reply to post by Rockpuck
Gadaffi had long ceased being the demonic despot 'The West' had previously portrayed him as and had quite close links to him.
His regime was remarkably 'liberal' compared to other North African / Arab / ME countries and the country and it's people were relatively
affluent.
Given the significant 'Western' interests within Libya I think it's reasonable to assume that 'The West' believes it had no alternative other
than to protect those interests.
Once involved it has felt beholden to be seen to support the rebels and civilian etc.
Yet it has no deep rooted desire to depose Gadaffi and is cautious of the regime that might replace him.
This has led to the half-arsed, ill thought out and ineffective policies currently employed.
That Gadaffi is willing to resume this college funding under the current curcumstances speaks volumes about his desire to see past the current crisis
and try in some part to put his countries long term interests first.