An interview with Major General Suleiman Mahmoud al-Obeidi that provides a candid look at the hurdles that remain in the way of actually forming a national army.Major General Suleiman Mahmoud al-Obeidi was among the first military commanders to defect from Moamer Kadhafi's regime. He held several high-ranking posts, including Deputy Director of Military Intelligence and Chairman of the Republican Guard in Benghazi, before switching sides.Al-Obeidi now serves as the deputy chief of staff. He spoke to Magharebia about the role the military can play in re-building the country in transition and recounted his own story of joining the historic rebellion.Magharebia: What is the reason behind suspending the formation of the national army? Who benefits from it?Al-Obeidi: It is to the benefit of radical Islamists and those with foreign agendas who do not want the army to hold together. The army in American society, for example, is very important: the first layer is the president and the vice-president. The second layer is the Congress, while the third layer is the military.Active nations are not afraid of their armies, but give them rights: they are given their pride, dignity and possibilities in order to defend the government faithfully, not as Kadhafi who struck hard against the Libyan army. I believe in a military institution that abides by the law and protects the constitution and the nation.The military should protect not the ruler but the system, whether republican or royal, as the land is sacred. I believe in the institution of law, freedom and rights. This is my perception of the army of the future.
Libyan General Discusses Military Priorities