With the NATO military campaign in Libya entering its fifth month, there is an obvious concern about the inconclusiveness of the situation and the possibility of the tide of public opinion, especially in the Arab world, shifting against the current level of operations. This is something that must be carefully weighed and considered, and requires a renewed effort to bring the Libyan effort to a successful outcome.

At the outset, a lot of credit must go to the GCC states, which have come out in the forefront of efforts to legitimize the NATO action on Libya and to extend the support of the Arab states for the implementation of the no-fly zone. It was after all Qatar and the United Arab Emirates who pushed the issue with their Arab League partners which proved critical for ultimate United Nations Security Council acceptance. This provided the essential legitimacy and backing to the effort without which the campaign could have not proceeded as it did.

In addition, the GCC states have remained in the driving seat in the movement to continue support for the campaign. Qatar and the UAE have provided not only critical political backing but have also extended concrete logistical support including supplying fighter jets, setting up a television station for the transitional council and coordinating oil exports from rebel-controlled territory. Kuwait, meanwhile, have pledged $180 million for the transitional council while Saudi Arabia has ensured that the political unity on this issue has been maintained. Several GCC states have further come out and recognized the Transitional Council as the sole representatives of the Libyan people thus further cementing the front against the Gadhafi regime. 

The fact that NATO has pursued its mission with professionalism and vigilance is something that is certainly appreciated in the Arab world. There is no regional support for the Gadhafi regime and the sooner there is change of government in Libya, the better the result for the Libyan people who can concentrate on the task of rebuilding their country. The support for NATO even extends to Islamist groups in Yemen who see the fall of the Gadhafi regime as an opportunity to extend their own influence in the country.

Yet, while 50 percent of the infrastructure associated with the governmental military machinery has been dismantled, there is still a worry that the conflict could extend indefinitely without a conclusive result in the coming months. Not only does this test the patience of all coalition partners but the continued support for the no-fly zone cannot be taken for granted. Given the political developments occurring throughout the Arab world, it could also be the case that new governments emerge that could in turn adopt different attitudes vis-a-vis the UN mandate on Libya. Added to this is the fact that NATO is already stretched and some discord among members has equally emerged.

Yet, the failure of NATO to complete its mission would set a dangerous precedent that needs to be avoided at all costs. It is thus important that the international cooperation is maintained and that all efforts are put forward that ensure a functional coalition for the coming period. From the Gulf perspective, the cooperation between NATO and the member states of the GCC has underlined the usefulness of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative and has provided tangible experience to carry the initiative forward. In this context, it should also be mentioned that the UAE will become the first Arab country to send an official ambassador to NATO in Brussels.

Beyond the coalition effort, it is further important to focus on the re-building of Libya. There is a need for contingency planning for the day that the Transitional Council takes power in the country and to ensure that they have the tools and mechanism in place to provide for as smooth a transition as possible. This includes the crucial areas of institutional, legal and security sector reform as well as the urgent re-building of the infrastructure. One possible step would be to look at reviving the 1951 constitution as a point of departure for further reform and institution-building.

The road ahead for Libya remains difficult and uncertain. A combined international effort with a clear focus for the way ahead would ensure that the current obstacles are eventually overcome and provide a path ahead for the country of a better future. 

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