A Former Terror Leader Is Now A U.S. Ally?

Photo: Abdel Hakim Belhaj. Moises Saman for The New York Times

In Libya, Former Enemy Is Recast In Role Of Ally -- New York Times

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.



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Update #1: Libya rebel commander plays down Islamist past - -AP

Update #2: Rebel military chief says he was tortured by CIA -- The Independent



My Comment: Can such a man change? I guess we will find out soon enough.