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TRIPOLI’s NEW LEADER ? Secularist victory in Libyan election puts Mahmoud Jibril in spotlight
19-Jul-2012
Results from Libya's first elections since the overthrow of Col Gaddafi have shown gains for an alliance of parties seen as broadly secular. The National Forces Alliance, led by ex-interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril, has won 39 out of 80 seats reserved for political parties. The Muslim Brotherhood's party has gained 17. (Source: persianrealm.com)
Absent from the democratic exercise on Sunday was Crown Prince Mohammad El Senussi, grand-nephew of King Idris and heir to the mantle and political movement of the last monarch of Libya (whose flag re-emerged during the uprising and is again the official flag of Libya). But the prince could well re-emerge from exile in London and organize a movement in Libya that will emerge from this round of voting, much as Bulgaria’s last king, Simeon II, returned from exile and organized a movement that brought him to power as prime minister in 2001. If so it may be as King of the Restored Monarchy.
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FUTURE PRESIDENT OR PRIME MINISTER ?
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Jibril's alliance leading in early Libya results (Al Jazeera,
July 11, 2012): Libya's war time prime minister Mahmoud Jibril has a strong lead in early results from the country's first elections since the fall of Muamar Gaddafi. Jibril heads the National Forces Alliance and is considered by many Libyans as the right person to lead post-war rebuilding. Al Jazeera's Stefanie Dekker reports from Tripoli.
Party leader Jibril calls for unity as Libya votes tallied:
Mahmud Jibril, leader of a political coalition said to be trending well as votes are tallied in Libya, calls for all parties to come together under one banner to form a coalition government. (July 8th, 2012)
(NOTE: To Watch Double Click Here)
Also Watch Christiane Amanpour’s Interview with Mahmoud Jibril Here
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BENGHAZI CAPITAL OF FORMER MONARCHY
WHERE THE LIBYAN REVOLUTION STARTED
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Libya Elections: Voters cast ballots in Benghazi (Al Jazeera): People in Libya's second largest city Benghazi are casting their ballots in local elections. Voters are choosing 41 city councillors. And given that Benghazi was the birthplace of the revolution in Libya, the poll is taking on wider significance. Al Jazeera's Omar al-Saleh reports from Benghazi.
Libyans Hold Emotional Multi-Party Election, First in 60 Years (VOA):
Libyans filled with optimism went to the polls Saturday for their nation's first multiparty elections in 60 years. As VOA's Al Pessin reports from Tripoli, it was an emotional moment for people who have lived through 42 years of dictatorship and a bloody revolution. **************************************
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MAHMOUD JIBRIL : PROFILE
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Mahmoud Jibril’s Profile (bbc)
As interim prime minister, Mahmoud Jibril was one of the most high-profile figures in the conflict that ousted long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.
NTC's Mahmoud Jibril on Muammar Gaddafi's death (Oct 20, 2011): Al Jazeera's James Bays caught up with the chairman of the NTC's exeuctive committee just within the last few hours. Mahmoud Jibril said this day would have been unimaginable just a few months ago.
That prominence appears to have paid off at the ballot box, with election results showing his National Forces' Alliance leading in the country's first democratic vote in decades.
There is speculation that he will have a key future position, possibly as president, in the post-Gaddafi era.
Due to election laws banning members of the ruling National Transition Council (NTC) running for parliament, he was not a contender himself.
Western-educated and English-speaking, Mr Jibril is credited by some with helping win support for Libya's then opposition last year.
His supporters regard him as someone who can unify the country at a time of uncertainty, as Libya seeks to emerge from its brutal conflict. The 60-year-old is also seen as a safe pair of hands to rebuild Libya's oil economy.
His defection to the rebel National Transitional Council at the beginning of last year's revolution was well-timed, pushing him into the spotlight. He served as prime minister for the NTC until October 2011, when he fulfilled a pledge to resign after Libya was "liberated".
But critics have expressed discomfort with his links to the Gaddafi regime. Before his defection, Mr Jibril acted as head of the National Economic Development Board (NEDB) - a position into which he claims he was strong-armed.
