But Tarhouni's no-nonsense speediness, and that of other returnees, could be just what Libya needs as it recovers from dictatorship and bloodshed. Tarhouni envisions high-end tourism along the Mediterranean's longest coastline -- Libya has hundreds of miles of virgin beach -- solar and wind energy projects in the mammoth Sahara; tight trade links to nearby Europe; and North Africa's first financial services industry.
The rebels' key backers, such as the Western NATO members and Qatar, are expected to win big contracts, say Libyan officials. As the rebels stormed through Sirte in October, a planeload of French business executives flew into Tripoli to glad-hand the victors, and smaller groups of German and British executives have since arrived to test the waters.
Still, Tarhouni says, it will be impossible to satisfy Libyans' sky-high expectations with Qaddafi gone. As people crowd around the car, thrusting their hands through the window, he says, "People want to see change immediately. But long-term economic development requires patience. That's my worry." As he hops out he asks, "What's the line from Gone With the Wind?" a film precious few Libyans know. "Tomorrow is another day," he says, before being ushered by his bodyguards to the stage to finally hear his country declared free.
