It is now four years since the revolution began in Libya, but does the country have anything worthwhile to show for such events?
Libya is now home to thousands of displaced people. Tawergha, a coastal town east of Misurata, is a stark example of what happened. Its 40,000 people still cannot return as their homes and businesses were destroyed by militias in 2011. Thousands of other families in the south, east and in Tripoli itself live away from their homes. Since last summer Benghazi, where the revolution started four years ago, has become like a ghost city.
Thousands of Libyans, including myself, fled to Tunisia, Egypt, the Gulf and European countries for security and peace.
An unknown number of innocent Libyans are languishing in jails outside the government’s control, while dozens of former regime officials – including Saif Al Islam, Muammar Qaddafi’s son – are stuck in limbo with the judiciary failing to convict anyone over the past four years. The number and fate of those who went missing is unknown.
Economically, the picture is no better. The oil sector, the country’s only source of hard currency, is in disarray. Production and exports are less than a quarter of the pre-war level. The sites of major infrastructure projects have been ransacked.
Daily life for ordinary Libyans is one of unending struggle. In Tripoli, as well as in other parts of the country, power and fuel shortages add to the misery.
When I visited Tripoli in October, I faced a 12-hour power blackout. Although the situation has improved marginally since then, some villages get electricity every other day.
Society has also been badly hit, which is reflected in increasingly weakening family relations. This, in particular, has given rise to new types of behaviour. For example, Libyans tended to be helpful and respectful, especially towards women. It was unthinkable a few years ago for a man to turn his back on a woman in need of help. Now, however, screams of help often go unanswered.
Politically, the country also faces many problems. Libya has two governments, two parliaments and two armies. Both are unable to protect citizens, solve problems or provide basic necessities, including medical care.
As both sides bicker, Libyans face a hopeless and desperate situation. It is little wonder that extremist organisations and armed gangs and militias find plenty of recruits in the country.
To be fair, Libya has made some gains, but it will take many years for those gains to make any positive impact on the lives of ordinary Libyans.
For example, there are more than a dozen television stations, more than 20 newspapers and tens of regional radio stations. There are dozens of political parties and hundreds of NGOs serving almost every imaginable cause.
Yet, very little is being said or done to alleviate the pain and suffering of ordinary people. On the other hand, there are hundreds of religious preachers poisoning the minds of young Libyans as they vie for their hearts and minds.
In the past, I rarely used to lock my car or house. Back then women could move around Tripoli’s high streets without any worries. Families would gather in cafes by the seafront until the early hours.
In the new Libya, you are likely to be declared missing if you are not home by 10pm. Women hardly drive even during the day and many stay indoors for weeks on end.
Mustafa Fetouri is a Libyan analyst at PIR centre, an author and award winning freelance journalist
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000, 2,400m
Winner: Recordman, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000, 2,200m
Winner: AF Taraha, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m
Winner: Dhafra, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m
Winner: Maqam, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000, 1,600m
Winner: AF Momtaz, Fernando Jara, Musabah Al Muhairi
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000, 1,600m
Winner: Optimizm, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE%20SPECS
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Classification from Tour de France after Stage 17
1. Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 73:27:26"
2. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Cannondale-Drapac) 27"
3. Romain Bardet (France / AG2R La Mondiale)
4. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana Pro Team) 53"
5. Mikel Landa (Spain / Team Sky) 1:24"
FINAL LEADERBOARD
1. Jordan Spieth (USA) 65 69 65 69 - 12-under-par
2. Matt Kuchar (USA) 65 71 66 69 - 9-under
3. Li Haotong (CHN) 69 73 69 63 - 6-under
T4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 71 68 69 67 - 5-under
T4. Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67 73 67 68 - 5-under
T6. Marc Leishman (AUS) 69 76 66 65 - 4-under
T6. Matthew Southgate (ENG) 72 72 67 65 - 4-under
T6. Brooks Koepka (USA) 65 72 68 71 - 4-under
T6. Branden Grace (RSA) 70 74 62 70 - 4-under
T6. Alexander Noren (SWE) 68 72 69 67 - 4-under
How to vote
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The biog
Name: Maitha Qambar
Age: 24
Emirate: Abu Dhabi
Education: Master’s Degree
Favourite hobby: Reading
She says: “Everyone has a purpose in life and everyone learns from their experiences”
'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
57%20Seconds
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
