News Analysis: Gaddafi's death paves way for Libya's rebuilding, transition
With the death of fallen leader Muammar Gaddafi, the seven-month civil war in Libya moves closer to an end as the "entire liberation" of the whole country would soon be announced. But the war-torn country still faces tough tasks in the process of reconstruction and transition.
According to Xinhua, Mahmoud Jibril, head of the Libyan National Transitional Council's (NTC) executive committee, confirmed Thursday that Gaddafi was killed in gun battle in his hometown Sirte. The former Libyan leader had been hiding himself for about two months since the rebels controlled Tripoli in late August, but had incited supporters from time to time with his voice aired on a Syrian TV channel.
His death indicated the complete end of Gaddafi era which lasted more than 40 years. And the country will be tasked with reconciling political factions, easing stability threats posed by the remnants of the Gaddafi regime and forming an interim government.
SECURITY CHALLENGE
Gaddafi's death will affect the capabilities of Gaddafi's loyalists, as they had no political aim anymore, said Akrm Houssam, a researcher with the National Center for Middle East Studies, in an interview with Xinhua on Thursday.
However, they may still launch small raids in revenge for the death of Gaddafi, he added.
"Concerning the war in Libya , we can't say it has totally ended, but it's about to end, as Gaddafi's supporters won't give up now, " said Sayed el-Lawendy, a political analyst with the Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.
One week ago, dozens of Gaddafi supporters exchanged fire with NTC fighters in the capital. This was the first fresh fighting between Gaddafi loyalists and rebel forces in the capital in two months. In addition, the NTC had not completely "eradicated" Gaddafi's fighters in Sirte and Bani Walid, despite its control of the last two strongholds of Gaddafi.
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