Colonel Gaddafi's regime is not threatened by any significant exterior or external opposition force. He has no hostile neighbors. Certainly a war was fought down in the south against Chad some years ago. Last year, Libya renounced terrorism and surrendered for trial two suspects in the bombing of a U-S jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland. That prompted the United Nations to lift most of its sanctions against Libya - though an arms embargo still remains in effect.
Analysts say the timing of the disclosure on Libya's attempt to gain missile parts is significant.
Colonel Gaddafi is trying to better relations with the European Union at a time when the E-U is eager to do business with Libya. Last month, European Union President Romano Prodi invited Colonel Gaddafi to Brussels. That visit may now be on hold. Experts say the Gatwick disclosure is expected to cool relations between London and Tripoli.