American has been known to stick its nose where it doesn't belong and I feel this might be another case in which that's exercised. Obama might invoke the Truman Doctrine to help set up a democracy in Libya. Especially with next year being an election year, Obama needs to be careful of what steps he takes so that not too many potential voters are offended.
One argument for not stepping in in Libya is the potential for more conflict. Obama is pulling troops out of Iraq, but does it help any to move them straight into Libya? Kadafi still has supporters in Libya, of course. So what would stop them from protesting America's aid to the framers of their constitution.
On the other hand, by creating an ally with Libya could be very instrumental in the acquisition of petroleum, which is abundant in Libya. It goes without saying that that would be a PR win for Obama.
I feel that America will have its hand in the formation of the Libya constitution in one way or another, but I also feel that that will lead to more tension in the middle east, as we are already seen as an enemy. Even though Libyan officials say that they want an Islamic government do you think that's actually how it'll turn out?
Politically, Libya's government and the US don't have many coinciding interests. The only things they seem to have in common is self-interest, the Libyans for continued support from a powerful ally, and the US for influence over the new government in order to bolster support and gain an upper hand in trade. However, as we've discussed before, the United States often butts its nose into the business of other countries in a way that is unfavorable to government-building, creating constitutions that don't reflect the values and culture of that country. Libya seems to be no exception, although I can't imagine the US not getting involved after what's gone on recently, exerting whatever influence possible.
ReplyDeleteEven though I also don't really know much about what's going on in Libya, from what you said I feel like the Libyans will do whatever they can to move forward with making their laws and constitution Islamic-based. Although the US will probably try to intervene like always, I don't think we should be bothering any more people than we already have. We should let them make their constitution, because I doubt we would have any chance of getting them as an ally to get oil otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI honestly believe the Libyan government will turn out to be terrorist based. They are a angry,desperate people. Frustrated people always need an enemy to rally around. That enemy can be conveniently placed on the non-islamic world. This will be scary for Israel in the future.
ReplyDeleteSo I don't really know much about this either, but judging from my previous history classes (which might not have been that great...) it seems to me that America has a tendency to stick it's nose in other people's business (which I kind of find annoying).
ReplyDeleteThis is how it seems to me, and correct me if I'm wrong.
America is like that kid that thinks he's really popular (but no one really likes him) and always hangs out with the cool kids and laughs at the jokes that he doesn't get are actually about him.
America trying to intervene in the making of the Libyan constitution is like that kid showing up to a party that he wasn't invited to but everyone feels too awkward to ask him to leave and then things get tense and uncomfortable.
Additionally, I know you mentioned the oil thing, and sorry if this comes across naïve, but is it worth it for America to add one more thing to it's extensive to-do list for oil when oil is going to run out eventually, regardless? Green technology? Anyone? I feel like that's never the answer.
Isolation is not the US's strong suit, but it's definitely something the US should try out some day. No country wants other countries telling them what to do, especially since the US isn't perfect. Countries are just like humans - far from perfect. The US being nosy and pushy is just asking for another terrorist attack agaisnt us.
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