Current News: 

 Campaigning for landmark Libya election starts Monday 
Campaigning for Libya's first national election in a generation will kick off on Monday ahead of July 7 polls to choose an national assembly which will re-draw the autocratic system of rule put in place by ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Posted: June 17, 2012
Source: Reuters




Libya: British diplomatic convoy attacked in Benghazi
 Two protection officers injured but British ambassador unhurt after convoy is hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
Posted: June 11, 2012
Source: The Guardian




Libya postpones assembly election to July 7
Election official announces new date for vote to select members of body that will draft national constitution.
Posted: June 10,2012
Source: Al Jazeera

Libya bans religious political parties
The National Transitional Council in Libya issue a new law banning any political parties based on religious principles from Libyan politics. Members of the Council explain that their intention is to preserve national unity. The national elections will take place in 2 months and the new constitution will need to be completed by then.
Posted: April 25, 2012
Source: Fox News

 

 

Historic transition in Libya must not forget survivors of sexual violence
Women played a crucial role in the uprising in Libya last year. However, during the chaos many crimes were committed including the rape and abduction of women. Men were also captured and assaulted as a means to receive intelligence information. It is important that these crimes are rectified in order for the country to continue its democratic transition.
Posted: April 15^th, 2012
Source: Aljazeera

 

Libya militias clash in city of Sabha

Fighting between rival militias in the south of Libya has left reportedly more than 30 dead. The new government has arrived in Sabha and is trying to restore peace. Despite being more than a year after the initial uprisings against Gaddafi, Libya is still trying to come together.

Posted: March 27, 2012

Source: BBC World News

 

 

Libyans struggle with secrets of mass graves

There are still roughly 8,000 missing or disappeared people in Libya experts say. Mass graves have started to be uncovered, some reveling 30-35 bodies. Many families are still searching for loved ones as the country tries to move forward.

Posted March 19, 2012

Source: BBC World News

 

 

 

Libya demands handover of Gaddafi spy chief Senussi

The new government in Libya has requested that the authorities in Mauritania hand over Abdullah al-Senussi, the former intelligence chief for Gaddafi in Libya. Senussi is also sought by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

Posted: March 18, 2012

Source: BBC World News

 

 

Thousands protest against push by eastern region for self-rule

Thousands protested in Libya against the announcement of the oil-rich eastern part of the country to seek autonomy. They claim that they only want to end discrimination but many believe their efforts will divide the country. The protestors believe that in order for Libya to have a chance, they must remain one country and grow their strength.

Posted: March 9, 2012

Source: Washington Post

 

Muslim Brotherhood forms party in Libya
After six decades of hiding from Gaddafi’s regime, the Muslim Brotherhood has announced its renewal in Libya. They had about 1,400 members at their meeting in Tripoli and declare their base on Islamic principles. A spokesman for the organization said that despite their cling to religion they do not follow it blindly but will apply it rationally to legislation.

Posted: March 6, 2012

Source: Aljazeera

Libya unearths largest mass grave of civil warPosted: March 4, 2012

 A mass grave in Libya has been discovered, containing the bodies of 157 rebel soldiers. The grave is a result of the civil war and as the new government tries to rebuild the nation many fear that more mass graves of this size will be found. Libyan officials note that there are still 7,000 people missing as a result of the uprisings.
Posted: March 4, 2012
Source: The Washington Post

 

Parties emerge in post Gathafi Libya
Two new parties have been formed in Libya and the formation of a third party has also been set in motion. The people of Libya are learning the political game and getting involved in ways that were banned a year ago. Libyan leaders say that are not yet ready for elections but they are well on their way and taking the right steps toward a more democratic future.
Posted: February 29, 2012
Source: Middle East Online

 

Libya clashes kill scores in al-Kurfra
Two ethnic rival group in the south of Libya, the Zwai and the Tebu started fighting roughly ten days ago. They are battling over control of the al-Kurfra area and the new government is having trouble controlling these armed groups. The Tebu complained of being discriminated against under Col Muammar Gaddafi and despite rumors of a ceasefire, the clashes have intensified.
Posted: February 21, 2012
Source: BBC World News

 

Libya’s Saadi Gaddafi threatens to lead uprising
Saadi Gassafi claimed on Nigerian television that he still had many supports in Libya including within the National Transitional Council (NTC). He also stated that he was still in regular contact with them. Despite his claims journalists feel that a united Gaddafi loyalist front with the support to have a substantial uprising, seems unlikely at this point.
Posted: February 13, 2012
Source: BBC News

