Jessica Rettig
Here are seven of the biggest challenges ahead for
1. Establish basic security.
Fighting reportedly continues in
2. Unify the opposition.
Up to now, the
It's important to remember that while the outside world largely viewed the rebel movement as a single entity throughout the conflict, the reality is that it comprised a number of different groups with different interests. With Qadhafi out of the picture, there won't be a common enemy to rally around. And without unity and adequate representation, it could mean instability, and potentially a new stage of civil war.
3. Deal with Qadhafi and his supporters.
After he's found -- and assuming he's still alive -- the new leadership will need to decide what to do with Qadhafi. The International Criminal Court already has a warrant out for his arrest, so he, and other major players in his regime, like his sons, could be tried internationally. Although experts say it's unlikely, the Libyans could also decide to try him within the country; but without a legitimate legal system in place, such a trial would likely only compound problems for
Apart from dealing with Qadhafi himself, the Libyans also need to make sure there's not an all out free-for-all for exacting revenge on Qadhafi loyalists. According to
4. Deal with basic humanitarian issues.
Recovering from the country's months of war, it's important that basic utilities, like water, electricity and sanitation, are restored in certain areas of the country and maintained. Not to mention, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, since mid-February when the Arab Spring began, more than 650,000 people have fled the country. There's also hundreds of thousands of internally displaced refugees that are now homeless within their own borders. Making sure these people find a home is key. "Those are the normal challenges of this kind of civil war, or disruption," says Miller.
5. Put a government in place.
With the Qadhafi regime in shambles, the
Cortwright says this is one area, in particular, where the West can offer their advice.
6. Restart the economy.
7. Communicate realistic expectations.
The global economic crisis has taught Americans and Europeans alike that a recovery doesn't happen overnight, and similarly, the Libyans will have to realize that the process takes some time. For the
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