Fettered:

The Libyan government of Moammar Khadafy has been working toward normalised relations with the US, a turnaround that stands to benefit both countries. Unfortunately, that progress is in danger of being derailed because of Khadafy’s hesitation to free an ailing critic of the regime whom Libyan authorities had promised to release from incarceration in a psychiatric hospital.

The outspoken Fathi al-Jahmi, a former provincial governor, has been in custody for four years. His transgression? Calling for democracy and a free press, and for openly deriding Khadafy’s cult of personality. This kind of impertinence may be displeasing to the Libyan leader, but Jahmi has already paid too high a price. He has been separated from his family, and has developed multiple health problems in custody.

The doctors’ visit was facilitated by the Khadafy Foundation, which has been smoothing the way for enhanced commercial and educational exchanges with the US. It should be a simple matter for the foundation to persuade the senior Khadafy that freeing Jahmi is not only the humane thing to do, but an indispensable gesture if Libya hopes to reap the full benefits of its renunciation of terrorism and WMD. A little respect for human rights can take Libya a long way toward normalised relations with the US. — The Boston Globe