A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Qadhafi Endgame, or a Feint?

The French Foreign Minister has said that Qadhafi is signaling a willingness to leave. Given everythiung we've seen thus far, it would be wise to treat this "news" cautiously, I think; Juppe made clear there are no "negotiations" as such. It could be a feint, a bargaining maneuver, or just a diversion. But perhaps it's more.

1 comment:

David Mack said...

His departure, in one way or another, will probably not come as quickly as we or most Libyans would like. On the other hand, it could well happen much sooner than Qadhafi imagines. The choice is not his alone, fortunately. He relies on many people who are desperate to find a way to separate their fate from his. Continuing international pressures plus skillful diplomacy can help empower these people and encourage them to give the brother leader an offer he can't refuse.