THE WAR OF LIBYA

WHO IS GADDAFI? 

Muammar Muhammad al-Gaddafi

Muammar Gaddafi was born in 1942 in the desert of the city of Sirte, he was military and attorney. In 1969 he attained the power by means of the Green Revolution and became the Libyan leader and has remained ever since, he belongs to the Socialist Party.  Gaddafi has been 42 years in power and after the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, (Libyan border countries), his regime was jeopardized by the beginning of a series of popular revolts in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, demanding a change in Government, allowing for democracy to settle.  

ARAB SPRING:

What is colloquially known as “Arab Spring” is a succession of revolts and protest that have taken place in the Arab World, especially in Tunisia and Egypt. These protests were triggered by the alarming economical situation and the possibility of avoiding the censors with the social networks. Their main objective is achieving a democratic government and punishing corruption. They are caused because the situation of unemployment in these countries which is really worrying. There has not been any religious motives for these revolts that are threatening most of the Arab dictatorships including Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Bahrain, Yemen, Iraq and Egypt amongst others.

In addition to these problems in Tunisia the economy of the country was controlled by a few rich families. Economic growth was achieved and only a few could benefit from it. Ben Ali’s Regime was well known for favouring certain families and maninly the North of the country. The situation of poverty and unemployment, worsened by the 2008 World Economic Crisis led to popular revolts. The high point of the revolution was the self immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi as a consequence of his economic problems. A wave of protests swept the country, mainly focused in Sidi Bouzid that extended into the heart of the capital causing the fall of the government. The Army sided with the revolutionaries and Ben Ali’s Regime finally fell on January the 14^th 2011. 

The protest expanded to Egypt and it lasted for 18 days. Thousands of people protested in the streets. The President Mubarak dismissed his former government and promised the creation of a new one, lead by himself. Activist pro-Mubarak started an anti-protest, but the revolution did not end. In a last attempt to avoid falling, Mubarak ceased his vice-president Omar Suleiman but protesters would not stop. The army disobeyed the government and did not dissolve the demonstrations. Finally, Mubarak was forced to leave the presidency in hands of Suleiman, in order to form a new government.

 THE LIBYAN WAR:

Libya

Protests in Tunisia and Egypt soon reached Libyan borders. February 15^th 2011 thousands of citizens took the streets as a protest, claiming for a change. The demonstrators soon took over Bengasi, creating a provisional government nad forming the resistance against Gaddafi’s regime. The repression against this movement was brutal and Gaddafi’s army tried to suffocate the revolts violently.

The European Union and the USA entered the scene asking Gaddafi for an end to the political repression against the rebels. Some politicians and militaries sided with the rebels. This situation, along with the Arab Spring in other fuel producing countries, lead to an increase in fuel prices, reaching the highest peak since 2008.

Gaddafi’s brutal repression against the demonstrators included actions such as bombing of demonstrations in Tripoli. This tense situation made some army units to join with the rebels. Military pilots left Gaddafi to avoid shooting against civilians. So did ministers, ambassadors and religious leaders that abandoned the regime. Gaddafi and his followers remained in Tripoli, while provisional governments were formed in the rebel-controlled cities. Gaddafi did not show any weakness at any point and the repression against the protesters went on, equally brutal as before.

On February the 26^th 2011 Gaddafi was in control of the Capital. Nevertheless he took refuge in his residence, Bab al-Azizia. Two days later he declared to the BBC that he was beloved by his country and denied any protests in Tripoli. The loyal forces soon started an offensive to recover the areas lost to the rebels.

New York Times published on March 17^th 2011 that the US government was seriously considering attacking Gaddafi’s aircrafts, tanks and artillery. The UN produced an ultimatum demanding an immediate cease of actions against civilians and creating a flight exclusion zone to ensure the protection of the civilian population. On March the 19^th, France intervened using 20 aircrafts because Gaddafi had completely ignored UN’s ultimatum. British and North American soon joined the attacks.

Nowadays, Gaddafi remains in power and the situation is still pretty similar. Attacks and counterattacks happen continuously and there is no advance.