Mohamad Bazzi says that unfortunately for him and for Libya, Muammar al-Qaddafi betrayed his own revolution, just as the other Arab strongmen of his generation had. His death marks the end of the rule of these old-style nationalist leaders.
Isobel Coleman argues that a stable, prosperous Libya undergoing a process of democratization will enhance the chance of successful transitions in neighboring countries such as Tunisia and Egypt.
While Qaddafi's death is a victory for Libya's interim government and its international backers, analysts caution that the country's new leaders will have to resolve factional disputes and establish a functioning civil society ahead of democratic elections.
Ed Husain argues that while the death of Muammar al-Qaddafi lifts the morale of the besieged protestors in countries like Syria and Yemen, it also offers clues to the real risks of chaos and extremism that can spread in the region.
Post-Qaddafi Libya will face difficulties with rebel infighting, the anger of Qaddafi loyalists, and more, but the long-time dictator's death also creates an opening for a more peaceful country. CFR's Richard Haass, Ed Husain, and Ray Takeyh weigh Libya's prospects.
Robert Danin, CFR's senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies, argues that the international community needs to remain involved in Libya after Qaddafi's death.
Disunity among Libya's rebels, a growing Islamist radical movement, and angry Qaddafi loyalists will mean a continued need for NATO involvement to check a possible slide into chaos.
In four decades of rule, Qaddafi chased doomed adventures that isolated his regime from Arabs and the world. Libyans now have a chance to recast their state and reintegrate with their region, says CFR's Ray Takeyh.
The reported death of Muammar al-Qaddafi marks a dramatic end to his sway over Libya. Libyans now need considerable Western help in securing and rebuilding the country he leaves behind, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass.
Micah Zenko argues that overreaching Western eagerness to help Libya's rebels will now make it more difficult to line up meaningful outside support for Syria's opposition.
As Libya moves ahead with a leadership transition, it faces challenges including restarting the economy, dealing with humanitarian abuses, and the rising influence of Islamists.
The Syrian regime's brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters didn't trip the same alarm bells as Libya's did for the UN Security Council, but the international community is gradually losing patience with Assad, says expert Edward Luck, a special advisor to the UN secretary-general.
The Atlantic's Sophie Quinton outlines the obstacles Libyan rebels face as they seek $160 billion in frozen assets. Rebels will have to navigate a maze of United Nations sanctions, unilateral sanctions, and layers of property law to receive the money from Muammar el-Qaddafi's regime.
As rebels try to strengthen their hold on Tripoli, the odds of a peaceful, democratic transfer of power in Libya are long and the need for ongoing international intervention is very likely, says CFR's Robert Danin.
CFR's Director of Studies James Lindsay and CFR.org Editor Robert McMahon preview major world events in the week ahead.
In this week's podcast: the United Nations discusses operations in Libya; Republican presidential candidates react to the news from Tripoli; Japan’s governing party picks a new prime minister.
The Council on Foreign Relations' David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR's "think tank"—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting scholars and practitioners (called "fellows"). Their expertise covers the world's major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today's global agenda. Download the printable CFR Experts Guide.
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.