blog 23

Blog 23

This is part of the second piece of my essay. It is just a section but represents much of the ideas. In order to understand the current conflict in the Libya, one must first contemplate Libya's recent past under Qaddafi's regime and the country's shift from economic obscurity and mischievous image to being on relative good terms with the Western nations of the United States of America and the United Nations. In the 1980's and for much of the 1990's, Libya was seen as a “rogue state” (author, n.p.). Yet, with the suspension of sanctions against Libya by the United Nations, the country was able to become economically viable in the West. Along with this, another major factor catapulted Libya forward in the view of the West. “By siding with the U.S.” and “joining the 'Global War on Terrorism'” (author, n.p.). Muammar Qaddafi had succeeded in ending the country's political obscurity and poor image. The two factors contributed heavily to Libya's gain in power economically and politically. Some may argue that this has resulted partially in the current civil war, because as Qaddafi gained more power, his military was developed more and his ego increased. Furthermore, according to the author, “The Libyan regime has understood that paying lip service to reforms, in enough for Europe and the United States to lessen their call for democratization” (n.p.). This lack of pressure from the international community to end Qaddafi's supreme grip of Libya has allowed for the mistreatment, and at times slaughter, of his people. In a sense, the U.S. And Europe have personally created a monster in Muammar Qaddafi due to the lax or even totally absent monitor and surveillance of his regime.