Should Libya's rebels be internationally recognised?

We can't judge whether the recognition of the NTC will secure a more "free" or "democratic" Libya, or even that once in power they will not head in the same wayward direction. However one thing we can expect is that the NTC will be watched closely and their recognition does not go hand in hand with free reign.

No. The rebels are not a legitimate government. They were not elected or selected in any way. They have simply named themselves the government. Any resolution of the situation in Libya should include all parties including Ghadaffi and the West has no business getting involved with the process.

Whatever ghastly fate awaits Kaddafi should be of no concern to any African, given his atrocious legacy in parts of the continent (not to mention his undisguised racism), and I don't care if he supported the ANC or not: the limbless children of Sierra Leone are testament to his turpitude. As for his fellow Libyans, let them resolve their differences as they see fit. We have our problems too.

This action on the part of Hague is ill-advised and smacks of colonialism. Who elected the NTC? They are attempting to take over the country not through the ballot box or by peaceful demonstrations, but through the barrells of NATO's guns. Who would dare stand in their way.

Cameron, Sarkozy et al were ill-advised to get involved in a civil war.

Recognising rebelling armed forces and regime defectors, that have not and seem not to be able to overthrow the government is dangerous to international peace, especially in war torn Arabia/Africa, and sets a disturbing precedent to emerging powers.
Only a ceasefire and internationally observed referendum, can decide the recognition of the TNC.

What I wan to say is that,the western world let africa be,we have had enough of them. They have a different motive behind their so-called democracy. They please let us be,democracy is not ours.

I wonder why some humanbeings are not reasonable,the World ruling body
has said, u Gaddafi and ur cohort lack legitimacy to rule Libya and u are there
insisting to continue to rule Libya after 41 years as if there is no other humanbeing
in Libya who can take them along,with time,u will end up like Gbagbo of Ivory coast.

it is a dumb idea to recognize the rebels as sole representative of the Libyan people without an election ,what's the hurry all about. is it the oil?

For political reasons YES,but morally is very wrong,because now how would the countries that recognizes the rebels feel if these waves of uprising continue to invade the civilize world or motivate would be rebels to take up arms against their respective governments..I SAY NO TO ANY REBEL GROUPS..

every dick,fatma and harry thats defecting to the rebels side should be a marked person....lest the world end up supporting gaddafis shadows

The same people who considered Muammar Gaddafi as president of Lybia when he took power are the same people that are saying He must step down. For me the "word rebel" can only fit Muammar Gaddafi's and not the people of Libya. Rejecting the desire of the people is an act of rebellion!

Bernard Gbayee Goah
President, Operation We Care for Liberia
[email protected]

how can the united kindom recocgnise a rebel
this is something unbelievable. GADAFI its a man that has ruled the country

i just feel sorry for the poor Libyans who believe France and U.k do care for their freedom

The name REBEL has already disqualified them from being leaders. instead as a Nation, they can unanimously nominate and elect a new body as an intrim government to represent the nation in all areas. recognizing them-"Rebels" as sole authority of Libya could set a bad precedent in Africa. therfore, should be discourage; because is undemocratic and cruel.

Considering that all the previous opinions have been conveniently awaiting moderation, it looks like BBC has a partial problem. Therein lies the truth about Libya...

bbc! WHEN DO U INTEND TO PUBLISH OUR COMMENT? LET ME GUEST. MOST COMMENTS ARE NOT FAVORABLE TO YOUR DARLING ,REBELS

All i want to know is what they have offered to the countries which recognised them already. Or are they recognised because "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" culture? I think no one should be recognised unless if they have the backing of their own people through the country's way of expression and not by the standards set by the western countries.

i support the decission took by UK.because it may weaken gaddafi`s gov`t to control libya,and also makes him thinks or act otherwise.

I blame the UN for allowing a resolution which does not allow a proper military intervention.

They should be recognised as heroes not leaders of the country. Let the people vote to elect their leaders. This is the only way to achieve democracy in the country.

I say NO, rebels can not be recognized because they are rebels, how can governments deal with rebels, may be if you support them and win their war to power and its Ramadan, they should go into peace talks to avoid blood shedding in the holy month.

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I disagree with Mr. KH.K because M. Ghaddaf's government shows irresponsibility towards its people & The UN should recognise the NTC & ends the suffering of civilins & The brutality of Ghaddaf's none responsible fighters

l totally disagree with ,Uk,France,NATO&Big Black Brother"OBAMA"onward recognise of Libyan Rebel,British&France fail to see,the handwriting on wall,98% of Africans,isn`t in support,we feel the westnern are going too far ."Rebel is`not democracy"British,France & America let Africa&Ghaddafi to be.Stop Brutality with your missiles

My fear is that the west should be very careful in the way they threat uprising in muslem countries and by implecation in other countries.Maybe the west has a different defination, but recognizing the rebels in Libya, is a very bad idea.

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Resorting to negotiation between Qaddafi and the rebels would be the best solution. The world has to noted that the rebels are radical and what is the assurance that would allow Libya to be governed by modern democracy.

Had not the, say, French or Hessians recognized a rebel group a few hundred years ago I might today be English and forced to add extra letters to my words. Or be recognized with an "s". Then again, it's possible the Colonies might have liberated themselves without help. We are a feisty lot after all.