Nearly four decades of the Qaddafi regime’s systemic marginalization and mismanagement of Libya’s eastern and southern regions have resulted in deep security, political, and economic problems that continue to challenge the country’s transition toward democracy.

The Libyan transition has entered the difficult phase of creating a new political system, which will be shaped by both formal and informal processes.

After the inevitable departure of Muammar Qaddafi, Libya will face the daunting challenge of rebuilding its political system from the ground up.