COMMENT The crisis in Libya continues to be caught in an inconclusive stalemate as pro-Gaddafi forces face off against the rebels of Tripoli, without any prospect of a quick win by other side.

The rebel forces have taken control of Benghazi and other areas.  But the Gaddafi forces have maintained control over Tripoli. An early end to this humanitarian nightmare looks very unlikely.

NONE Meanwhile, the international community has passed a UN resolution condemning Gaddafi for his use of force against civilians. But there is no universal resolve for any military measures against the Libyan regime.

The United States clearly supports international pressure in bringing condemnation against the violence in Libya, as President Barack Obama contemplates his bag of options on what to do next.

Some have suggested various sanctions to be imposed on Gaddafi’s power structure restrictions on the country’s nationals, freezing of assets, and an arms-and-trade embargo.  

The most effective method of bringing Gaddafi to his knees is probably a no-fly zone in Libya to prevent the dictator from using his air force and his fighter jets and attack helicopters against the rebels.

World community cratching heads

 

But this would have so many negative ramifications for international relations, that even Obama looks unwilling to become involved in an open armed conflict in Libya.

NONE Besides, the international community may find it difficult to mobilise the political forces required for a unanimous decision on the use of force in imposing a no-fly zone in Libya.

There are unseen complications and unintended consequences to consider before imposing a no-fly zone.

So the impasse between Gaddafi and the rebel forces continues as the days wear on.

Meanwhile, hundreds of innocent Libyans are dying by the day, as the pro-democracy forces fight with their bare hands against Gaddafi’s armed militias.

It is painful to see the tragedy in Libya unfolding before our very eyes, while we cannot do anything to help the situation in that distant desert land.

World racked by crises

The situation has also created an international humanitarian disaster as countless people are running away from Libya to escape the killing fields there.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees from other Arab lands are also stranded in Libya, creating displaced populations needing food and shelter immediately.

NONE Oil prices have escalated to a dangerously high level, pushing the already fragile world economy into further stress.

The political crisis in Libya illustrates the evil of concentrating political power in the hands of a small handful of dictators. Despots like Gaddafi will always regard political power over the masses as personal property, to be used at their whim and fancy.

But history is a unique phenomenon and it has a tendency of righting its own wrongs, over the passage of time. Sooner or later, the 'insignificant' common people will always rise in revolt against dictatorship, and this is what we have been witnessing in the Arab world in recent months.

The universal aspiration of common people to have a say in their own destiny, resisting modes of repression, is a powerful force that has changed the destiny of the world.

We must support the universal aspiration of the Arab people for the control of their own destiny, because of our common fate as members of the human family.

Libyan crisis meaningful to all

The crisis in Libya also shows how much our world has changed in communications. We can now follow the latest news in faraway lands, further strengthening the bond of our one humanity.

                    

NONE Advances in Internet technology have reinforced the hope that all individuals on this earth can be united by the wonders of digital communication.

We can immediately feel the response, in real time, of the entire human race following every change in the Libyan situation.

We Malaysians may be far away from Libya, but our hearts must be united with the people of Libya, praying for liberation from their bondage.

Let the truth prevail through the murky corridors of history, and let the Libyan people triumph.

 

SIM KWANG YANG was member of parliament for Bandar Kuching, Sarawak from 1982 to 1995. He can be reached at sky8hornbill@gmail.com. All comments are welcomed.