"Libya's toxic tribal divisions are greater than Qaddafi." IS IGNORANCE BLISS as bombs fall.

[Distant Observer]

Mustafa Fetouri, Libyan MBA Program Director, Gaddafi critic and award-winning writer, points out the roots of the challenge to Gaddafi's rule in the long-simmering factional conflicts in Libya.

As the bombs fall and the "enemies" are killed, we may enjoy our blissful ignorance as we bask in typical propaganda fare being served up by the MSM. Unfortunately, it is all the Libyan's -- other than the once we choose to support in our grand wisdom -- that will pay the bloody price.


http://www.alarabiya.net/views/2011/03/02/139859.html


Throughout Col Qaddafi's leadership, even during the peak of his popularity during his first two decades in power, his efforts were only as effective as his ability to navigate this tribal terrain and manipulate his own tribal base using both carrots and sticks. Loyalty prevailed above all and loyalties still explain much of what is happening in Libya today. The question now is who still supports the regime and why? What does that mean for Libya's future?

. . .

This tribal landscape must be understood along with Libya's recent history: the country has not had political parties for more than four decades. Civil society does not exist, nor does the idea of loyalty to the "state". There is not a constitution, no nationally-accepted rule of law and no practical mechanisms to guide the country in the event of a power vacuum at the top. Col Qaddafi himself emphasises the fact that he has neither "official role" nor "legally binding responsibility".


. . .


If the international community wishes to help Libya it has to consider its fragile tribal structure. It must look at ways to help mediate divisions rather than resort to slogans about human rights. I am not in anyway suggesting that the protesters do not have legitimate and well-founded grievances; nor am I arguing that Libya before February 17 was best for Libyans. I must say, however, that the Libya with all its ills, which I have harshly and publically condemned in print for the last couple of years, may not be replaced by any viable Libyan state. After all that has happened after February 17, I do not see one emerging.

The world should also consider that some of the protesters on the ground are members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) particularly after 110 of its members were freed from jail on February 18. We Libyans are familiar with LIFG members as individuals who seek martyrdom; we do not have the luxury of believing they can be a force for change, championing freedom and liberty.

[xchrom]

1. It may be best that Libya breaks up. Nt

[David__77]

2. The imperialists like to break up states.

Divide and rule.

[Distant Observer]

4. In the case of Libya, the British constructed it from 3 North African groups as a Gift Package

for Idris, the founder of the Senussi Muslim sufi order and Emir of the territory of Cyrenaica, whom they appointed as KING of the newly minted LIBYA, as a reward for his help against the Germans during WW II.

[leveymg]

3. That's the strongest argument against this intervention. We may end up with worse

than Gadhafy. Hard to believe, but it is possible.

[On the Road]

5. On the Other Hand,

a lot of the people embroiled in the revolution have made a point of denying that tribalism is anywhere near the force that people like the author are claiming. I guess we're going to find out.

[Distant Observer]

7. Tribal factionalism is just a fact of Libya, just as in the US African Americans vote DEM

Some groups in Libya are so fervently pro-Gaddafi that the "rebels" may have to kill them all
in order to create a Gaddafi-free Libya.

[karynnj]

11. odd analogy

African Americans voting solidly Democratic does not mean that they do not lieve peacefully under a Republican leader. The idea that all of any people must be killed is genocide - and completely unacceptable.

[Catherina]

10. Here's my question...

after weeks of being blindsighted with an emotional desire to support *revolutionaries*. Who are these people denying that, who speak perfect English and post on the net while Libya itself has no internet access?

One minute they deny there's any tribalism and the next that a tribe came over to their side.

I agree that we're going to find out.

[Waiting For Everyman]

6. "A Libyan MBA Program Director", huh? Wow. I guess Libya is doomed then.

No democracy for you Libyans, the Democracy Nazis have spoken.

Of course, the Libyan Council is made up of some degreed individuals too. I guess they must be "suicidal" then because they are even getting involved in this liberation effort in their country.

Maybe they don't understand their own history? Or country?

The laughable nonsense that the "establishment" is pumping out this week is truly stunning.

And omg... Watch out for the terraists! terra! terra! terra! That rings a bell, where have I heard that before?

There are terrorists in Alabama, remember that, or in any state in this country. We have our own, so what? We like to forget about them but we certainly have them. How does that make Libya any different.

I'll tell you who will "pay the bloody price" this author refers to... Gaddafi and his henchmen and favorited camp followers. That is who this action is likely to affect. Well boo hoo, let me get out my tiny violin and play them a sad song... :nopity:

[Distant Observer]

8. Wow! You know so much of learned one. Decades of learnings on the issues, I am sure!

[Waiting For Everyman]

9. You have your "expert" MBA source, so you have what you want.

Doesn't cut it with me. Those guys are hired every day of the week. It's what they do, it's their bread and butter.

[Catherina]

12. And all you have is dumb shit like *Democracy Nazis*. Congrats. Off to ignore n/t

[Waiting For Everyman]

14. Soup Nazi - Seinfeld - same thing only different - get it.

Whatever.

[bvar22]

13. In Afghanistan, the "rebels" were The Taliban (Mujahideen).

In Lebanon, the "rebels" turned out to be Hezbollah.

We Took Out Bad Guy Saddam without a plan for "after", and look what happened.


As Thom Hartmann stated today,
We have entered this WAR, Chosen Sides, and started killing
...and we don't even KNOW who we are fighting FOR.

According to Thom, there are several armed "rebel" factions that have been training & supplying "terrorists" for fighting AGAINST the USA in Afghanistan & Iraq.
If we take out Qaddafi, the most powerful tribal Strongman will probably emerge as The WINNER,
unless, of course, we have "Boots on the Ground" to stop him.


You would think that after 50 years of failed Middle East Military Interventions,
we would check to see WHO we are fighting FOR before jumping into a WAR.

Tighten Your Seat Belts.
This will probably be a bumpy ride.

[Distant Observer]

15. Most upsetting is that NOW WE HAVE TO DEMONIZE THE ENEMY WITH LIES AND HYPERBOLE

in order to justify our actions.

Number killed exagerated

Everything is a "massacre"

When the rebels attack it is "freedom fighting," if pro-Gaddafi it is murderous