Pictures across the world’s news channels currently show hundreds of Libyan rebels standing in the first perimeter of Gaddafi’s compound at Bab al Aziziya. A statute of the colonel has been pulled down, its head decapitated, and rebels are taking pot-shots at the other icons of his tyranny, including a clenched bronze fist clutching a US fighter jet.
Gaddafi himself remains hidden from view, lurking perhaps in the tunnels beneath his compound or in another part of the city. He may, of course, be dead or fled, but the CIA says they suspect he is still pinned down in the country. US surveillance has been close in recent days, ensuring that Libya’s stockpiles of chemical and conventional weapons do not fall into the hands of its Islamist enemies.
The rebels appear to have taken the compound against minimal resistance, aided, it is alleged, by NATO. Victory, it seems, is in sight and celebratory shots are being fired into the air in Tripoli and Mistrata. But there is cause for caution. Gaddafi’s supporters may be finally spent, but the remnants of his strength have a habit of vanishing only to re-emerge later all guns blazing. Appearing on Sky News moments ago, William Hague warned that “this still a dangerous time.” Adding that “It’s not over yet.” Hague was keen to point out that winning the peace was equally if not more important than winning the war; the memory of Iraq plainly lives long.
PS: In a separate interview on the BBC, Hague revealed that Britain was likely to provide mentoring for the Libyan police and armed forces in the future. It was unlikely that British troops would deployed in a peacekeeping capacity. He also said that he hoped the Scottish government is considering extradicting Abdel Basset al-Megrahi.
PPS: The grainy photo at the top of this blog comes courtesy of Sky. It shows a rebel fighter who’s ransacked Gaddafi’s elaborate wardrobe within the compound. God knows what else will emerge…
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