Former leader: Muammar Gaddafi, ruled 1969-2011
Interim governing body: National Transitional Council
Summary:
Libya’s experience with the Arab Spring has been the most violent of the three cases I discuss in this blog. Uprisings began in mid-February, with the largest being on February 17th, the Day of Rage. From the very beginning both the protests and the regime’s reaction were more violent than in Egypt or Tunisia, with protestors setting buildings on fire and government helicopters shooting protestors. The city of Benghazi was free by February 20th, and tribal leaders and defected officials formed the National Transitional Council there. The conflict quickly escalated into a civil war, with rebel forces composed of defected soldiers, skilled laborers, and youths, and Gaddafi’s forces composed of loyal members of his tribe and an increasing number of mercenaries as soldiers defected.
Libya’s case is also unique in terms of international intervention. The UN Security Council announced sanctions against Libya on February 26th, and on March 17th declared a no-fly zone over Libya. On March 24th a NATO coalition took control of enforcing the no-fly zone and protecting civilians through airstrikes and naval operations, but no ground troops were deployed during the war.
Rebels quickly moved westward along the coast, heading for the capitol of Tripoli. By March 28th they had closed in on Sirte, Gaddafi’s hometown, which marks the division between the eastern and western halves of the country. The largest, bloodiest battle took place in Misrata. The struggle began in mid-March and went back and forth until mid-May, when the rebels finally solidified their control of the city. They took Tripoli on August 22nd, but did not catch Gaddafi until October 20th. The circumstances surrounding Gaddafi’s death are unclear. Some claim he was wounded during a skirmish when the rebels found him and died of his wounds, others say he was killed in crossfire, others say he was executed after suffering brutal treatment at the hands of the rebels who found him.
Issues to watch:
-Investigation into Gaddafi’s death: how will this affect the legitimacy of the new government?
-Tribalism: how will the new government treat those loyal to Gaddafi?
-Oil: will the new government also nationalize the oil industry or will foreign businesses take control, and which scenario is best for the Libyan people?
