictators is fast coming to a close.
What will all this mean in Britain? If we can no longer rely on dictators to fund our lifestyles what will happen to the power that our governments hold over our lives?
ReplyDeleteLike Israel in the wilderness we may soon be wondering whether freedom was such a good idea. Back in Egypt we had bread to eat. At least in Babylon there was a chance for material promotion and status for the price of a little compromise.
And how will our leaders shore up their privileged place as the resources continue to be withheld by liberated nations who may start to decide not to feather western nests any more?
I'm simply bubbling with amazement at what has been happening, first Tunisia, then Egypt and now Libya. Where next?! I hope, as you say, it will be hours rather than days for Gaddafi. I am not sure whether the UN should get involved. What do you think Chris? One great thing about Tunisia and Egypt was that there was no forceful outside intervention.
ReplyDeleteKeith posts interesting questions.
How many of your New Year wishes have already come true Chris!? Seems to me like you had a premonition... will it spread outside N. Africa to SE Asia...??!
ReplyDeleteHi my name is Alan, i'm living in Istanbul. Very interesting coments you have been making. I hope and prey that the new regimes and new leaders of this region will be an improvement on the old ones, but its far from sure if this will be the case.
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