Libya in US Foreign Policy: From Rogue State to Good Fellow?
Author(s)
Zoubir, Yahia H.
Abstract
Since the mid 1970s relations between the USA and Libya have been antagonistic. The radical policies the regime of Muammar Qadaaffi has pursued have made Libya one of the USA’s bêtes noires. The reasons for US antagonism derive from Libya’s repression at home, its alleged support for terrorism and for radical movements opposed to US interests, its staunch opposition to Israel, and its anti-Western rhetoric. Libya’s hostility towards the USA rests on a perception of the USA as a global power intent on maintaining its hegemony and control over the Arab and Islamic world. Libyans have been resentful of US support of Israel to the detriment of Arabs and Muslims. Libya’s resolute opposition to the USA especially in the 1980s, resulted in a series of military confrontations. The USA has maintained sanctions despite the suspension of UN sanctions on Libya in 1999. The USA has retained Libya on its short list of ‘rogue states’ despite recognition that Libya has stopped sponsoring terrorism. The contention here is that Libya, like the other ‘rogue states’, provides justification for US domestic policies (e.g., National Missile Defense). Given the events of September 11, 2001, in the US, it is quite conceivable that Libya could become a target of the US antiterrorism campaign. The USA could at last find valid justification for the removal of the Qadaffi regime.
