Reply #52: Flush with victory

[tabatha]

THE most complete so far in the chain of upheavals to rock the Arab world, Libya’s revolution seems to have come surprisingly well packaged. It is only two short weeks since Tripoli fell to the rebels, but cocky graffiti and cartoons of "fuzzhead", a derogatory nickname for Muammar Qaddafi, animate walls everywhere. Radio stations blare an impressive repertoire of catchy revolutionary tunes. The flag of the revolution emblazons car bonnets, headscarves and lapels. It flutters from lampposts and windows. With the oil pumps at rest, stickers sporting the colours appear to be the country's major industry.

For all the festive bunting, and despite the fact that rebels have pushed the front far to the southeast, the Libyan capital remains wary. Provisions are still short, with long queues for fuel. Shops and government offices are mostly shut. Abdullah Shamia, a member of the Muslim Brothers who is the economy minister on the National Transitional Council, the proto-government that is gradually shifting its seat from Benghazi to Tripoli, modestly describes the situation as stable but improving.

There is talk, though little sign, of a pervasive fifth column of Qaddafi loyalists. Despite efforts to shoo rebel gunmen off the capital's streets, everyone seems to recognise their need to show off their pride, which erupts in spontaneous grins at the slightest greeting. Still, the celebratory gunfire that punctures the sultry night air sets nerves on edge, serving more as a reminder that fighting continues than as reassurance of rebel control.

Yet no one doubts how the fighting will end. Mr Qaddafi has fled to an unknown location, said by some to be an oasis in the far south, near the border with Niger. Four of his seven sons have been killed or slipped into exile. With each day come more reports of regime associates defecting, being captured or seeking asylum.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/09/libya-0