Libya: Unrest and U.S. Policy

Christopher M. Blanchard
Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs

Muammar al Qadhafi’s 40 years of authoritarian rule in Libya have effectively come to an end. The armed uprising that began in February 2011 has reached a turning point, and opposition forces now control the capital city, Tripoli, in addition to the eastern and western areas of the country. Most observers doubt the rebel gains are reversible. However, the coastal city of Sirte and some parts of central and southern Libya remain contested, and, isolated groups of pro- Qadhafi forces remain capable of armed resistance. The U.S. military continues to participate in Operation Unified Protector, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military operation to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorizes “all necessary measures” to protect Libyan civilians. As of September 9, Muammar al Qadhafi had not been located or detained, and opposition Transitional National Council (TNC) leaders are urging their forces to exercise restraint and caution so that Qadhafi, his family members, and key regime officials may be captured alive, formally charged, and put to trial.

The Libyan people, their interim Transitional National Council, and the international community are shifting their attention from the immediate struggle with the remnants of Qadhafi’s regime to the longer-term challenges of establishing and maintaining security, preventing criminality and reprisals, restarting Libya’s economy, and beginning a political transition. The TNC has issued orders concerning security in Tripoli and established a high security council to coordinate its forces. A TNC stabilization team is leading efforts to deliver services, assess Libya’s reconstruction needs, and reform Libyan ministries. TNC officials have discussed interim security advisory missions with the United Nations Secretary General but made no firm public commitments. The Obama Administration has reiterated that it has no intention of deploying U.S. military forces on the ground in Libya. U.S. officials express confidence that nuclear materials and chemical weapons components that are stored in Libya remain secure and state that remote monitoring of relevant facilities will continue. The proliferation of military weaponry from Libyan stockpiles, including small arms, explosives, and shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, remains a serious concern, amid continuing press reports on unsecured weapons depots.

The shift in momentum and rebel success has led to an expansion of political recognition and offers of international financial support for the TNC. Over 70 countries now have recognized the TNC as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people. Resolution 1973 calls for the transfer of seized Libyan government assets for the benefit of the Libyan people “as soon as possible,” and the U.S. government successfully secured U.N. authorization for an initial transfer of $1.5 billion to support humanitarian, fuel, and salary needs. Billions more in other asset transfers and new pledges of financial support have come from European and Middle Eastern governments. Members of the intergovernmental Libya Contact Group and others met in Paris, France to discuss transition arrangements and support for the TNC on September 1, and further consultations are expected in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York during late September.

Libya’s citizens, transitional authorities, and rebel fighters now face the task of overcoming Libya’s history of weak government institutions, potentially divisive political dynamics, and the effects of the fight to overthrow Qadhafi. Security challenges, significant reconstruction needs, and political uncertainty are likely to characterize events in Libya over the coming months. Congress may consider and debate means for assisting Libya’s transitional authorities or supporting international security efforts.


Date of Report: September 9, 2011
Number of Pages: 27
Order Number: RL33142
Price: $29.95

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