What's Next For Libya and the U.S.

The forty two year regime of Moammar Gaddafi appears to be over with the rebel conquest of his compound. The real work is just beginning! After forty two years of brutal rule, the institutions that sustain a modern democracy are non-existent in Libya.

Remember the euphoria that erupted after the fall of Saddam Hussein, quickly followed by anarchy as there was no government to provide for the rule of law. The west has to realize that like Iraq & Afghanistan, Libya is a tribal society with its own internal dynamics, and one we had better tread lightly as we move forward.

Currently, the U.S. needs to build a broader coalition beyond NATO, one which includes at the very least Tunisia, Egypt and other African nations, in stabilizing Libya. The U.S. will have a role, but that will be up to the President to articulate a broad strategy for Libya, and for that matter the broader Middle East. So far the President and his national security team have always been a step behind in the "Arab Spring" revolutions that have swept the region.

The President has already stated, 'no American boots will be on the ground in Libya,' but the question is, will NATO assume that role. NATO was barely hanging on when the rebels advanced into Libya. NATO is having a difficult time sustaining troop commitments in Afghanistan, will they be willing to provide the forces necessary to sustain the transition to a democratic Libya?

The weeks and months ahead should be interesting.

http://militarybriefingbook.com/browse.cfm?category=Africa&subcategory=North%20Africa