As Gaddafi and his cronies take a back seat in the struggle for a free and sovereign Libya, many questions are raised regarding the future of Libya as well its relationship with the UK. I was extremely fortunate to attend the public seminar at SOAS organised by CAABU(Council for Arab British Understanding). As one of the visibly younger members of the audience I felt this meeting would be far more interesting than the typical spin represented in the western media. I was surrounded by academics with a wealth of knowledge and maturity who debated the future relationship between Libya and the UK.
The highly esteemed panel consisted of:
The debate began with Dr Faraj who was quick to point out the loyalty of Libyans towards the West as they helped eradicate the Nazi regime during World War 2. “We must not forget about those smaller guys who helped during times of desperation”. Dr Faraj highlights the historical ties between Libya and the UK as well as the need to commemorate the efforts of the 16,000 soldiers involved in the arduous battles to free Europe of oppression. He hints it is certainly time for the British to pay back the deeds of the Libyan people.
He emphasises the tyranny exuded by the Gaddafi regime labelling the Libyan dictator as a “human rights abuser” and highlights the tragic assassination of Muhammad Mustafa Ramadan in Regents Park Mosque in 1980 as well as the dictator’s relationship with the IRA “He was a well known funder of the IRA – he did everything to antagonise Britain”.
Mr. Najem was critical of Tony Blair’s involvement with Libya and describes Tony Blair as being “instrumental in the rehabilitation of Gaddafi” and refers to Former Prime ministers close relationship with the infamous Libyan leader as “blemish in British democracy”.
Sir Richard Dalton did not hesitate to discuss the benefits of engaging with Libya in this very sensitive political intervention. The former diplomat was rather blunt in regards to the motives behind Britain’s efforts in creating stability in a country with some of the largest oil reserves in the world. He discusses the prospects of trade and anticipates the intense level of competition with other nations to secure crucial resources vital for economic growth. The former British ambassador states “The Libyans will look at us with a cold eye when it comes to what is value for money” and detects the possibility of the British firms being marginalised by Arab nations as he exclaimed “We should not pull our punches with the Bahraini’s, the UAE’s and the Saudi’s”.
In response to the role of Egypt in this international affair Mr Dalton discussed the provision of military support in this moral endeavour. He also introduced the notion that Libya may be indebted to Arab states for their support.
Professor George Joffe gave the most insightful analysis of the relationship between Libya and the UK as well as the United Nations involvement with Libya. He eloquently describes the NATO intervention as “the triumphant coder of the Arab spring”. He highlights the welcoming reception the NATO intervention received as on the surface it was deemed praise worthy and necessary based on international law. Despite the seemingly honourable nature of the ‘NO FLY ZONE’ he highlights the reluctance of certain countries to participate; Professor Joffe claims that France participated in aiding Libya in order to cover up the embarrassment of miscalculating Tunisia’s dire predicament as well as it being a “Vote winner for Sarkozy”.
The Cambridge Professor reiterates the Security Council’s resolution of 1973 making it very clear of the prohibition of introducing foreign troops on Libyan soil. This may appear admirable especially after the catastrophe witnessed in Iraq although the enlightened Professor raised some rather painful questions to consider such How do we ensure: a safe environment after the Gaddafi regime?, The redistribution of wealth in a highly centralised city? and Reconciliation between the revolutionaries and the members of the former oppressive regime?
Mr Joffe also critically questioned the ulterior motives of western governments at hand despite stressing the genuine concern displayed by the Coalition.“I must question are we really brothers in the community. In all the rhetoric that has accompanied the efforts in Libya – I detect a sense of reluctant imperialism”. He makes no effort in sugar coating his disappointment of senior politicians’ efforts to effectively provide coherent solutions to the dilemmas in North Africa. He states“The European Commissions’ attitudes are still patronising & complacent in their attitudes in regards to their engagement in North Africa”. Upon being challenged by Sir Richard Dalton he replied it was the main reason all their headline policies have failed for the last two decades.
Mr Joffe delves into the disagreements within the US senate particularly the objection to NATO’s intervention by the secretary of Defence Stephen Gates and the majority of the Republican Party. In addition, the Professor refutes Hillary Clinton’s commitment to funding as he states “The G8 agreed to provide $20 Billion to Egypt and Tunisia yet not a penny has gone”. Mr Joffe casually joked that “it seems extraordinarily difficult for us to freeze assets but extraordinarily difficult for us to release them”.
The 42 year old legacy of Muammar Gaddafi is grinding to a halt as the Libyan leader’s days are certainly numbered but this leaves many unanswered questions for international policy makers as British businesses and politicians create new secret handshakes and under the table deals. Dr. Najem courageously mentions the importance in maintaining a fair system whereby the Libyan people who have suffered directly have access to the highest ranking jobs and are not marginalised by eager Libyan expatriates who have successfully escaped the tyranny of Gaddafi regime.
By Mohammed Hasan