 

Libya demands Niger hand over Gaddafi’s son
The former dictator’s third son has been in Niger since the uprisings started in Libya. Saadi Gaddafi as well as roughly 30 other loyalists fled to Niger. Niger has rejected the demand stating that they believe Libya will execute him if sent back. Libya responded saying that they intend to have a fair and legal justice system and that they only really wish to have tight surveillance over Saadi.
Posted: February 12, 2012
Source: Aljazeera

 

Gunman kill seven at Libyan refugee camp
Roughly 15 men from Misrata came to a refugee camp in a Tripoli suburb and shot at the residents of the camp. Many of the victims were from the town of Tawergha and they are being persecuted for their alleged collaboration with Gaddafi. They are reportedly often mistaken as Sub-Saharan Africans because of their darker skin. The Misrata have continued to loot and destroy the town of Tawergha as well as neighboring villages.
Posted: February 7, 2012
Source: Aljazeera

Libyan diplomat Omar Brebesh dies ‘under torture’
Human Rights Watch claims that Omar Brebesh was tortured prior to his death while in detention. The militia in Tripoli abused the former diplomat under Gaddafi. Authorities are trying to stop the torture of prisoners as the struggle continues in Libya.
Posted: February 3^rd, 2012
Source: BBC World News

 

Rival Libya Militias Battle in Tripoli 
Several militias from outside the capital have set up bases in Tripoli and regularly clash as they fight for control of parts of the city. The country's interim National Transitional Council (NTC) is struggling to reassert its authority. 
Posted: February 2, 2012
Source: BBC World News 

 

Libya prisoners make new torture allegations
An alarming rise in the number of torture allegations in Libya has caused concern. Militias who are not accountable to the government are being accused of taking prisoners out of detention centers to torture them.
Posted: January 28^th, 2012
Source: BBC World News

       

       Clashes break out in former Gadhafi stronghold; 5 killed
In Bani Walid, Libya 20 people were wounded and 5 killed after fighting broke out between pro- and anti- Gadhafi forces. The Libyan Interior Minister warned Gadhafi supporters that supporting the old regime and compromising security would not be tolerated.
Posted: January 23, 2012
Source: CNN

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Libya economy banks on cash for recovery
Assets are being returned in Libya and customers are waiting in long lines to make withdraws. Many few that Western Banks are slowing the process down and some banks have begun to limit the amount customers can withdraw. 
Posted: January 10th, 2012
Source:  BBC World News

City’s Huge Arsenal a Test for New Libyan Rulers
Militias outside the control of Libya's central government are holding vast stores of tanks, rockets and small arms, an arsenal that will test the ability of the country's new rulers to assert their authority. 
Posted: December 7, 2011
Source: Reuters

 

 

 

 

ICC Seeks Information From Libya on Seif-al Islam
International Criminal Court judges want to know from Libyan authorities where Moammar Gadhafi's son and one-time heir apparent is being held and if court officials can visit him, according to a court document released Tuesday. 
Posted: December 6, 2011
Source: The Associated Press

 

Former rebels still hold 7,000 prisoners
The UN released its first report on Libya since the end of the revolution and found that former rebels are still holding prisoners in various facilities.  The UN investigation believes that the new government is sincere about using human rights as a core principle.  The police and justice system are still not up and running.
Posted: November 29, 2011
Source: BBC

New government revealed
The NTC declared who will take several important cabinet posts in the new government.  Many of the new officials were militia leaders and still have an enormous amount of clout.  The ICC has agreed that Gaddafi’s son and former government member can be tried in Libya, after Libya’s court system made it clear they would not hand the men over.
Posted: November 23, 2011
Source: BBC
 




Libya attempts to form an army
Some unrest and violence in Libya continues because several small militias refuse to hand over weapons acquired in the revolution.  In an attempt to focus the power of arms within the state, Libya is creating its own army that will hopefully disarm the militias and instill a strong national identity.
Posted: November 22, 2011
Source: New York Times


ICC and Libyan courts via for dominance
Both Qaddafi’s son and former intelligence chief have been captured in Libya.  The question over where the cases against them should be held is under question; the ICC had issued a warrant for Qaddafi and his son months ago and wishes to carry out its function. However, Libya is facing internal pressure to try Seif al-Islam and Senussi at home.  Libya has the right to make this demand, but must be able to prove that the trial will be fair and that it will be able to hold the trial without a standard court system.
Posted: November 21, 2011
Source: New York Times

