Libya Q&A: What Next After Colonel Gaddafi?
10:22am UK, Monday August 22, 2011
Lisa Holland, foreign affairs correspondent
Rebel fighters have made quick progress into central Tripoli overnight. But what does the future hold for the Libyan people?
Why has the rebels' entry into Tripoli apparently happened so suddenly after months of fighting?
It happened quickly but there was a slow build up. The rebels were not strong enough to take Tripoli on their own and there has been five months of Nato air strikes against Gaddafi's military assets. Rebels have also been trained and advised by Nato countries.
Is it likely the fighting is about to end - or could there be weeks of guerrilla violence?
It is impossible to say.
But as long as Col Gaddafi remains at large, the fighting is likely to continue. Only when and if he leaves Libya or is detained or stands down will some people really believe he is gone. There are likely to be pockets of resistance although it is clear the backbone of his military has been crushed.
Is there a risk of a power vacuum if and when Col Gaddafi goes?
This is a serious concern. The National Transitional Council is untested. Most of its key figures are ex-Gaddafi ministers and former loyalists who have defected and that will sit uncomfortably with others who were in what might be called underground opposition to Gaddafi before the uprising.
Would former Gaddafi regime figures be allowed to continue to serve?
Lessons have been learnt from Iraq and nobody wants to open the door to greater potential for civil war. It is likely the existing institutions will remain to give some sense of stability. The key change will be the departure of Col Gaddafi signalling the opportunity for change.
Will Col Gaddafi and his key supporters face trial, or will they be allowed to take up residence in another country?
Arrest warrants have been issued for three people by the International Criminal Court - Col Gaddafi, his son Saif al Islam and the intelligence chief Abdullah al Senussi. There is no indication of other arrest warrants being issued.
Sky News