The evolution of a mess

The civil war that has been raging in Libya since the early weeks of the 'Arab spring' revolutions is put in perspective.

This war of attrition of sorts has had so many peaks and troughs, with neither Gaddafi's forces nor forces of the Libyan Transitional Council making significant gains militarily as to convey a perception of impending victory.

There seems however one inevitability.. Libya as we know it is sliding inexorably into chaos and instability.

This is a situation fed by several factors, which include the arrogance of Muammar Gaddafi which brought about this war and still contributes to perpetuating it. Also, NATO which by its mandate ensures that forces of the Libyan Transitional Council continue to fight, even if not supported enough to unseat Gaddafi by force. Third is the steady flow of recognition akin almost to a herd mentality from western countries including Turkey, that declares that Gaddafi must go, without factoring in the sizable support for the regime in and around Tripoli. This is recognition that is not backed by the guarantee of unity of elements of the Libyan Transitional Council.

All of these have contributed to creating a paradox...

An intractable situation has been created, which could well be inimical to the long term peace, prosperity and self actualisation of the ordinary man, woman and child in Libya.