Muslim Mayhem?

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “Islamists’ Growing Sway Raises Questions for Libya,” describes an albeit chaotic situation in the newly liberated country, but one that Islamists can readily take advantage of to rise to power.

Unlike some who see Islamic plots everywhere, there are real reasons to fear an Islamic takeover in Libya. The most powerful military leader, Abdel Belhaj, was once believed to be part of Al Qaeda, and Ali Sallabi, an Islamic scholar, is thought to be the most respected person in the nation. Moreover, like Egypt and Tunisia, the Arab Spring in Libya deposed an autocrat who actively suppressed Islamic movements. As a result of moving underground, these movements became highly organized and can now take advantage of that organization to run an effect political campaign.

Many liberals in Libya, therefore, are pushing for more time to organize to catch up with movements such as Etilaf and the Muslim Brotherhood. Meanwhile, Etilaf is issuing decrees or fatwas that sound ominous, such as one prohibiting women from driving.

However, all hope is not lost. It should be noted that the current Prime Minister, Mahmoud Jibril, is an American-educated moderate and so is the Finance and Oil Minister, Ali Tarhouni. Hopefully, they can sheperd all parties to democratic pluralism such as the system in Turkey.