Would you send Gaddafi’s Lynch mob to the docks Lollipop?

Another conflict is brewing, a week on after the killing of ex-dictator Gaddafi. Despite Libya declaring its liberation and Nato announcing it will end military operations by the 31^st October, Libya’s new rulers are determined to prosecute the rebels behind the murder of Gaddafi.

Like most people across the world, Lollipop and I have seen the disturbing images and videos of Gaddafi pleading with the mob as he was taunted and beaten by them. It was horrible to see, yet the decision to put the perpetrators on trial is still quite surprising.

“I thought they were seen as National Heroes. Almost everyone in Libya loves them for it.”

“I know Lollipop and now they’re being seen as national criminals.”

“This is so confusing,” says Lollipop as she pears over my shoulder to read the Daily Mail’s article entitled: “Libya: we’ll put Gaddafi Lynch mob in the dock.”

“So is this guy a criminal now or still a hero in Libya?”

“Well the Daily Mail states: “a murder trial would be deeply unpopular and could even destabilize Libya’s attempts to draw a line under the Gaddafi era.” So yeah the guy that killed him is still seen as a hero.”

“The Guardian also said: “Attempts to launch an investigation are unlikely to be welcomed in Misrata, where the rebels who captured Gaddafi in his home town of Sirte are based. When asked this week about the questions surrounding his death by people outside Libya, Misrata’s military chief, Ibrahim Beit al-Mal, said: “Why are they even asking this question? He was caught and he was killed. Would he have given us the same? Of course.”

“I didn’t know you read the Guardian, Lollipop.”

“It’s online, and I don’t unless there’s an article on the Kim Kardashian. I was just tying to get more information but I’m still confused.”

“Why?”

“Because if these rebels hadn’t killed Gaddafi, Libya would still be at war. Troops were hunting him down. I thought they wanted him dead.”

“They wanted him captured,” I corrected my sister. Alive would have been the preferable out come for Nato and Libyan leaders . However The Daily Mail argued: “most Libyans believe that if Gaddafi had lived, putting him on trial would have a shadow over efforts to rebuild the country.” Therefore his death is a positive outcome for Libyan liberation, yet the killing must be justified and the rebels trialled.

Last week, Libyan leaders were thrilled and jubilant over the death of the ex dictator. They still are. But in order to instil law and order in a conflicted country heroes must be prosecuted.

French lawyers representing the Gadaffi family intends to sue Nato for their unlawful part in the killing. If this case does go to court Libya must attempt to come across as a law-abiding state to gain public support in their move towards a fair democracy.
Most may not agree with the law or the statements but these are the steps that need to be taken to build a  new Libya. “Don’t you agree, Lollipop?”

“Yes. And I also agree with David Cameron’s statement to let girls rule!”

“What are you talking about, Lollipop?”

“The prime minister is changing the law so that  Prince William and Catherine’s first child will take the throne even if it’s a girl! She’ll be Queen Bee!”

“Yes the reform of the monarchy has been long-awaited. I don’t know why you’re getting so excited though. I doubt that you’ll marry Prince Harry so it doesn’t affect you.”

“Well you never know sis,”

“Ok Queen Lollipop.”

 

Are Tunisian Elections more important than Gaddafi, Lollipop?

End of a Tyrant and Don’t Shoot, Don’t Shoot! Are the headlines across most British newspapers and the world today. Plus with his name being the main thing trending on Twitter even my sister, Lollipop can’t ignore the fact that Muammar Gaddafi is dead.

“I was wondering why his name kept appearing on Twitter last night. I only realised later when I saw his dead body on the news that he’d been killed,” says my Lollipop as he looks over at the headline of the Independent.

“Yes, even everyone on Twitter can’t stop going on about Gaddafi,” I reply.

“The pictures and videos look awful sis.”

“And yet they’re everywhere as proof that the dictator is dead and a new Libya can now begin.”

“I know suddenly everyone’s excited about the murder of this ruler. It’s almost like when Bin Laden was killed, sis.”

“We can’t compare the two, because they’re totally different situations in two different countries. But yes everyone’s happy because justice has been done.”

“Whatever, I’m sure it’ll die down soon.”

I snort at my sister’s ignorance, but then wonder if everyone should be so excited. The fact that Gaddafi is dead doesn’t mean a new democratic Libya will shoot from the rebel’s guns. It’ll take time and maybe even more hardship.

After decades of despotic rule in Tunisia ended in January this year with the fall of President Zineel Abidine Ben Ali the Middle Eastern country is now preparing for it’s first free elections.

