I Thought NATO Liberated Libya in 2011?By Steven MacMillan In Libya, the death of Muammar al-Qaddafi showed that our role in protecting the Libyan people, and helping them break free from a tyrant, was the right thing to do US President, Barack Obama, speaking in October, 2011. I am proud to stand here on the soil of a free Tripoli and on behalf of the American people I congratulate Libya. This is Libyas moment, this is Libyas victory, the future belongs to you Former US Secretary of State and Democratic Nominee for President, Hillary Clinton, speaking in October, 2011. On August the 1st, US warplanes bombed Islamic State (IS/ISIS/ISIL) targets in the Libyan city of Sirte, almost exactly five years after Western imperialists declared NATOs 2011 war in Libya a complete success. These strikes are not the first conducted by the US in Libya this year, in a broader campaign that is officially aimed at defeating an enemy that the US had a major hand in creating in the first place (Im sure the military-industrial complex isnt complaining, however). Peter Cook, the Pentagons Press Secretary, said in a statement released on the 1st of August in relation to the strikes that: Today, at the request of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), the United States military conducted precision air strikes [which is Orwellian/Pentagon-speak for dropping bombs (not uncommonly on civilians)] against ISIL targets in Sirte, Libya, to support GNA-affiliated forces seeking to defeat ISIL in its primary stronghold in Libya The U.S. stands with the international community in supporting the GNA as it strives to restore stability and security to Libya. Wait a minute though, have I missed something? I thought Libya was liberated in 2011 and the country is now a beacon of freedom and democracy for the Middle East and North Africa? Are the Libyan people not enjoying being free from a tyrant; similar to the liberty the Syrian people will experience if Assad the tyrant is overthrown and the country is handed over to al-Qaeda? Since the future belonged to the Libyan people in 2011, is the country not a vibrant and prosperous democracy today? Is Libya not one of the major hubs of the Mediterranean, with trade booming and flocks of tourists travelling from across the world to sample the delights of the country from the fascinating culture of the indigenous people to the stunning (I must admit) Roman ruins? I thought the standard of living for the average Libyan was much higher than it was before the tyrant was deposed? Is Libya not helping to build the African continent up to try and alleviate the millions of people who live in poverty? I thought the most successful campaign in NATOs history meant that terrorism could not gain a foothold in the country, considering the Western alliance spends the majority of its time (after antagonising Russia that is) talking about fighting terrorism? I thought NATOs love-bombs only hit the baddies, and never killed or maimed any civilians? Are the Libyan people not enjoying the fruits of another Western foreign policy success story? Are the Libyan people not enjoying the stability that always follows a Western war of aggression? I thought the Libyan kinetic military action was yet another triumphant imperial endeavour, just like Afghanistan, Iraq and the numerous other countries that were lucky to be the targets of Western humanitarian forces? Steven MacMillan is an independent writer, researcher, geopolitical analyst and editor of The Analyst Report, especially for the online magazine New Eastern Outlook. Sorry Libya. You were on the Neocons list of countries targeted for regime change. It seems it doesnt matter what youre left to work with, as that apparently is only an afterthought. Yep its great to see all these dictators removed that the west has defined as, has bought freedom democracy and prosperity to their countries just like they have in their own countries that so many people despise and are jealous of. This is all about death for deaths sake. Gaddafi was a boogie man. Now on to the next. The great perpetual satanic, military, industrial grinder never stops. 