Esprit de Corps editor and publisher Scott Taylor is back from a week long fact-finding mission inside Gadhafi-controlled Libya. verkko caught up with him on his return to get his impressions on the current state of affairs inside Libya.
What surprised you the most in your recent trip to Libya?
I think the most startling thing for me was the apparent absence of any form of defensive preparations on the part of the Gadhafi loyalist forces. Whether it was in front of the strategically vital oil refinery in Zawiya or on any of the approaches to Tripoli, there was no evidence of any bunkers, armoured vehicles or even rudimentary trenches. The numerous checkpoints were at best just some cinder blocks laid across the highway and a handful of volunteer/militia personnel.
From what you witnessed, what is the human impact of NATO's air offensive on the Libyan people?
There is no doubt that the sophisticated NATO guided munitions reduced the incident rate of 'collateral damage' and the targeting was very specific to symbols of Gadhafi's authority and his military capability. The Government Ministry buildings destroyed in the bombing had no impact on the average Libyan. However the steady downgrading of the power grid, combined with the acute fuel shortage was having a serious impact on the day to day living conditions among the population.
What were security conditions like for you and your team inside Gadhafi-controlled Libya?
Although we were assigned Libyan Intelligence 'handlers' for the majority of our visit, on the Friday (Sabbath) they did not work. As such we were able to spend the entire day travelling about Tripoli and the eastern suburbs unaccompanied. At no time were we threatened or detained at checkpoints. Security seemed incredibly lax for a capital city in the midst of a civil war.
What was your sense of the rebels' military capabilities? Did you get any indication that special forces were on the ground in Libya and assisting the rebels ?
In the wake of the quick capture of Tripoli, NATO countries involved have been quick to trumpet their own Special Forces involvement…especially in the coordination of the vital air support. Inside Gadhafi held territory as we were, the only contact we had with rebels was the images we saw on international news reports. This was the same Mad Max style convoys of ill disciplined fighters in improvised fighting vehicles blazing bullets into the air as they moved towards Tripoli.
How was NATO's intevention perceived by Libyans you talked to?
The Libyans who supported Gadhafi did so for a number of reasons. Libya is a very tribal oriented society and for the past 42 years Gadhafi has kept his people fearful and hateful towards the west. The fact that the eastern based rebels would enlist the aid of NATO in what was essentially a Libyan civil war, was regarded as a traitorous and treasonous act. It actually served to increase support for Gadhafi when NATO started their bombing campaign.
In your opinion, what will be some of the challenges in securing post-Gadhafi Libya and ensuring a peaceful democratic transition?
First of all, the rebels are a fractious bunch of armed units with a wide variety of goals and aims…the very least of which is democracy and human rights. The only thing uniting them was the desire to overthrow Gadhafi. There is now a very real threat of these factions fighting each other, and Libya descending into an anarchistic, warring tribal state such as Somalia or Afghanistan. The immediate challenge will be to restore a sense of order, return the refugees and migrant workers, and restart what was a booming pre-crisis economy.
What should NATO's role be in ensuring a peaceful transition?
Without NATO's intervention the rebels had no chance to win this civil war. The embargo, freezing of Gadhafi's accounts, aerial bombardment and provisions of countless weapons to the rebels tipped the balance unnaturally in their favour. Any looting, destruction or revenge killing that the rebels engage in will be the result of NATO's intervention on their behalf. The UN mandate given to NATO was to protect Libyan civilians, and that should mean all civilians…including former Gadhafi loyalists.
Tell us more about 'Under Siege: Inside Gadhafi's Libya'?
The trailer (see below) was produced in anticipation of creating a 30 minute television piece. Events have now superceded the content, but we may yet revisit Tripoli in the hopes of turning it into a Before & After the Fall of Gadhafi's Regime. Stay tuned.
For more photos of Scott Taylor's fact finding mission go to espritdecorps.ca Scott Taylor is editor and publisher of Esprit de Corps magazine. |
