Opinion: Playing in the Hands of Fundamentalists – by Muhammad Azeemullah

Benghazi once known as the cradle of revolution in Libya is now deemed as the ghost of terror.

The armed assault on American consulate in Benghazi, in which the American ambassador, Chris Stevens, and three other diplomats died, has left many Libyans puzzled.

Definitely it is not the way Americans should be rewarded for what role they have played in the emancipation of Libyan people from the ruthlessness of Qaddafi, and still what role they are playing in the restoration of democracy in the country.

But let me voice it aloud that whosoever has committed the crime does not represent the vast majority of Libyan people. Possibly, it may be a ploy to derail the democratic process.

During the seven-month long armed conflict against the dictator, no westerner was harmed, including many Americans who rallied behind the uprisings, testifies the fact that common people in Libya are peace loving. They simply want prosperity and security.

A very small group which is still unknown has either taken the insulting film to Islam as an excuse to attack American interest in Libya or the disgruntled individuals of Qaddafi regime may have perpetrated the attack in the garb of religious fanatics.

A Libyan militia, formed during the revolution, came to the defense of the consulate and also took the ambassador to the hospital demonstrate the concern of the revolutionaries toward international obligations.

Or even remotely though, may be the handiwork of other regimes that loathe democracy to succeed in Libya. The speculations are open to varied interpretations until investigating agencies come out with something substantial.

Violence is never the justification for the gratification of either political or religious goals. Violence begets violence.

read more here:

http://www.tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=5&i=9172