For more than 10 million Tunisians, this is their first experience of democratic elections. After a string of revolutions, it is the first to arrange polling booths and appoint a new government.

Tunisia’s previously banned Islamist party, Al Nahda is leading the opinion polls with 25% of the vote already. However The Independent reported: “Fears remain that the elections may still not be genuinely free despite the presence of 10,000 observers.” Manipulation and bribery still exist in Tunisia; however voters believe it’s definitely going to be better than what it was.

With democracy now being put into place it’s definitely better than it was already. People across the world, not just in Libya should take note from Tunisia’s upcoming elections on Sunday and see how  The Middle East is making a revolutionary change.

The change of course is gradual with Tunisia taking several months to start their democracy. With the violence in Libya being more widespread and publicised it could take even longer the country to start anew. Perhaps the papers should headline such changes and not the murder of a Tyrant. Don’t you agree Lollipop?

“Yes, I don’t want to hear about Gaddafi on Twitter, I want to hear about Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ possible split or Beyonce’s baby bump. Gaddafi is just not as interesting.”

“Yes I’m sure Libyans are much more interested in the Kardashians then the murder of the ex-dictator, Lollipop.”

Leadership, Leadership, Leadership Lollipop

 

It is the end of the Conservative conference in Lollipop’s hometown Manchester. Protesters have rallied, interviews took place, speeches have been made and yet my sister is still not interested in events that are happening just miles from her doorstep.

“I wish you would stop asking me questions about this conference sis, I already told  you I don’t care.”

“But you cared about the riots when they were taking place just miles from your doorstep, so why don’t you care about this?”

“Because the riots were more exciting and one of my favourite shops, Miss Selfridge, was getting burnt down. This is just about boring politicians.”

“Yes, I agree but these boring politicians are making the decisions.”

My sister doesn’t reply as she continues trying on belts to go with her new Asos dress. Clearly she is not as bothered as I am about the Conservative conference and how it could affect our hometown. However it did make me consider whether Mancunians should be that interested in the Conservatives coming to town?

Since the Summer Riots, us Mancunians seem to have rallied together, I heart Manchester signs are still hanging across the city centre and people have definitely moved on. This is not due to the Conservatives and their Conference this week but due to how we dealt with the crisis together.

Prime Minister, David Cameron’s patriotic speech this afternoon also encouraged us to stand together during the economic crisis by saying:  “Let’s show the world some fight”, adding: “We can turn this ship around.”

However the Guardian’s political editors have already torn his words down arguing:  “The attempt to offer optimism, as well as a portrait of a Tory purpose that goes wider than deficit reduction, ran the risk of appearing out of touch with the depth of economic crisis.”

Another case argued: “The problem is rather that happy talk makes no sense unless it is anchored to a plan of action.”

And: “It’s the smartness of the political consultant and the professional adviser winning out over the reality and fear of the lives that most people live in potentially double-dip recessionary times.”

Of course with the Guardian’s centre left views and other newspapers taking another stance, Lollipop and I must stake our own take on Mr Cameron’s speech.

“Well he did seem quite positive and determined,” vouched my Lollipop.

“Yes, But I didn’t feel positive after. Everyone’s still finding it tough to manage. Even our biggest national supermarket, Tesco has announced drops in sales and slashing of prices. If they’re struggling then there’s not much hope for the rest of us.”

“I didn’t know that. Tesco’s is massive as well.”

“It’s just hard to be optimistic right now.”

“Cameron doesn’t seem to find it hard.”

I roll my eyes at my sister’s comment. Obviously the Prime Minister needs to sound optimistic during a debt crisis. In order to lift spirits someone has to be bloody optimistic even if it seems no one has come up with any groundbreaking solutions. Some of what Cameron did say was encouraging.

He asked why “people are flying all over the world to adopt babies while the care system at home agonises about placing black children with white families,” and announced a “new focus on the 65,000 children in care”.

The media are often too busy focusing on the economic crisis rather than acknowledgingBritain’s social affairs. The fact that Cameron was able to touch upon adoption amidst our debt and financial woes was groundbreaking and a review of the system can now take place.

Our economy is far from being fixed, some editors believe it can’t be fixed under Cameron but at least steps are being made elsewhere. And that is what I call optimism. Am I right Lollipop?

“Yes! Finally Justin Bieber has announced who will be appearing on his Christmas Album. Mariah Carey, Busta Ryhmes, Usher and Boyz II Men. It’s going to be amazing.”

Well at least someone won’t be feeling the pinch on the lead up to Christmas this year.