(Image source: The Nation)

BY JING ZHAO

Britain expels Libya’s delegation to the UK.

And recognizes the rebel opposition -- as the legitimate Libyan government.

Here’s the Telegraph -- with a quote from UK Foreign Secretary William Hague.

“The prime minister and I have decided that the United Kingdom recognizes and will deal with the National Transitional Council as the sole governmental authority in Libya. This decision reflects the National Transitional Council’s increasing legitimacy, competence and success, in reaching out to Libyans across the country.”

Critics say, recognition of the National Transitional Council -- or NTC -- is more symbolic than substantive.  The Guardian notes, Britain admits it has no actual control over what happens next in Libya.

“That is ultimately up to the Libyan people, and their collective wishes are difficult to gauge. All this leaves [Hague] very exposed if things don't go according to plan, or drag on indefinitely at ever greater cost.”

In order to help meet the basic needs for Libyans living in NTC-controlled areas, Britain freed up  £91m worth of assets belonging to an oil company now controlled by the opposition group. The BBC reports, it’s a strategy which will continue.

“More work will be done over the next few weeks to unfreeze more Libyan assets in the UK, including stocks of currency and other assets of the Libyan central bank.”

But acknowledging the rebels -- as the de facto government -- has its drawbacks. Russia Today reports, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi controls more territories now than before NATO began its bombing campaign.  Oxford University professor Mark Almond tells RT -- putting sufficient resources in rebel hands is a key to helping them succeed.

“The rebels thought very quickly that they would get hold of the oil assets capacity to turn oil exploits into money. …They need money to maintain the forces…”

Although the UK no longer recognizes Gaddafi as the representative of the Libyan government, William Hague suggests Gaddafi may not have to go into exile should he leave power willingly. The New York Times reports -- that’s a dangerous plan.

“The fear has been that a peace settlement that did not involve Col. Qaddafi going into exile would permit him to manipulate state agencies, especially the secret police and intelligence services, and destabilize any new government.”