Born in 1952, Mr Jibril has both a master's degree in political science and a PhD in strategic planning and decision-making from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.
After completing his doctorate in 1984, he taught strategic planning and decision-making at the university for several years. He also wrote several books and ran leadership training programmes in several Arab states.
He later became the head of the Libyan National Planning Council.
In 2009, he was given his position as chairman of the NEDB, which was founded in the mid-2000s to encourage investment in Libya. He reported directly to the prime minister.
A leaked US diplomatic cable from November 2009 written by the US ambassador to Libya, Gene Cretz, described Mr Jibril as "a serious interlocutor who 'gets' the US perspective".
"He is also not shy about sharing his views of US foreign policy, for example, opining that the US spoiled a golden opportunity to capitalise on its 'soft power' (McDonald's, etc) after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 by putting 'boots on the ground' in the Middle East," Mr Cretz wrote.
An earlier US diplomatic cable described Mr Jibril as "reform-minded".
Before the uprising, he was involved in a project called "Libyan Vision" with other intellectuals, which sought to establish a democratic state.
Related Blogs:
MONARCHY OR REPUBLIC ? British MP Calls For Referendum On Libya’s Future
Former Kingdom’s PM Adovocates A Parliamentary System for Future Libya
Libya independence: King Idris anniversary celebrated
Recommended Watchings:
PHOTO ESSAY: 1960s Libya: A Glimpse of Life Before Gaddafi
THE «R» WORD: Film on the «United Kingdom of Libya» Narrated by it’s Heir
TRIPOLI BRIGADE:France 24's Groundbreaking Documentary on Libyan Rebels
Other Related Blogs:
Libya's Exiled Crown Prince Hails 'New Chapter' For Libya
MACBETH: Life & Death of Libya's Usurper “King of Kings” in 3 Bloody Acts …
ROYAL HOPEFUL:Libyan Crown Prince offers to help homeland
Exiled Libyan
Crown Prince sees Gaddafi toppled soon
European Parliament Hosts Libya's Crown Prince
Libya's Exiled Crown Prince calls on world to stop 'massacre,' remove Gaddafi
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Libyans transfer weapons to army
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Sep 30, 2012 12:22 AM PDTLibyans transfer weapons to army (bbc)
Hundreds of Libyans have handed in weapons in Benghazi and Tripoli as part of a disarmament drive organised by the army to target militia groups.
Assault rifles, anti-aircraft guns, rocket launchers and even tanks were among military hardware handed in.
The call to transfer weapons to Libya's army was promoted through a private television station.
It apparently gained momentum after the US ambassador was killed in Benghazi, sparking resentment of armed militias.
The groups that emerged during the fight to topple Col Muammar Gaddafi last year remain a powerful force in the country.US reduces staff at Libya embassy
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Sep 28, 2012 01:43 AM PDTUS reduces staff at Libya embassy (bbc)
The US is temporarily removing further staff from its embassy in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, the state department says.
How can Libya's many militias be disarmed?
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Sep 28, 2012 01:17 AM PDTGiving up the guns (bbc)
By Peter Fragiskatos International affairs analyst
How can Libya's many militias be disarmed?
The killing of US ambassador Christopher Stevens two weeks ago, along with three other Americans, has prompted authorities in Libya to take action against the militias that stand as the country's most important security threat.Newly formed Libyan unit evicts unauthorized militias
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Sep 25, 2012 05:40 AM PDTSTORY HIGHLIGHTS
Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- A newly formed unit of the Libyan Army has carried out nonviolent raids on rogue militia positions in and around Tripoli as part of a government ultimatum issued over the weekend.
Armed groups must either align themselves with the country's military or disperse, a government spokesman said Tuesday.
The "National Mobile Force" is evicting militias after handing them a deadline to withdraw from military compounds, public buildings and property belonging to members of the former regime, according toClinton praises militias crackdown by Libyan government forces
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Sep 25, 2012 05:21 AM PDTClinton praises militias crackdown (cnn, video)
New York (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised the Libyan people Monday for their efforts to rid the country of the rogue militias blamed for the killings of four Americans this month, including the U.S. ambassador.
