Protestors in Libya Demand Change

Morgan Lorraine Roach / February 18, 2011

The pro-democracy demonstrations that continue to rattle the Arab world have landed in Libya.

In a country where government dissent is dealt with by an iron fist, anti-government activists are demanding change. Since seizing power in 1969, President Muammar Qadhafi is one of the most unpopular and authoritarian tyrants in the Middle East. After holding on to power through repeated coup attempts, Qadhafi has repressed Libya’s secular opposition and crushed the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group.

While Tunisia and Egypt experienced rising food prices and a decline in living conditions, thereby contributing to public outrage, Libya’s oil wealth has cushioned its people against such effects. However, corruption and waste are rampant, and these problems—combined with severe limitations on civil liberties—are contributing factors in recent demonstrations. (more…)