I didn't see this diaried already. If it has been I'll delete.
It seems we've decided Libya is no longer evil.
The United States has decided to restore full diplomatic relations with Libya and remove it from the list of countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced this morning.
When I heard this on CNN I was shocked. This is quite the change from the belligerence we've seen for so long from the Administration. Looking into the NYT article gives the reason for the about-face.
In addition to its help on nuclear material, Libya has become more attractive as competition for supplies of oil have heated up around the world. A steady stream of American oil executives have been making their way to Tripoli since the United States reopened a two-person interest section in the Belgian embassy in Tripoli and dropped a travel ban in 2004.
I'm far from an expert on foreign policy. I have no idea what this will really mean for US policy in the region. Hopefully one of the many Kossacks more enlightened than I can explain.