Observed:
The histrionic developments in Libya dominated all regional media headlines across the Arab world. Most editorialists celebrated the end of the Gaddafi dictatorship, though they emphasized that re-establishment of peace and security in Libya, represents a major challenge for the National Transitional Council (NTC) and unorganized Libyan rebels. A Gulf News cartoon captures Gaddafi’s fall from tyranny.
In Kuwait, a lead editorial with Al-Seyassah stated, “The Mad Dog Gaddafi was discarded to the sands of history.” The editorial contended that “Gaddafi’s fate will be the same fate of his predecessors and other authoritarian regimes in our nations; condemned in history as tyrants”.
Likewise, a columnist in the UAE’s Gulf News opined that “Gaddafi will not apparently be the last Arab autocrat to be removed, since many others are facing increasingly defiant populations infuriated by authoritarian practices and rampant corruption.” A lead editorial in UAE’s nationalist newspaper, Al Khaleej stated, “[Building] a new Libya would not be an easy mission…it is difficult but not impossible….if the mission will be implemented without foreign intervention, and without internal disputes on ‘sharing the pie,’ because division, will certainly lead to fatal consequences.” The UAE’s government-sponsored The National newspaper stated “Compromise is always essential to a good government. All factions in Libya need to learn how to get along together if the country is to live up to the aspirations of the revolution.”
Echoing the same sentiment, a columnist in Saudi’s Arab News said “The ignominious end of Qaddafi is almost certain to hasten the departure of the Assads and Saleh’s. Their collapse is imminent, as inevitable as the sunrise tomorrow. And the longer they drag their feet, the greater humiliation will be their fate.” The writer added, “All those sacrifices by the people of Syria, Yemen and elsewhere will not go in vain. The dawn is near and you could almost smell the sweet freedom, wherever you are and whoever you are.”
Qatar’s Al Watan along with Gulf Times recommended, “Everyone involved in the creation of a “New Libya” must remain fully aware of the magnitude of the task they face.” Al Watan warned the rebels of using the revenge approach. In this regard, a lead editorial in Saudi’s Al Watan believed that “The experiences of Afghanistan and Iraq have proven that overthrowing a regime, no matter how difficult, is much easier than building the state and ruling it.” Hence, “Libya’s NTC must put national interests above all.”
In Yemen, government media provided straightforward reporting on Libya, while the opposition and independent press positively highlighted the rebels’ victories. The opposition’s Al Sahwa and independent Yemen Post reported that “massive demonstrations were held in some Yemeni cities, to bless the victory of the Libyan revolutionaries.” The Yemen Post noted, “Inspired by the success of the Libyans, they chanted slogans such as: O our people, your own victory is coming; congratulations to the Libyan people; O Ahmed, Saleh’s son, remarked, enough illusions, look what Saif Al-Islam, Gaddafi’s son, has become.” The paper added that “massive demonstrations were organized in several Yemeni cities to celebrate the Libyan victory and urge to accelerate the ouster of the Yemeni regime.” Al Sahwa cited Yemeni senior opposition leader Hamid Al Ahmar, called on Saudi Arabia to repatriate President Ali Abdullah Saleh to face the recently-formed [opposition] National Council, in order to bring him to justice. Moreover, the paper reported that millions of Yemenis celebrated what they called “Promises of Victory Friday.” It is worth mentioning that Syrian protesters celebrate under the same slogan.
Assessment:
The fall of Gaddafi consumed regional headlines with writers celebrating the end of another tyrant. The most positive effect was seen in Syria and Yemen, where protesters were encouraged to continue their uprising despite their regime’s use of brutal force.
Significantly, all media agreed that several challenges will face Libya’s Transition National Council (TNC) as the jubilation of victory ebbs away. Most important, the TNC cannot control some rebels’ use of bloodletting and revenge. Meanwhile, analysts discussed the role of NATO’s support in recent developments, while other expressed skepticism over foreign power “schemes” in Libya, especially the control of Libyan oil.
