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As fighting continues in Tripoli, Ibrahim Sharqieh discusses the events from Qatar and how he sees the nation progressing in the near future.
The Takeaway: Are you surprised at the swiftness of the supposed turning of the tide in Libya?
Ibrahim Sharqieh: This has been expected and is way overdue. It should have happened a long time ago. However, given the circumstances and the developments on the ground, and how it has been handled in the past month or so, yes, it was expected to take more time. It was a bit surprising for everyone. Why now? And why this fast? But it happened in Tripoli and things are changing on the ground now.
The Takeaway: It appears that at this point it’s just kind of wiping up what’s left of the Qaddafi regime and we have no idea where Qaddafi might be, although his sons have been taken into custody. Do you think they will be tried by the International Criminal Court or will the rebels want to hold on and try them in Libya?
Ibrahim Sharqieh: That is a good question. Because the ICC just announced concern that the sons are in custody. As I understand it, the ICC is going to have a role in this but at this point there are no official statements as to whether they will be tried by the International Criminal Court or in Libya. The way I see it, I think there’s going to be a very important role for the Transitional Council whether [the trial] happens inside or outside Libya.
Commentary
The Implications of a Post-Qaddafi Libya
August 22, 2011