Civil War in Libya

[Viking]

What many on this thread are neglecting is the tribal and historical roots of this conflict.



The uprising is very much in the old province of Cyrenaica. The flag the rebels are waving is the flag of the former King of Libya, a Cyrenaican. He used to rule giving Cyrenaica the biggest portion and Tripolitana the least. Also there was widespread prejudice against the black Fezzans. A prejudice that remains strong in the East today. This was reversed under Gaddafi. With Tripolitana being favoured and Cyrenaica being hung out to dry. It's said that Benghazi, a city of one million, pumps sewage directly into the sea as the infrastructure is so poor.

Gaddafi actually did a fair amount to reduce prejudice and encorporate Fezzans into Libya. Hence their large scale presence in his armies. When a Tripolitanan or a Fezzan see the Cyrenaican flag, they won't necessarily see liberation. It's a sticky situation and needs to be played very carefully.

I think you should tak a closer look at what's actually going on. The old flag has been flown in both Tripoli and Zawiya, most certainly in Misurata too - though it is not so easy to get images from the city. All the big revolting cities appear to be pretty united in their revolts - though I haven't seen reports from all the cities in the country. My challenge to you, is to find evidence of a newer date suggesting a split (the imbalance when it comes the number of rebel held cities, comparing west to east, may seemingly be easily explained by the fact the cities in the west lies considerably closer the loyal "elite" armies with their bases in Tripoli).

[rory_20_uk]

Currently everyone wants Gadaffi out. I imagine the old flag is a symbol of wanting him out, rather than a detailed understanding of life under the previous ruler. What percentage of the coutry's populace was even alive back in those days? Pretty small - and fewer old enough to really be able to offer an opinion.

As soon as he is out... probably a different story - the "Allies" wanted the Axis destroyed. As soon as he was they were almost instantly vying with each other.

[Viking]

I have seen no one signaling that they want the old Libya back - flag's just a flag. The rebels in Benghazi wants Tripoli as the capital of the country, so they are hesitant about putting up too much of a new government there.

EDIT: Uh, I appear to have to have misread rory's post..

[drone]

Can't even get a simple police action right.

[Idaho]

What percentage of the coutry's populace was even alive back in those days? Pretty small - and fewer old enough to really be able to offer an opinion.

It's a fair point. The population is very young in Libya.