What's going on in Libya and why you, as an American, should care.

What's going on in Libya and why you, as an American, should care.


As you know from the many news stories shown over only a short period of two months, many things in the Middle East and North Africa are changing. What started off as a government protest by an angry street vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi has led to one of the most violent Arab world protests in many years. This not only led to two successful uprises in both Tunisia and Egypt but also to the extreme turmoil today in the country of Libya. Many people do not comprehend fully what is going on there, so let me break it down for all of you. Most people also do not realize just how much these protests will affect not only themselves but the economy as well.

Image Courtesy of: Wikimedia Commons

What's going on- The people of Libya have been under the oppressive regime of Muammar al-Gaddafi since 1969 and, quite frankly, they are fed up with it. Under this oppressive regime the people of Libya have suffered many injustices. Even the most basic human rights, freedom of speech and expression are denied there. While these practices are specifically deemed unjust by the United Nations, Gaddaffi simply does not care and most of the world does not seem to care either.

Why it is illegal- This is illegal for the most basic human reasons... it is wrong. Many other countries have not had to live under the oppressiveness that this regime presents and many Libyan people feel that they do not have to live this way either.

Why you should care- As seen in the Al Jazeera English video above you know that the Libyan government has not only opposed these protests but they have also met them with crushing opposition. In the interview, Gaddafi's son said that the Libyan situation is not like the Egyptian situation. Well, he was right, it was much worse. Also, I can only foresee it getting worse until the United States and it's allies can assist this rebellion. This region is one of instability and you, as an American, should want the most allies possible in that region. Libya could soon be one of our allies again if this situation is handled democratically and fairly by all parties.

How it affects you- This affects you as an individual in many ways. One of the most important things to Americans is saving money and one of the things that we tend to consume most of is oil. Libya, being one of the largest members of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and a heavy supplier of oil to Europe, is a key factor in how much you pay at the pump every time you fill up gas. In fact, Gaddafi has said that he will halt shipping of oil until something is done to end the political uprising in the country. While, the Saudi government has promised to pick up the slack left by Libya at this time, it still may not be enough. It has even been confirmed that this summer gas might hit $4.00 a gallon and could even be averaging $5.00 a gallon by next year.

How it affects the United States- As any economists would tell you, oil is in everything you buy. Be it an actual oil product or a normal product that you wouldn't even consider to be oil related. Take an average, often thought to be, non-oil related item - shoes. While shoes are not "made with oil," it is still required in the production of the shoes. For example, everything from what is used to run the machines to the transportation used to bring those shoes to the United states will be more expensive due to the Libyan uprising. But other than a few harsh, but strategically tactful words by the Obama administration, Gaddafi has not actually been challenged too extensively on what he is doing.

How it affects the world- The world has also seen a lot of increased prices and decreased profits because of this. Because of the previously mentioned hike in prices of practically everything the stock prices of these companies have fallen as well. Be it the DOW or the NASDAQ, everything is being hurt by Gaddafi's stubbornness and refusal to step down and treat his people with respect. In fact, the only thing that the United Nations can do at this point, other than the already imposed numerous economic sanctions is establish a no-fly zone over Libya. In other words no airplanes or supplies will be able to flown over Libya at this time. Groundbreaking... No. But it's a start.

Ultimately nothing will change for the Libyan people unless the entire world pulls out the extra effort in order to help them because they will all benefit from it. The sheer necessity of oil that the entire world economy thrives on will benefit from this as well. Ultimately, I would like everyone to understand that it is within everyone's best interests (yes, yours too) to aid the Libyan people in their time of need.