Created in the euphoric early days of the revolution in Benghazi in February, but few recognized internationally and economically driven, the Libyan National Transitional Council (CNT) is it really a viable institution capable of influencing the scene policy?
"The question is on everyone's lips at a time when the conflict drags," says Jean-Pierre Maulny, Middle East specialist at the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS). "Many Western leaders are questioning the legitimacy of this body."
The absence of power-cons Libyan nevertheless gives little choice to European and American leaders. The CNT is the sole interlocutor of the international community."This is the only organization that resists visible," added the specialist. A view shared by Dominique Moisi, an expert on Middle East at the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI). "They are strong because they are unique," said the expert. "Their main asset is their existence. It invalidates the legitimacy to Gaddafi.
"No charismatic figure"
Both experts agree, however, the "fragility" of this reciprocating. "From a political standpoint, the insurgents have no charismatic leader," said Dominique Moisi."Their members are too small and lack a unifying figure is a major flaw for a body of resistance."
Composed of 31 members, the CNT is composed of a vast majority of anonymous - lawyers, professors, doctors. Civilians who, despite themselves, they damage the image of the Transition Board. "A resistance organization operates through two levers: a charismatic figure or organization infallible. Here we have neither one nor the other."
Cash also appears to be lacking Libyan insurgents. To fill their coffers, the rebels decided to go to their Western allies.The rebellion assess its needs for the next three months to three billion dollars to pay the balances of the insurgents, food, medicines and other basic supplies. "They have no money and the Libyan economy threatens to collapse," says Jean-Pierre Maulny.
In this context, the international community is reluctant to invest money in an organization as unstructured. "Western leaders refuse to finance weapons on which they have no control," says the specialist.
Diplomatic bungle
On the diplomatic front, the Transition Board fouls a little brushes. Thursday, CNT announced it has been recognized by Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands. Only problem, all three have denied."A false step that speaks volumes about the communication of the rebels," quipped Dominique Moisi. Denmark "has recognized the CNT as a dialogue partner." No more. Spain and the Netherlands as a valid interlocutor.
Only France, Qatar, Italy and The Gambia have officially recognized the Resistance Council as the legitimate representative of the people. "It's little," admits Jean-Pierre Maulny, "too few to influence global politics."
Does this mean that the CNT is destined to disappear? "It's a premature meets Dominique Moisi. The fall of Gaddafi is the ultimate test. It is only then that we will know if the movement will die or if a political leader will emerge ..." Although caution the side of Jean-Pierre Maulny."The CNT today derives its strength from the Hate crystallized around Gaddafi, but tomorrow ... If the regime falls, the CNT will prepare the future, an alternative to the Guide, win the support of the Libyans ... Are they really prepared and structured? "
