New York Times (April 20)
“The high season of migration from Africa to Europe has begun, bringing with it a new wave of tragic drownings in the Mediterranean…. Unless Europe acts to reform its policy on migration, 2015 could be the deadliest year yet for the thousands of people who fled to Libya from conflict-torn regions across the Middle East and Africa, only to find Libya equally dangerous.”
Tags: Africa, Conflict, Dangerous, Deadliest, Drownings, Europe, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Migration
Financial Times (August 22)
“It is premature to celebrate the end of the fighting while Colonel Gaddafi remains at large and diehard supporters of the regime continue to fight in Tripoli. But the outcome now seems clear…. the regime is – thankfully – finished.” While this is just the beginning, so far the rebels have performed in an encouraging manner. For example, “the Benghazi-based National Transitional Council has been largely successful in maintaining order in the towns and cities that it has liberated from Col Gaddafi.”
Tags: Gaddafi, Libya, Rebels, Regime change
The Economist (July 14)
“The fall of the Arab world’s worst two dictators would give a terrific boost to the region.” Half a year into the Arab spring, results are mixed. Perhaps we expected too much, too soon, but we should not forget the remaining potential. “The immediate fate of the Arab spring turns on Libya and Syria, both in the throes of revolution. If either got rid of its dictator, the overall Arab movement towards democracy would enjoy a huge step up.”
Tags: Arab spring, Democracy, Dictators, Libya, Middle East, Syria
Financial Times (May 24)
Barack Obama’s visit to the UK has called attention to the long standing alliance between the two countries. While some say this relationship has been weakening, “the two countries’ interests are aligned on the most pressing questions.” These priorities include resolving conflict in Afghanistan, reaching a solution in Libya, and moving Israel and Palestine towards peace.
Wall Street Journal (March 24)
Nato’s efforts in Libya are in disarray. There is no consensus about how operations should be conducted or who should lead them. Already tied up in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. really does not want to lead the Libyan coalition. It may have to. “In the absence of U.S. leadership, everyone else quarrels, frets and cavils, and we get a concoction like a “political steering committee” to run orders of battle.”
Tags: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Nato
Boston Globe (March 8)
The U.S. should avoid setting up a no-fly zone in Libya unless this becomes “absolutely necessary to prevent a bloodbath.” Obama should resist making this “big commitment” because of myriad pitfalls and complications. Moreover, the rebels will eventually “be forced to build a government out of a nation of divided and sometimes hostile tribes.” Success will be easier if the victory is entirely their own. “The best result for the United States would be a stable, progressive Libyan government built by Libyans on their own.”
Tags: Libya, No-fly zone, Rebels, U.S.
The Economist (February 24)
“Brutality and persecution” allowed Muammar Qaddafi to hold power for 41 years. The Economist hopes that his reign will finally end, yet fears “that even now Mr Qaddafi will somehow clamber over the bodies littering the streets to seize back the power that has slipped away from him.”
