If Radicals Seized Power in Libya Algeria Would Be Threatened, Analyst

Nabil Abdel Fatah, a specialist on Islamist groups for al-Ahram Political Research Centre in Cairo, believes that in case radicals and extremists reached power in Libya, it would represent a threat on neighbouring countries, including Algeria.

Mr Abdelfatah told Echorouk reporter that there are signs that the rebels, the majority of whom are of Islamist tendency, would get revenge on pro Gaddafi tribes, and such signs forced the chief of the National Transition Council, Mustapha Abdul Jalil, threatening to resign. 

Mr Abdel Fatah added that in case extremist Islamic movements emerged in post Gaddafi Libya, it would have an impact on the region. “There would be perturbations in the neighbouring countries, including Algeria which has not recognised the NTC as a legitimate representative of the Libyan people,” the analyst said, adding “I believe that the NTC would tend to sow more strife with Algeria, in the future, yet, the Algerian government has to take steps forwards by interrupting relations with Gaddafi and then opening dialogue with the NTC senior officials, in order to avoid further clashes, mostly in case extremists seized power.”

Mr Abdel Fatah said he expects “that the rebels would face fierce resistance from pro Gaddafi forces and some other forces of whom existence depends on the existence of the incumbent regime.” 

Meanwhile, he indicated “the post Gaddafi era would witness a conflict between pro civilian state and pro Islamist state, pointing out that al-Qaeda would be present in the post Gaddafi era, regarding that it represents a part of the NTC, yet, it exists with its arms, and would have big impact on the region.”