Libyan protests

By now it is absolutely clear that Libya stands on the verge of change: The people protesting across the length and breadth of the North African nation against the longest serving autocrat in the world and one of the most ruthless – Muammar Gadaffi – seem to be in no mood to stop until and unless the embattled Libyan strongman steps down and makes way for a democratic government. Gadaffi, who has single-handedly ruled Libya for over four decades, has gone as far as using rocket propelled grenades against the protestors besides issuing menacing threats but the protests have just kept on spreading like a wildfire.



What is happening in the Arab world has taken the world by a storm: Perhaps not even the keenest of students and observers of Middle East politics would have anticipated the political landscape of the region to change at such a rapid pace. First it was Tunisia where what is dubbed as the Jasmine Revolution ousted longtime president, Zine El Abidine Ali, who held office for over 23 years. Less than a month later, popular protests forced Egyptian president of more than 30 years, Hosni Mubarak, to quit office. Now Libya stands on the verge of change while similar protests are gaining ground in countries such as Yemen and Bahrain.



However, while the protests forced Ben Ali and Mubarak to cede power to the people despite initial reluctance, things are not expected to happen as easily in Libya. Gaddafi and his son, Saif, have repeatedly made it clear that they have no intention of giving up power or fleeing the country. In an interview to a television channel Saif said: “We have Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. Plan A is to live and die in Libya, Plan B is to live and die in Libya, Plan C is to live and die in Libya.” Those who have worked closely with Gaddafi and know the man inside out say that he will cling to power until his last breath. All this implies that unfortunately there is more bloodshed and chaos waiting to happen in Libya in the immediate days ahead.



It is time the international community stepped in more forcefully in order to save the lives of the common Libyans. Gaddafi’s security forces have allegedly killed over 1,000 protestors already and more people are certain to lose their lives if Gaddafi is not forced to give in. The United Nations must make it clear to Gaddafi that if he continues to kill his own people and does not cede power, he will be tried for crimes against humanity. As of writing this editorial, the US has already taken a lead by slapping sanctions against Gadaffi, his family members and top officials of his government. The other countries must follow suit and support the Libyans in their fight for justice and democracy.

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