Read it and weep -- for the future of Libya. This is a sorry sorry day as the thuwwar have impose their desired ‘de-Qadhafification’ process on the GNC and it might well end up including the removal of a number of senior members of the GNC's government. It truly appears that the militias might well succeed in subverting the democratic process and changing the whole government through populist violence and intimidation. It is thought that the ten year ban from public office called for in the Political Isolation Law passed on 5 May would apply to a number of members of the GNC, such as President Mohamed al-Magarief, at least several ministers, and possibly Prime Minister Ali Zidan. Though a new government without those who held leadership positions in ministries, universities, state-owned companies, or embassies during the Qadhafi years could be perceived as more legitimate by the Libyan public, it is doubtful that other armed groups will refrain from violence, intimidation, and populist mobilization against future governments now that it has proven to be a winning tactic.Here are some highlights of al-Arabiyya's coverage:
Gunmen on Monday demanded the Libyan government’s resignation as they besieged ministries despite the adoption of a law to purge officials from the regime of dead dictator Muammar Qaddafi from their posts.“We are determined to continue our movement until the departure of (Prime Minister) Ali Zeidan,” said Osama Kaabar, a leader of the militias who had promised to lift their siege if the law was passed.