Libya: Current Status

 

By: John Brandt

 

 

            Libya is a troubled country, which is a military dictatorship led by Mu’ammar Qadhafi. He came to power in September 1969 when he and a group of military officers staged a coup d’etat against king Idris who was exiled to Egypt. The monarchy was abolished and a new Libyan Arab republic was proclaimed.

            The basis of Libya’s economy is its oil resources. Oil accounts for approximately 97% of export earnings and oil revenues constitute a large source of oil exchange (U.S Department of State). After a long period of internal development Libya is now fully opening its gates to the world. Tourists are welcome anytime; the destinations they would go see are Archaeological treasures, the Sahara desert, the oases, and the largest collection of prehistoric rock art galleries. Eventually Libya wants to become the ideal sun, sea and sand destination of the future (Libyan tourism). In 2004 economic sanctions were lifted and people in the U.S.A are now allowed to work in Libya.

            Libya has pursued close ties, particularly with the North African neighbors Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. The reason for this seems to be a desire to form “a borderless United States of Africa.” (U.S. Department Of State). This plan would transform the continent into a single state which would be ruled by the dictator of Libya, Mu’ammar Qadhafi, but most of the neighboring countries do not like this idea. It has also sought to develop its relations with Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to Libyan involvement in several internal African disputes. On October 16th 2007 Libya won a seat on the United Nations Security council, they were indorsed by the African Group and they face no opposition. On January 3rd 2008 the U.S.A signed a science and technology agreement with Libya. This was the beginning of a new relationship with Libya. As of 2009 Libya now has a U.S Embassy in Tripoli.

            Libya had many allies along Northern Africa including Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Venezuela, and North Korea. The one major enemy of Libya, Israel. Qadhafi even said during a U.N meeting that they “were made to be enemies of Israel” (U.S. department of State). Libya has many problems but they do have just one enemy to contend with.

            Libya has one major religion in its country. That religion is Sunni Muslim which is 97% of the whole countries religion. It is really big in Libya and if you are religious you basically fit in.