Quite rocky, I would think, but maybe the glow of relief over the overthrow of a tyrant / dictator will at least (temporarily?) bury some of the divisions that undoubtedly exist in that society.

Anyhow - they got what they wanted. It's now up to us (in both their and our interests) to help them get an organised government together as soon as possible. (Remember - we were only isolated from Iran because we stuck by the dictator till the very end - much to the chagrin of the people - and even then we organised a "safe haven" for him).

These people (Libyans) have never known democracy. They have lived with a dictator for 41 years. They have no government, no system for installing a government and no institutions capable of organising elections so they can get a government ! They have oil - so should have a stable economy (which can do so much for the people) once a government is formed.

I think the initial signs are good.
Egypt is stable and organising elections right now. Tunisia also.
They will also know that the world is watching what they do next.
Of course there will be some problems ... even in the West (after 1000 years of democracy) I dont think we have got it quite right yet. How much more difficult for a nation that has never know it before?

Some will welcome fundamentalism (but this is not a traditional stronghold of that) so I doubt it will get much of a hold.

Onwards with the Arab Spring ! Assad Next ! These tyrants MUST be removed - their day has come and gone (and we have learn the hard way what happens when you prop-up such tyrants).

The world in future could look much different - one where we are thanked for helping liberate a people rather than dispised for propping-up their repressor.

Whatever happens next, I wish the Libyans well - they have shown the world how courageous they are (against massive odds) and risked their own lives fighting for a just and better future for their own families.

They will find a "democracy" somewhat over-rated.

Syria next, then it will "pin the tail on the African Country" as to the next "recipricant" of western democracy/pillage.

Chris Retro wrote:
They will find a "democracy" somewhat over-rated.

Well, I think they would rather have the opportunity to evict a sitting government at an election rather than have to go through again what they have just been through, dont you?

Quite right ITK and we can teach them how to riot too.

Quite right ITK,and now they're free to read your wonderfully intelligent political insights on this board

In The Know wrote:
Chris Retro wrote:
They will find a "democracy" somewhat over-rated.

Well, I think they would rather have the opportunity to evict a sitting government at an election rather than have to go through again what they have just been through, dont you?

Do you mean replace one bland corporate arsehole puppet with another?

Now isn't time us proles had our fuel prices increased, I don't think there has been one yet this week....

I think they should draft you in In The Know to sort them out..

have to be careful with Arabs..they are natural 'socialists'..need to get you in there and nip in the bud any idea of 'scroungers' blooming forth

veritas wrote:
I think they should draft you in In The Know to sort them out.

What a good idea, veritas !

I too am a socialist (and being an old hippy) probably always was one ... the troube is I always thought that a social-communal policy was one where everyone contributed (equally) and shared the rewards .... not one where some lie in bed all day and steal what others earn.