Tensions between groups surface
Several militias have held onto their weapons from the Gaddafi overthrow and refuse to hand them over until they are satisfied with the new government.  Veiled threats fly free and the NTC is becoming concerned about future divisions.  The worst of this seems to be concentrated in Zintan and Misurata.
Posted: November 16, 2011
Source: New York Times



NTC losing hold of Libya?
Violence in Libya continues between groups but the NTC claims it has everything under control.  Together the weapons that were not collected after the uprising and accusations of ties to the former government are creating trouble.
Posted: November 15, 2011
Source: BBC



Former prime minister applies for refugee status
Gaddafi’s former prime minister, after his extradition hearing from Tunisia, has applied for political refugee status.  If he is granted refugee status, he can no longer by extradited. 
Posted: November 11, 2011
Source: Tripoli Post







Former Libyan prime-minister extradited from Tunisia
Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi was held in a prison near Tunis awaiting the outcome of his extradition hearing.  The Tunisian government recognizes the NTC as Libya’s official government and wants to keep relations cordial.  There are, however, concerns for Mahmoudi’s safety in Libya, weeks after Gaddafi was killed, it is likely unsafe for his former prime-minister to return.
Posted: November 9, 2011
Source: BBC


Protests outside prison
There are accusations that pro-Gaddafi prisoners are being tortured.  A government spokesperson admits that there are problems with the prison system.  He also reminds everyone that the prisons are controlled by groups of fighters and not the government.
Posted: November 4, 2011
Source: New York Times



 Will hold arms until constitution is drafted
Many of the stockpiled weapons, which were supposed to be turned over to the NTC once victory was declared, are still in the hands of local militias.  The armed groups are refusing to hand weapons over until a constitution is made.  There is a tug-o-war of power, the local militias want a say in the government and threatened to intervene if the new prime minister was not to their liking.  Can democracy take place in such a climate?
Posted: November 2, 2011
Source: New York Times



 Prime minister of Libya elected!
Elected by 26 out of 51 votes, the NTC Abdurrahim el-Keib is Libya’s new prime minister.  El-Keib was educated in America but is a Libyan citizen, there a suspicions that he was elected to appeal to the West.  He is to appoint a cabinet that will run until the election in a few months.  El-Keib promises to listen to Libya’s citizens and stop human rights abuses with time.
Posted: November 1, 2011
Sources: Washington Post, New York Times



 Seif al-Islam el-Gaddafi attempting to turn himself in to ICC
Gaddaif’s son is indirectly contacting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and considering turning himself in.  Gaddafi may be concerned for his safety after the deaths of his father and brother.  
Posted: October 28, 2o11
Source: New York Times







 NATO decides to pull out of Libya
NATO voted to end its involvement in Libya, deciding that the death of Gaddafi and the declaration of victory by the NTC means that there is no more need to protect the civilian population.  If the new Libyan government wishes NATO to assist later, that will be negotiated later.  
Posted: October 28,2011
Source: BBC, New York Times




 NATO asked to remain in Libya
Jalil formally asked NATO to remain in Libya and help develop new defense and security system as well as control loyalists.  Originally entering Libya to protect civilians, NATO is expected to declare a departure date soon.  
Posted: October 26, 2011
Source: BBC


 What happens now?
The NTC’s victory was declared on Sunday.  Gaddafi is dead and his body will be buried in a secret desert location.  As people clean up Sirte, one of the last pro-Gaddafi strongholds there is increasing evidence of brutality from NTC fighters.  Jalil promises that there will be investigations into these crimes and that no one is immune.  
Posted: October 25, 2011
Source: New York Times



 Gaddafi dead, conflicting stories
Gaddafi was captured in Surt on Thursday and put on a truck.  Jibril claims that the truck was then attacked by loyalists and Gaddafi was killed in the crossfire.  However, there are videos that tell conflicting stories of his death.  The UN High Commissioner of Human Rights asks for an inquiry into Gaddafi’s death.
Posted: October 21, 2011
Source: New York Times



 Rifts in Libyacause problems
“The legacy of mistrust was starkly apparent on the outskirts of Surt last week, where fleeing residents said they had been afraid to leave the city, convinced by the former government that the anti-Qaddafi fighters were waiting to steal from them, or worse.”
Posted: October 19th, 2011
Source: New York Times


