Free Markets come to Libya via CIPE Development Blog
The last decade has been a turbulent one for the Islamic world. Dramatic events have shaken the region and dominated the headlines. One of the biggest changes, and also one of the quietest, has been the transformation in Libya, and Muammer Gaddafi specifically. Once the nemesis of the United States, Muammer Gaddafi has silently been evolving into a more open and moderate leader.
This week the Financial Times is reporting that Gaddafi is moving to initiate free-market reforms, pledging to amend laws to promote private enterprise and encourage international trade and economic cooperation. Gaddafi, whose government once controlled every aspect of Libyan society, is now playing a different tune. He said that government control inevitably leads to corruption and theft, and that the only...