"The people of the Arab world did not set out to trade the tyranny of a dictator for the tyranny of a mob," she said here in a speech to the Clinton Global Initiative. "There is no dignity in that. The people of Benghazi sent this message loudly and clearly on Friday, when they forcefully rejected the extremists in their midst and reclaimed the honor and dignity of a courageous city.
"They mourned the loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens, a friend and champion of a free Libya, and his fallen comrades. They are not alone. People and leaders from across the region and the world and beyond have spoken in recent days against violence."
Clinton spoke as a 48-hour deadline approached for unauthorized militias in and around the Libyan captial, Tripoli, to withdraw from property belonging to the former regime under Moammar Gadhafi.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Libyan army removes heads of Benghazi militias
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Sep 24, 2012 05:31 PM PDTLibya army removes militia chiefs (bbc)
Libya's army has removed the heads of two of Benghazi's main militia groups, as it tries to reassert control over armed groups or disband them.
The February 17 Brigade's Fawzi Bukatif and Rafallah al-Sahati's Ismail al-Salabi were replaced by colonels.
On Sunday, interim leader Mohammed Magarief issued a 48-hour deadline for militias to vacate state property.
Libyan army gives militias 48 hours to leave Tripoli
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Sep 23, 2012 09:37 AM PDTLibyan army gives militias 48 hours to leave Tripoli (cnn)
Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- The Libyan army has issued an ultimatum giving militias 48 hours to withdraw from military compounds, public buildings and property belonging to members of the former regime in the country's capital and surrounding cities, the state-run LANA news agency said Sunday.
A statement from the army vowed to "use force to carry out these orders," LANA said.
The announcement came after Mohamed al-Magariaf, president of Libya's General National Congress, said unauthorized militias would be disbanded.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Dr M. Are you kidding me? Do you really think should there be
by Soosan Khanoom on Sun Sep 23, 2012 08:10 AM PDTa war , there in Iran we will be going to live happily ever after in our Califirnia mansion with two dogs, four cats, and eight childern? Not to mention an all financed new Caravan Corvette generousity of Chevy's design your own family Corvette site... lol Oh no..no ...no ..... We will NOT and you know it ... So before your American dreams FOR IRAN gets completely crushed under the democracy bombs let me send you a ticket so you can come back. You are going to miss Ebi's concert if you don't ... How could you pass on the most borring concert ever!
lol
Peace in The far east!
by Dr. Mohandes on Sun Sep 23, 2012 07:56 AM PDTSK is a dog person.
She is so used to chewing guys and spitting them out, she thinks that is how the whole world works as well.
She was known as the biggest heart-breaker in the history of the world.
It is either that or her CC got declined in a big restaurant, on a huge date, with the cutest guy in town, when she really needed for it to work out!
my 1 dollar!
Are we having a bad weekend Soosan Khanoom?
by Faramarz on Sun Sep 23, 2012 07:50 AM PDTHave some pancakes and stop pulling your hair!
Take your cat for a walk!
SK moosh mooshi
by Dr. Mohandes on Sun Sep 23, 2012 07:44 AM PDTWhat is your beef or chicken against the american democracy?
That was what got you your education, your success, your progress, bringing you out of the your dark and lonely world of little soosan to Soosan khanoom!
Again as it has been said here many times, it if bothers you so much, if the bankers are ruinning your style, if you do not prescribe it for others, Why the heck do you live there ?????
Some people happen to actually love that democracy. Maybe that is what many people want in iran, despite all the ghor ghor coming from you.
Of course it is about Damn money money and more money!! what did you think it was about?? A can of tuna!!!? a piece of chicken?
Just let me know when you are moving back and i will purchase you a ticket!!
Otherwise stop belly-aching!!:))
Use them and then dump them ...but have them handy just in case
by Soosan Khanoom on Sun Sep 23, 2012 07:36 AM PDTSame people who had slaughtered Ghaddafi slaughtered the U. S Embassedor ... At the service of Bankstrs but till further notice are going to be dumped. Yup That's pretty the same with the Iranian militia aka MEK. After all these groups are like a piece of S*** and will be treated as one. That's Ameican style democracy !!!! will be coming soon to the theatre near you. So, buckle up for the new political prisoners in the same old Evin.
