Recounting her recent visit to Libya, Dr. Tamara Sonn, an expert in the study of comparative religion and Islamic history from the College
of William & Mary, noted both Libyan’s optimism and fear of the future at a lecture
at the Josef Korbel School on February 6th, 2012.
During the talk “Dismantling Paradigms: Libya One Year after the Arab Spring” Sonn discussed Libya’s post-revolution challenges, including a diminished social solidarity and regional divisions. Noting the lack of transparency during elections, Sonn pointed to Libyan’s distrust in the National Transition Council (NTC) as one of the points of contention in the democratization process.
Disarming militias who do not support the NTC is priority number one, and their reintegration into society with access to jobs, education, and assurance of protection should take precedent, said Sonn. The fear of the unknown has many militia members wary of government cooperation.
“There is a combination of a certain amount of joy the dictator is gone, but also unbearable sadness [for the loss of family members]. There is a degree of optimism that things could get better, but a palpable fear of the future,” said Sonn.
Stifled by the Ghaddafi regime in the past, the population is currently ill equipped for political participation, according to Sonn. Ghaddafi’s grip on communications and infrastructure served to support his hold on power while leaving the population without voice. Calling on the international community for coordinated assistance on these fronts, Sonn emphasized that Libyan’s share the goals of a robust civil society, and moderate Islam, but need support.
Over 60 attended the lecture sponsored by the Middle East Discussion Group, including Josef Korbel School MA Candidate, Nate Sherwood.
“The talk was unique in the best sense,” said Sherwood. Echoing praise, MA Candidate Hanna Camp appreciated Sonn’s first hand stories and insider view.
- Kara Kingma, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
