Tribal divisions could test the transitional council

Christian Science Monitor via Gulf News ^ | Sunday, September 4, 2011 | Kristen Chick

[SunkenCiv]

Behind the high walls of a family compound in Libya's eastern capital, a giant photo of the late revolutionary commander General Abdul Fatah Younis smiles down on the dozens of men from his tribe who visit in a large tent after ending the Ramadan fast on a summer night.

Ali Senussi, a leader of the Obeidi tribe that Younis belonged to, sips tea in a plastic chair, looking grandfatherly in his traditional robe and vest. But as he speaks about the murky circumstances of the assassination of one of the tribe's own, he doesn't mince his words. The tribe will give the leadership a chance to investigate Younis' killing and bring those responsible to justice. But if they don't?

"The Obeidis are promising this will not go unpunished," he says. "We hope to be in a country of law and good judgment that ensures our rights without us having to take them ourselves. But if we needed to take our justice by ourselves, we will do it."

"Tribal law is stronger than the government law," adds a nearby tribal elder...

Some also say that the revolution has increased historically weak Libyan nationalism, which could lessen tribalism...

The revolutionary government has urged citizens to avoid revenge, and it has plans for a national reconciliation programme to keep tribal differences from festering.

But perhaps the biggest test is whether the government will be capable enough to supersede the tribal law that some revert to when the government is lacking. Several tribal leaders in eastern Libya asserted that in a democratic nation, tribes would play only social roles, not political ones.

[SunkenCiv]

Image Credit: Sources: Reuters, News reports; Reuters/@Gulf News

[yldstrk]

But of course. Why wouldn’t they?

[SunkenCiv]

This article is really just an anti-Gaddafi propaganda piece by yet another partisan media shill. But...

Pass the Popcorn ping.

[Citizen Tom Paine]

Where are the Berbers? Weren’t they the original inhabitants?

[mazda77]

Yea, what happened to all of the rebel unicorns and pixie dust? Funny they thought it was in Egypt and then the summer came along after the “spring” that never was.