Benghazi suffered under Gaddafi

There, I said it. I will also say that to varying degrees, Tripoli, Misratah, Zintan, Zawia, and all Libya suffered under Gaddafi. In fact, many families were forced to live in exile and countless others suffered due to the regime of Gaddafi. Why is this almost self-evident and obvious point important, because to this day, this is the most cited reason for Barcan semi-separatists when they are asked why they want Federalism. Sure they will also say that centralization hasn't benefited them and that's probably also true to an extent. But is the central authority they are referring to during Gaddafi time or the “central” authority post-Qaddafi? Because this, like too many things in the current Libya is as clear as mud.

Federalism is a wonderful system of government because it allows for customization of local rules and provides organizational flexibility. However, this is best suited for a nation that requires flexibility. The best example is the USA which resembles an empire more than a classically defined republic. For example, the USA has the territory of Puerto Rico which is not a state but its residents enjoy most of the benefits of statehood without the need to blemish the flag of the USA by adding an imbalance to the field of fifty stars. Federalism is more easily ramped up to accommodate territorial expansion which as any reader of history knows, is exactly the policy the original thirteen colonies pursued.

The proponents of Federalism face a quandary, they need the central authorities to lose legitimacy and be seen as inept and distant. But at the same time they are walking the razor's edge due to the need to pay lip service to their current stated aim of “semi-independence.” They in effect gain support and adherents each time the leadership in Tripoli lose face or suffer another calamity. The federal faction can passively or actively place roadblocks to the unitary trend and therefore gain more impetus for their federalism agenda.

I believe that federalism is the wrong political doctrine for Libya at the present time. Federalism is also a clear and present danger to the integrity of the state of Libya. The proponents of federalism must make the case for the need to radically change the political dynamic for Libya and prove that their demand for experimental radicalism will benefit the Libyan nation.