US wants to end Libya's independent resistance
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by Siân Ruddick
The US government has officially recognised the rebel government in Libya.
This means that they will provide funding for the National Transitional Council (NTC).
The US is signalling that it trusts the NTC to act in the interests of imperialism.
It is part of the US’s plan to regain control over as many parts of the Middle East and North Africa as possible—after this year’s revolutions across the region loosened its grip.
Recognition of the council means that the US will be able to fund the opposition with some of the more than £20 billion in Gaddafi-regime assets that are frozen in US banks.
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said, “The United States views the Gaddafi regime as no longer having any legitimate authority in Libya, and so I am announcing today that, until an interim authority is in place, the United States will recognise the NTC as the legitimate governing authority for Libya.”
Released
The leaders of the NTC want the assets to be released, and hope that support from other countries will now begin to flow.
Spokesman Mahmoud Shammam called for “funds, funds, funds” from other countries.
Libya is the world’s 17th largest oil producer.
It can deliver over 1.5 million barrels a day at full production.
One of the main aims of the NTC is to get oil exports back on track—and the US, with its oil-hungry economy, is an enthusiastic supporter.
The Nato bombing mission has opened the door to more foreign control of the country—particularly for the US.
Foreign forces, pretending to offer assistance when really they want to boost their own power and profits, want to snuff out any independent elements of the rebellion against Gaddafi.
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