NOT " peace in the middle east " but " unrest in the middle east " .. It really is not about the holy land anymore.....That's been taken care of. .. It is about funding this holy land. It's about money ..money ... money ...
Arab Spring my foot
Libya to ‘dissolve’ non-sanctioned militias within 48 Hours
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Sep 23, 2012 07:01 AM PDTLibya to ‘dissolve’ non-sanctioned militias (France 24)
Libyan authorities announced plans on Saturday to dissolve all militias not sanctioned by the government, giving armed groups 48 hours to disband. The move follows Benghazi residents' protests against the militias in which at least 11 people died.In pictures: Islamist Bases stormed in Benghazi
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Sep 22, 2012 01:37 AM PDTIn pictures: Bases stormed (bbc)
Libyan citizens and military police have overrun several militia bases in the city of Benghazi following a major protest by residents against the power of unofficial armed groups.
Libyan Protestors Storm Islamist militia bases in Benghazi
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Sep 22, 2012 01:32 AM PDTProtesters rout Benghazi militia (bbc)
At least four people are killed in the Libyan city of Benghazi after police and protesters take over several militia bases after a day of protests.
Syrian refugees enticed into selling daughters to rich Libyans
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Sep 21, 2012 05:09 AM PDTMarried for money (bbc)
Syrian refugees enticed into selling daughters to rich Libyans
Hard living conditions for Syrian refugees in Libya are forcing some families to marry off their daughters to wealthy local men. Syrians say Libyans often knock at their doors asking for especially underage girls, as BBC Arabic's Ahmed Maher reports from Benghazi.Source: Slain ambassador said he was on al Qaeda list
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Sep 20, 2012 02:43 AM PDTSource: Slain ambassador said he was on al Qaeda list (cnn)
Before his death, U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens worried about 'never-ending' security threats and mentioned he was on an al Qaeda hit list, a source says.
Fight for Libya 'not over' say Radical Islamist group
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Sep 19, 2012 08:25 AM PDTFight for Libya 'is not over' (bbc, video)
The death of US ambassador Christopher Stevens in a military-style attack on the US consulate in Benghazi was linked, without evidence, to Libya's largest Islamist brigade, Ansar al-Sharia.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, commander Mohammad Ali al-Zahawi denied any involvement in that and other attacks against Western targets but said it rejected what it saw as the imposition of democracy in Libya.
Wyre Davies reports from Benghazi.
Exclusive Video: Libyans helping U.S. envoy say's Arwa Damon
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Sep 18, 2012 01:55 AM PDTVideo: Libyans helping U.S. envoy (cnn, video)
An amateur video, which has not been verified by the U.S. government, shows a man, whom the videographer says is the late U.S. ambassador to Libya, being carried out for medical help.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Libya 'arrests 50' over US deaths
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Sep 16, 2012 09:13 AM PDTLibya 'arrests 50' over US deaths (bbc)
Libyan authorities have arrested some 50 people over the deadly attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, the president of Libya's interim assembly tells US media.
Who are Libya's Ansar al-Sharia?
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Sep 15, 2012 02:09 AM PDTWhile no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi on Tuesday, analysts are pointing the finger at Ansar al-Sharia, a heavily-armed product of the Libyan revolution who hold sway in Libya’s second-largest city.
"He was our guest"
by Rea on Fri Sep 14, 2012 06:10 PM PDTIn a way, heartbreaking testimonies. For you can feel the fear of ordinary Libyans, fear for their country and what lies ahead.
Thx, DK, for following up.
Libyans speak out
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Sep 14, 2012 03:36 PM PDTLibyans speak out (bbc) by Ahmed Maher
n Libya's second-largest city, Benghazi, residents have been reflecting on the attacks on the American consulate building on Tuesday.
To many, the ferocity of the incident came as little surprise.
They blamed rising extremism, lawlessness and uncontrollable militias for the worsening security situation in Libya, almost one year after the downfall of Col Muammar Gaddafi.
