Muammar Gaddafi Dead: Consequences and Reactions of Dictator's Violent End (PHOTOS)
The death of ex-dictator Muammar Gaddafi has left a variety of consequences in its wake regarding Libya, its economy, and what its liberation from a dictator means for the world.
One question concerning the expenditures the U.S. spent in Libya has risen. Reports have stated that the United States Defense Department spent about $1.1 billion on day-to-day military procedures, weapons, and aid for the poor and hungry in the struggling country.
Vice President Joe Biden quotes the figure at somewhere closer to “$2 billion,” noting that operations were conducted without the loss of “a single American life,” according to his press statement.
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Now, with the National Transitional Council inheriting $33 billion of Libya’s previously-frozen assets, will reimbursements take place?
According to Florida Senator Marco Rubio, “[Libya wants] to reimburse us for the cost of what we [did] to help them,” he said in an interview with Fox News.
Other questions arise about the future of the Libyan people.
Although the NTC will be entitled to the Libyan people’s assets, will they necessarily remain as the ruling party of Libya?
Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Muammar Gaddafi, was widely considered to be next in line for leader of the country. The whereabouts and status of al-Islam are currently unknown.
Another one of Gaddafi’s eight children, Al-Mu’tasim-Billah al-Gaddafi, has been confirmed dead.
There are also around 30 armed militias that have formed following Gaddafi’s death, says Rubio. This raises uncertainty that the NTC will definitively remain in control over the entire country.
Economical issues may arise in the future for the small 6 million-citizen country, as it is host to a large supply of oil reserves.
Reactions to Gaddafi’s end come in from various sources around the world.
CNN reports that U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, "This day marks an historic transition for Libya."
Advocates of change in Syria and Yemen point to the successful usurping of the Libyan tyrant as a source of inspiration and hope for change, says CNN.
Libyan Ambassador Ali Aujali said, “The relations between Libya and America have already changed… I’m really grateful.”
He also thanked a number of parties involved, including Senator John McCain of Arizona, NATO, and the United Arab Emirates in an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.
President Obama has yet to issue a statement on Libya, the death of Gaddafi, or the changing state’s future.
Obama is scheduled to hold a press conference at 2p.m. today.
