More than four decades after he seized power, and more than seven months after the civil war began that led to his ouster, Muammar al-Gaddafi is apparently dead, forever removed from Libya’s politics.
Qaddafi’s death alters but does not transform the situation in Libya. Fighting could still continue for some time, as forces loyal to the former leader may well continue to resist soldiers of Libya’s transitional government.
More important, the struggle for Libya’s future continues. It is one thing to oust a regime; it is something fundamentally different to install a viable entity in its place. History suggests there is a fair likelihood that those who joined to oppose Qaddafi will soon find themselves at odds over how best to organize and rule the country they have now inherited.
For just this reason, outsiders, and in particular those in Europe and the United States who have done so much militarily to help bring about political change in Libya, should not delude themselves that their task is in any way complete. Much needs to be done to help the new Libyan authorities work together, be it to impose and maintain order or to stand up a functioning economy and government. On-the-ground training and advice may be the most important assistance the West can now offer this oil-rich but developmentally stunted country.
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