Libya Frustrated by Payback for Abolishing WMD Programs

Libyan officials have complained recently that the United States has not delivered benefits promised for Tripoli's 2003 decision to abandon its WMD programs, the New York Times reported today.

The North African nation agreed to end chemical weapon and nuclear activities, and surrendered uranium enrichment centrifuges and other equipment and materials to the United States. In return, Libyan officials have said they expected to receive more tangible benefits than they have seen.

"[Former U.S. President George W.] Bush responded well about his appreciation and said Libya should be an example to the world, but that’s not enough -- that’s not what they talked about,” said Khaled Bazelya, of Libya’s National Economic Development Board. “You give something, you expect something in return; that’s the Arab way. The expectation here is very high, but the West is not responding. We need a quicker response.”

In particular, Libya would like access to civilian nuclear technology, conventional weapons and support for destroying its chemical stockpile....