Tipsheet

Libya: Flying Al Qaeda Flag, Rumored To Be Imposing Shariah Law

The sad thing is this situation is too frustrating for a "See, I told you so."  The UK Daily Mail is reporting that the flag of Al Qaeda has been spotted flying above the Libyan courthouse:

"The flag of Al Qaeda has been spotted flying over the courthouse in Benghazi, while rebels in Libya are said to have imposed Sharia law since seizing power.

...

Last week, however, Al Qaeda's black flag, complete with Arabic script declaring 'there is no God but Allah' and full moon underneath, was seen fluttering above the Benghazi courthouse building, according to Vice.com.

The black flag is said to be flying over the building alongside the Libyan national flag.


....

The revelation in Benghazi came just days after it emerged that rebels in Libya have imposed Sharia law in the country since seizing power.

The country's new leader, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, said Islamic Sharia law will be the ‘basic source’ of legislation in free Libya.

The sudden lurch by a country seen as very moderate towards Islamic extremism will alarm many in the West who supported the ousting of Colonel Gaddafi."

Here is the problem that most people don't seem to want to face: revolution in many countries, even when the language is right, can bring about a regime just as dangerous as the one previously in charge (see Revolution: French).

This problem has been painfully obvious for months. It's also interesting from a 2012 perspective--GOP candidates shouldn't be afraid to challenge the White House and President Obama on the issue of Libya, which was never fully explained to the American people. Now, the organization responsible for flying two planes into the World Trade Center feels welcome enough to fly a flag above the nation's courthouse. Gaddafi was indeed not fit to rule, but letting those equally hateful against America take his place does not help the United States--or humanity--in the long run.