In Libya, Former Enemy Is Recast in Role of Ally

G. Edward Griffin: Libya: NATO-backed rebel leader reportedly was held as a terrorist by the CIA in 2004 and tortured. Then he was repatriated to Libya and spent 6 years in solitary confinement. Now he is an ally to the US and NATO and receiving funding for the new government. [Does this story sound familiar?] NY Times 2011

New York Times

By ROD NORDLAND

Published: September 1, 2011

TRIPOLI, Libya — Abdel Hakim Belhaj had a wry smile about the oddity of his situation.

Yes, he said, he was detained by Malaysian officials in 2004 on arrival at the Kuala Lumpur airport, where he was subjected to extraordinary rendition on behalf of the United States, and sent to Thailand. His pregnant wife, traveling with him, was taken away, and his child would be 6 before he saw him.

In Bangkok, Mr. Belhaj said, he was tortured for a few days by two people he said were C.I.A. agents, and then, worse, they repatriated him to Libya, where he was thrown into solitary confinement for six years, three of them without a shower, one without a glimpse of the sun.

Now this man is in charge of the military committee responsible for keeping order in Tripoli, and, he says, is a grateful ally of the United States and NATO.

Full story HERE