Faculty in the News
In the News
Kansans react, weigh prospects for Libyan transition
Publication date: Oct. 21, 2011
Source: The Wichita Eagle
Author: Rick Plumlee
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The Wichita Eagle featured commentary from Raj Bhala, the Rice Distinguished Professor of Law, on the death of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
The Wichita Eagle wrote:
How long it takes to establish rule of law will be important in how soon a new government can establish credibility with the Libyan people and the international community, said Raj Bhala, an associate dean at the University of Kansas who specializes in international law.
"They have been living under the rule of one man for more than 40 years," he said. "It's important that they move to a rule of law."
That will help Libya to move away from a stagnant economy. It has one of the lowest living standards per capita in the Arab world despite its wealth of oil and natural gas. Much of the money from those products went to Gadhafi, his family and members of his corrupt regime, Bhala said.
An important first step is to establish a constitution. Libya had one of sorts, but it was applied unfairly and inconsistently under Gadhafi, Bhala said.
"For them to jump start the economy, they need a rule of law framework," he said.
Just as important, he said, that law can bring about closure from the past by using legitimate courts to deal with other leaders in Gadhafi's regime.
"You can't have vigilantism," he said. "There can be some closure by law, not just taking them out and shooting them."
Bhala and Madi see determination from the Libyan people.
"Except for NATO air cover, the Libyans did this on their own," Bhala said.