Libya welcomes banned books

[tabatha]

Libya marked the end of the Gadhafi-era blacklist Monday with a ceremonial unbanning of books in the former regime’s most storied public library.

Many of Libya’s emerging political hopefuls joined militia leaders and returning expat exiles at the Italianate Royal Palace for a sunset event that was equal parts a celebration of free thought and bitter lament for its cost.
...


“Here in this historic place, knowledge was banned. The previous regime called it a national library, but it was more like an indoctrination centre to control our thinking,” said Dr. Salah Abdallah Rajeb al-Aghab, a senior official with the Libyan government archeology section."

The palace ground floor, meanwhile, was lined with books as well — hundreds of new titles spanning the fields of math, science, faith, philosophy and politics, including an Arabic translation of Barack Obama’s Dreams From My Father and works by anti-religionist Richard Dawkins.

http://feb17.info/news/libya-welcomes-banned-books

[bengalherder]

1. K&R

For the Libyans and the books.

[ellisonz]

2. This is what Libya fought for.

[EFerrari]

3. Libya militias clash in longest sustained fighting since Qaddafi's fall

By Ariel Zirulnick, Staff writer / November 14, 2011

Libya's efforts at building a government and civil society after more than 40 years of autocratic rule are being hindered by clashes between rival militias, still armed from the violent rebellion that ousted former leader Muammar Qaddafi.

Militias from the town of Zawiya and the tribal area of Warshefana, both in the vicinity of Tripoli, have clashed for the past four days – the longest sustained fighting since Mr. Qaddafi's fall last month. At least six people were killed, the Associated Press reports. In Tripoli, where the police force does not yet have control of the whole city, brigades from different tribes and regions remain in control of sections of the city, according to the Washington Post.

IN PICTURES: Qaddafi's last stand

A fighter from Zawiyah told the Washington Post there are "remnants of Qaddafi people among them," referring to the Warshefana tribe. Some of the Zawiyah fighters believe that Saif al-Islam, the only member of the Qaddafi family who remains at large, is hiding in the area.

Interim leader Mustapha Abdul-Jalil said Sunday that the National Transitional Council intends to disarm the many militias still roaming the country and skirmishing with each other, but that first the government needs to be able to offer alternatives – jobs, education, and training, the Associated Press reports.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2011/1114/Libya-militias-clash-in-longest-sustained-fighting-since-Qaddafi-s-fall

[tabatha]

4. It has been resolved.

This is not unexpected. Even South Africa had issues after independence, that occurred without war.

This is what a poster on AJE wrote:

"Shortly after reunification Germany experienced a breakdown of law and order. The Rostock-Lichtenhagen pogrom triggered a number of arson attacks on accommodations and homes for asylum seekers. This spread like wildfire. Citizens not professionally involved in politics gathered in round table discussions discussing ways to restore a sense of security. That was the first line of defense so to speak. Civil society finding its voice."

[tabatha]

6. Libya: After clashes, apologies.

212Group 212Group Libya
vimeo.com/32124081 Mahmoud Shamam's apology to wershefana on Libya alahrar's broadcasting inaccurate breaking news the last few days #Libya
7 hours ago

http://vimeo.com/32124081

----

212 group is awesome.

Cleaning martyr square in Tripoli Libya.
http://vimeo.com/32085411

[Ohio Joe]

5. K&R - nt

[Fumesucker]

7. Ironic, considering New York's finest just threw 5,000 books in the dump..

But good on the Libyans..