Libya consulate 'lacked security'
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Sep 14, 2012 01:48 PM PDTLibya consulate 'lacked security' (bbc)
The US consulate in Benghazi, where the US ambassador to Libya died in an attack on Tuesday, was not given the standard security contract offered to many American diplomatic missions in the Middle East, private military contractors have told the BBC.
Obama's tribute to 'patriots' killed in Libya
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Sep 14, 2012 01:42 PM PDTObama's tribute to 'patriots'Watch (bbc,VIDEO)
The bodies of the late US ambassador Chris Stevens and three of his colleagues who were killed this week in Benghazi in Libya have been flown back to the United States.
Ambassador Stevens and his staff died after gunmen stormed the US consulate amid protests over an anti-Islamic film.
President Obama paid tribute to the the four, calling them "four patriots who embodied the American ideal". Mr Obama repeated his vow to bring to justice those who carried out the attack.
US Libyan consulate attack: Timeline of events
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Sep 14, 2012 01:40 PM PDTUS Libyan consulate attack: Timeline of events (bbc)
Investigators are trying to piece together exactly what happened during Tuesday's US consulate attack in the Libyan city of Benghazi.
They are trying to establish whether the assault was planned or spontaneous. Libyan Deputy Interior Minister Wanis al-Sharif has told reporters he believes militants used an anti-US protest as cover for the attack, and may have had help from inside the country's security services.
Here is the timeline of events that US officials believe led to the death of US ambassador Christopher Stevens, his state department colleague Sean Smith and former Navy Seals Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
10pm: Attackers open fire at the consulate, which has a main building and a smaller annex.
10.15pm: The assailants gain entry to the complex and the main building is engulfed in flames.
Many of those trapped inside escape but Ambassador Stevens, Sean Smith and a regional security guard remain.
The security guard manages to escape and returns shortly afterwards with others to try to rescue Mr Stevens and Mr Smith.
They find Mr Smith dead and pulled him from the building, but no sign of Mr Stevens. They are driven from the building by thick black smoke, fire and gunfire.
10.45pm: Security staff try to retake the main building but come under heavy fire and retreat.
11.20pm: A second attempt to retake the main building is successful. Fighting moves to the annex.
Midnight: Fighting at the annex - reported to last about two hours - results in the deaths of two more Americans, later named by US authorities as former Navy Seals whose job was to protect the other staff.
1.15am: Mr Stevens arrives at a nearby hospital - it is not known who took him. A doctor there has told the BBC that he spent an hour trying to revive him, but that Mr Stevens died from smoke inhalation.
2.30am: Security forces regain control of the annex.
Libyans condemn killing of US ambassador during film protest
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Sep 14, 2012 10:06 AM PDT'He was our guest' (bbc)
Libyans condemn killing of US ambassador during film protest
The US is investigating whether the attack in Libya that killed the US ambassador and several other people was planned in advance, officials say.
The assault had earlier been thought to have been a spontaneous reaction to protests over an anti-Islamic film.
Here, people in Libya give their views on the attack, the security situation and the future of their country.Arrests over Libya embassy attack
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Sep 13, 2012 11:13 PM PDTArrests over Libya embassy attack (bbc)
Libyan authorities make arrests following a deadly attack on the US consulate in Benghazi as further unrest over a US-made anti-Islam film is expected.
'This Does Not Represent Us':
by Rea on Thu Sep 13, 2012 01:29 PM PDTGood find, DK.
The anti-Americans are having a feast right now, so I'm glad you posted it. Will spread it further.
Photos of Pro-American Rally in Benghazi & other Libyan cities
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Sep 13, 2012 01:11 PM PDT'This Does Not Represent Us': Moving Photos of Pro-American ...
Just like not all Americans are like the people who made the weird anti-Islam movie that is sparking protests in Muslim nations, not all people in Libya are like the ones who killed U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens. Some of the people of Benghazi, where Stevens was killed, held a demonstration against terrorism and to show sympathy for the U.S. Libya Alhurra TV, an Internet TV channelfounded at the start of the Arab Spring in 2011, posted Facebook photos of a rally there showing support for America and sympathy for Stevens. Here are some of those pictures:
Update: With the help from The Atlantic's multilingual Heather Horn and some Facebook commenters, we have a few translations of the Arabic signs.