After the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, it is Libya in the news this time. A state of unrest and chaos prevailed in the North African state of Libya as protests grew against its government and head of state, Muammar al-Gaddafi.
While the former revolutions were fuelled by unemployment, price inflation and emergency laws, the Libyan protests are triggered by demands for democracy and grievances around delays and high political corruption. In fact, the country's political corruption index in 2010 was 2.2, which was worse than that of both Egypt and Tunisia.
Start the slideshow to know more about the 2011 Libyan Revolution and its current status:
After the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, it is Libya in the news this time. A state of unrest and chaos has prevailed in the North African state of Libya since the outbreak of protests against its government and head of state, Muammar al-Gaddafi.
While the former revolutions were fueled by unemployment, price inflation and emergency laws, the Libyan protests are triggered by demands for democracy and grievances around delays and high political corruption. In fact, the country’s political corruption index in 2010 was 2.2, which was worse than that of both Egypt and Tunisia.
Although the protests and confrontations started in February 15, 2011, early developments began in the month of January in cities like Darnah, Bani Walid and Benghazi. Media outlets have reported that the revolution has been mainly inspired by the recent uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.
Reuters.The revolt started when a political commentator, Jamal al-Hajji posted on the Internet a call for demonstrations for liberation in the country.
The protests, however, started on February 15 when people gathered around the police headquarters in Benghazi calling for the fall of the Gaddafi-regime. This was followed by similar demonstrations in Al-Quba, Az Zintan and Darnah.
On February 18, a “Day of Rage” was called by all Libyans where massive demonstrations were carried out in major parts of the country. The government, in turn, restricted use of the Internet and issued a comprehensive blackout in the country.
A death toll compiled by the news group, AFP on February 19, reported that around 41 people have been killed since the start of the demonstrations.
Reuters.In the picture: Frame grab of Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi speaking on national television from Tripoli
Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi, the leader of Libya since four decades, is known as the longest-serving non-royal national leader in history.
Born in Bedouin, he received military training at the Hellenic Military Academy in Greece and the United Kingdom.
Gaddafi’s regime was based on a system coined as “Islamic socialism” promoting cultural welfare, education and liberation while outlawing gambling and alcohol.
The Daily Telegraph once stated that "In his four decades as Libya's 'Brother Leader', Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has gone from being the epitome of revolutionary chic to an eccentric statesman with entirely benign relations with the West."
Reuters.As the 2011 demonstrations in the country escalated, the autocratic ruler called for a “general assembly” on February 21 to discuss the grievances.
On February 22, the ruler made his first appearance since the revolt on state television. Amid a bizarre speech, he refused to step-down from power despite the fact that the anti-government riots are tearing across his country demanding an end to his four decades of authoritarian rule.
He stated that "I am a fighter, a revolutionary from tents ... I will die as a martyr at the end...I have not yet ordered the use of force, not yet ordered one bullet to be fired ... when I do, everything will burn."
Reuters.The Time reported that a source close to the Libyan regime informed that Gaddafi has ordered the destruction of oil pipelines, cutting off flow to Mediterranean ports. The continued unrest has sent shock-waves throughout the oil markets in the world and prices escalated due to supply disruption apprehensions.
Libya, being a major producer and supplier of oil, has already ordered many of its companies to halt its production and export.
The step is said to be a clear message to the opposition and the rest of the world that the fall of the regime will disrupt the supply of fuel, paving the way for mayhem and chaos in the country.Reuters.
