US bombs over Libya in 1986 kill Gaddafi

[James G]

The United States bombed Libya in April 1986. They targeted his residences, aiming to kill him.
Due to intervention from Italy and Malta, Gaddafi fled.
Let us say no warning comes or it is too late. Gaddafi dies.
Does Libya fall into civil war? Political effects in the US, Europe and the Middle East about the assassination of a head of state in such a manner?

[575]

Surely the Eastern Block, China, Non-aligned States and lots of others will cry murder though the NATO countries or at least the majority will applaud - silently or openly. It won't degrade the standing of Ronald Reagan as president.
Libya didn't AFAIK look like the Libya of today during 1986; guess the clans will infight over rule of territory and perhaps the country will splinter. A civil war is possible.
Neighbors may want a piece of cake - Algeria and Egypt comes to mind as possible players.

[stevep]

   Could the butterflies mean a hardening of relations between the west and Soviets and have significant impact on Gorbachev's attempts to reform the SU?  Either forcing their weakening or possibly even his replacement by an hard liner?  That could have a massive difference on the developments there and elsewhere.

  Another possible effect is that other political leaders who are at odds with the US are likely to be distinctly more paranoid and hostile to Washington.  Its going to go down badly with neutral nations as well.  I agree with James however its unlikely to affect Reagan's popularity, at least in the short term in the US given what else he got away with.

[lordroel]

Apr 2, 2021 19:28:28 GMT James G said:

The United States bombed Libya in April 1986. They targeted his residences, aiming to kill him.
Due to intervention from Italy and Malta, Gaddafi fled.
Let us say no warning comes or it is too late. Gaddafi dies.
Does Libya fall into civil war? Political effects in the US, Europe and the Middle East about the assassination of a head of state in such a manner?

So who was the second man behind Gaddafi.

[gillan1220]

This would see a power struggle. Libya may fall into a civil war.