What Does Gadhafi's Death Mean for You?

The news on everyone's minds this morning is, of course, the death of Moammar Gadhafi. The 69-year-old dictator was killed Thursday in Libya after 42 years of a brutally violent reign. In some graphic cell-phone footage posted by CNN from a Libyan contributor, you can see images of Gadhafi's bloodied body and evidence that he had been shot in the head. You will also see civilians celebrating by firing guns in the air and enthusiastically yelling. I will not post the footage here due to the graphic content but if you would like to see the video here is the link.

For most Libyans, the death of Gadhafi provides a sense of relief and release from the fear of his rule. However, it is unclear what the actual consequences will be for the Libyan people and some fear among the people still persists. According to CNN's Ben Wedeman, Gadhafi's death does not necessarily mean an end of conflict for the people of Libya. There is likely to be a period of lawlessness and some fear revenge attacks by Gadhafi loyalists. There is hope that the Libyan people will be able to arrive at some form of Democratic government, however doubt remains.


For the relatives of victims of Gadhafi-led terrorist attacks, responses range from relief to celebration to shock. In 1988, a Pan Am flight from London to New York was bombed, killing all 259 people on board and 11 civilians on the ground. Many Americans were on this flight, among them the daughter of Susan Cohen who responded to the news of Gadhafi's death saying, "I'm just going to go out and buy an expensive bottle of champagne to celebrate." Cohen has been waiting for the news of his death since the day she found out her daughter would not return home. Other relatives of victims of this crash have commented that they thought this day would never come and finally feel a sense of relief that no other families will have to experience the tragedy of death they have suffered as a consequence of his reign.


In Obama's address to the people he stated that Libyans will now have the power to "determine their own destiny," free from the tyranny of Gadhafi. He also notes America's support for Libya in their plight toward democracy.


If nothing else, Gadhafi's death seems to provide hope for the global fight against tyranny and violent dictatorships. However, violence and death, although sometimes necessary, are never an ideal solution.