Shocking, Positively Shocking

The US will re-establish diplomatic relations with Libya.

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration said Monday it is restoring normal diplomatic relations with Libya for the first time in over a quarter century after removing Moammar Gadhafi's regime from a list of state sponsors of terrorism.

"We are taking these actions in recognition of Libya's continued commitment to its renunciation of terrorism," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement. She said Tripoli's cooperation in combating international terrorism has been "excellent."

The United States has not had formal diplomat relations with Libya since 1980, although a thaw in long-standing hostility enabled Washington to open a diplomatic office in Libya in 2004.

The move announced Monday culminates a process that began three years ago, when Gadhafi surprised the world by agreeing to dismantle his country's weapons of mass destruction programs.

"As a direct result of those decisions we have witnessed the beginning of that country's re-emergence into the mainstream of the international community. Today marks the opening of a new era in U.S.-Libya relations that will benefit Americans and Libyans alike," Rice said.

Assistant Secretary of State David Welch said, "This is not a decision that we arrived at without carefully monitoring and assessing Libya's behavior."

Amazing news and I'm certain what Welch says is true. This must have been under consideration for some time.

Renewing ties with Libya reminds me of the fall of Communism but this is a much smaller event. It will be interesting to see if this has any ripple effects in the region.

More interesting will be Democratic reaction. Will anyone give President Bush credit when credit was due. A rogue regime has made changes for the better. Given alot more should happen, but this is alreaady a change for the better.

Hat tip- Outside the Beltway
Open Post- Basil's Blog, Right Wing Nation,