I’m happy for the rebels in Libya and those who support them. All of Libyans, really. They’re free from a tyrant who has oppressed them for 30 years. Just a week ago, they seemed to be dead in the water. Even 48 hours ago, it seemed that Gadhafi’s forces would be successful in pushing them back from Tripoli. Yet, now it appears that the rebels may have won.

For those rebels who truly want a free and democratic society, I congratulate them, and wish them well. I think that the nations of the Middle East and Northern Africa are ultimately better under pluralism. I think everyone is ultimately better off with leaders who don’t want to murder the rest of the world for not following their beliefs, and I realize that democracy just gives another chance to let that happen. However, I think it’s more likely to not happen, if everything is done right.  You know, even the U.S. has had its brushes with tyranny, as early as 1798, but we prevailed. I may be optimistic, but I think those nations can, too. They deserve the chance to, anyway.

All that said, the rebels cannot be complacent. Like I said, a week ago it seemed they were beaten, and then came through in a huge way. Gadhafi isn’t likely to sit idly, and I think it’s only a matter of time before he tries striking again.  It may not matter by that time if the new government has full loyalty of the people (and armed militias), but it’s a risk.

There is definitely no real celebration to be had until Gadhafi is captured.