 NTC holds Surt and Bani Walid
Both Surt ( Sirte) and Bani Walid were considered pro-Gaddafi strongholds, and the NTC would not declare total victory until both were under interim government control.  Victory has yet to be officially claimed and some are skeptical as to who actually controls these villages.  
Posted: October 18th, 2011
Source: New York Times


 Gunfight in capitol of Libya
Shooting broke out between the NTC troops and pro-Gaddafi gunmen; this was the first true conflict within the city itself since the NTC captured it in August.  The skirmish left nine people badly injured.  
Posted: October 14th, 2011
Souce: BBC




 Torture of Libyan detainees
There is evidence that those suspected of being Gaddafi mercenaries are held without warrant and tortured until they confess.  A seventeen year old boy from Chad was beaten until he confessed to raping and killing Libyans.  Black-Libyans seem to be targeted in these efforts by the NTC in these detentions.
Posted: October 14th, 2011
Source: Amnesty International 



 Jalil visits Sirte
Sirte, which has proven a tougher nut to crack than imagined, is almost under NTC control; loyalists still have power over about 0.8 square miles.  However, many civilians are still too scared to leave their homes, as snipers used them as posts.  “There is no water.  There is nothing,” says a woman traveling with her seven children.  Though the city is almost “cleansed” it is not yet safe.
Posted: October 12th, 2011
Source: BBC



 Loyalists cornered in Sirte
The NTC claims that pro-Gadaffi fighters are cornered by the sea.  Once Sirte is clean, the NTC will “declare national liberation.”  The hospital is busy with victims of the fighting, some of the them civilians.
Posted: October 11th, 2011
Source: BBC




 NTC hopes to capture the remainder of Sirte
The NTC claims that three quarters of the pro-Gadaffi stronghold is under former rebel control.  In two days more combat, they hope to have the rest.  The NTC gave civilians time to flee, but many are likely still in Sirte and fears mount concerning their deaths.  Attempts at negotiations with loyalists have failed. 
Posted: October 7th, 2011
Source: BBC


  
Libya attempts to restart school system
In an attempt to restart the education system and integrate pro-Gadaffi families into the new government schools, teachers seek reform.  However, many children, especially in poorer areas, wish for Gadaffi’s return and are resistant and write loyalist slogans on the desks.
Posted: October 5th, 2011
Source: New York Times


 NTC illuminates the roll of  the new government
The NTC leaders promise to resign once pro-Gadaffi supporters are defeated and the scheduled elections.  At the moment, the NTC moves to try and halt the spread of arms that allow so much violence to be perpetrated.  
Posted: October 4th, 2011
Source: New York Times


 NTC captures airport in Sirte
The NTC has finally captured the airport in Sirte, after being driven back several times by pro-Gadaffi forces.
Posted: September 30th, 2011
Source: The Telegraph





 The fight for Sirte rages on
As the fighting intensifies and the NTC decides that it must take Sirte to subdue the pro-Gadaffi forces within, there are concerns about civilian casualties.  Once the warring begins in earnest, where the front lines of both groups are drawn will speak to how long the conflict will last.  It is believed that the NTC will be successful in taking Sirte but many civilians and soldiers will die.
Posted: September 27th, 2011
Source: BBC

 Libya struggles to create a new government
Who should be President of the Council is under question (it is currently Jabril) as well as other posts of the government and cabinet.  When former rebels find weapons, the weapons are not turned over to the military but are taken to home villages; this raises fears about the tribal lines and what will happen if an accord is not reached soon.  Everyone wants a piece of the pie for what they did during the uprising and the NTC is struggling to give it to them and still survive.
Posted: September 27th, 2011
Source: New York Times


 NTC supporters executed by loyalists in Sirte
The NTC claims that Gadaffi supporters are brutally executing rebel sympathizers in Sirte.  However, loyalists claim that anti-Gadaffi forces are the ones doing the killing.  Either way, violence is being perpetrated on the people of Libya and humanitarian groups are concerned.
Posted: September 23rd, 2011
Sourc: The Telegraph


The US and NTC are hopeful about future alliances
The US has reopened its embassy in Libya and the NTC has promised to work “within a framework of transparency,” says Jalil, as far as economy goes.  The new government of Libya hopes to weed out corruption and create new business deals, giving “priority” to those that supported the NTC.
Posted: September 23rd, 2011
Source: New York Times