“color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Verdana;”>The Libya situation has been fraught with contradictions. This includes the controversial reign of Muammar Gaddafi and his unceremonious death. It is a situation that must go beyond glib judgments and uninformed opinions if we truly support an emerging democratic government for all Libyans.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>I question the barbaric events surrounding Gaddafi’s capture and death. If this is the manner in which the National Transition Council is to conduct itself in the governance of a nation, they get poor marks. Gaddafi had a right to a trial under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Convention, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and a host of other conventions and treaties. Many of his people wanted to hear his responses to charges of corruption and terrorism of his own citizens.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>Additionally, Muslims around the world are shocked and outraged that customs requiring immediate burial are being disrespected.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>We should acknowledge the U.S. has its own imperialist strategy, known or unwritten, not just in the Middle East but across the globe. But we must also acknowledge Gaddafi’s collusion with them as well as his own political and personal failings.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>On paper, Libya says it has free education, healthcare and other perks for it citizens. Black folks in America know better than to glorify words but to go straight to the practice. After all, the U.S. Constitution says we are free, that we can vote, that we have equal protection under the law – need I go on?
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>The facts are that Libya is the richest country in North Africa. Gaddafi’s personal wealth of over $200 billion is scattered in bank accounts around the world. No Libyan should be suffering.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>According to African Online News, the unemployment rate is 30 percent with youth unemployment between 40-50 percent. Decent housing is unavailable to the poorest of Libyans because of high prices and corruption. Illiteracy is high, women’s rights are ignored and labor unions are banned. This is neither a socialist model nor a good example of a burgeoning democracy from a leader who has been in power for over 40 years and who had the resources to transform his country.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>The African Union condemned Libyan’s agreement with European countries to halt the flow of African migrants out of Libya. The AU also spoke out against black Africans in Libya who have been targeted as mercenaries and subsequently killed. There is a wish that the AU could’ve have provided leadership to the Libyan crises as opposed to the NATO solution, but the AU has its own host of issues.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>Gaddafi didn’t learn the primary lesson of dealing with the U.S. After waiving his right to nuclear arms, he got cozy with imperialist powers and entered into a sundry of business deals. If he’s been watching the international scene, Gaddafi should have known what happens to U.S. dictators after it finishes using them. All of their despotic friends don’t meet their deaths.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>We in the U.S. must learn how to engage in principled discussion about international affairs and about this country’s foreign policies. Using the mainstream media as one’s only source of information will keep you misinformed.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #2a2a2a;”>Those of us with a love for Africa have to look at that continent without rose-colored glasses. The continent is in crisis and collusion of its leaders with post-colonial powers is a big part of the problem.
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