When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

You've reached your limit of one free article.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime .

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Exclusive International news coverage

Ad-free experience NEW

Weekly digital Magazine NEW

9 daily & weekly Newsletters

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Free trial

30-days free access, then $2.90
per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch
blog

Martyrs And Mixed Messages On Anniversary Of Libya Revolution

Martyrs And Mixed Messages On Anniversary Of Libya Revolution

Post-Gaddafi Libya is a mix of newfound freedom and political instability. The latest news includes worries of an impending coup d"état after a top general suggested that the way forward for the country was to suspend Parliament.

Still, Libyans celebrated – or at least were free to acknowledge – the third anniversary of their 2011 revolution that overthrew long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It was Feb. 17, 2011, when members of the Libyan opposition declared a "day of rage" against the regime, which culminated in Gaddafi's death during the ensuing civil war.

Despite serious security concerns, Libyans seemed to share a guarded optimism about the state of the nation. Here's how it looked on Twitter.

One of the more hopeful posts included a festive photo of decorated streets, and the declaration: "Libya is celebrating its third year of freedom, today everything is under control and accounted for, God is great."

ليبيا تحت�ل بالعام الثالث من الحرية ،، لاخو� �ي ليبيا بعد اليوم الكل تحت الرقابة والمحاسبة ،، لاكبير إلا الله. pic.twitter.com/SfwtpYYTcg

— عمر بن عبدالعزيز (@oamaz7) February 17, 2014

A young Libyan woman living in the city of Misrata — where the revolution was born — tweeted a message of thanks to those who had died in the uprising.

It is now #Feb17 . I just want to take this opportunity to thank our Martyrs who died for us and our Freedom Fighters.” #ليبيا

— Omaimah_Basheer (@omaimahbt) February 17, 2014

Images of martyrs were also tweeted, accompanied by prayers. One tweet remembers pilot Muhammad Mubarak Al-Aqili.

الشهيد العقيد طيار محمد مبارك العقيلي صاحب اليمين الشهير "عليا اليمين بنغازي ما تخشها يا معمر" pic.twitter.com/IH1JtiV77A

— تغريدات ليبيا (@LibyaTopTweets) February 17, 2014

Another similar tweet reads, "#memories of the revolution #that we may not forget the martyr Muhammad Nabus."

#ذكريات_الثورة #لكي_لا_ننسي الشهيد محمد نبوس pic.twitter.com/MHgmHnrMcT

— Tawfik Bensaud (@TBensaud) February 17, 2014

Using the same hashtag, a young Libyan woman in the revolutionary town of Benghazi recalled: "#memories of the revolution — making food for the thuwar revolutionaries."

#ذكريات_الثورة making food for the thuwar ✌�

— R. (@3doditee) February 16, 2014

Not all tweets were thankful and celebratory, however. ">The same young Libyan woman who tweeted about making food also recalled: "#memories of the revolution — when we could walk around Benghazi alone and still feel safe!"

Twitter debates also ensued over whether a revolution actually happened, and whether it has been successful.

For All Those Who Don't believe The Revolution Was Successful. #17Feb #Libya pic.twitter.com/IrseMuNUXK

— Areej أريج ↑ (@3alaDil3owna) February 17, 2014

Still, the tone on the ground seemed to be one of guarded optimism. One tweet featured an image of a Libyan man carrying a poster, reading, "In spite of the shortcomings, I will celebrate the February 17th anniversary."

Dear negative people #Libya pic.twitter.com/gCvyP4XCpz

— R. (@3doditee) February 17, 2014

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Gaza Fighting Resumes, Quick COP28 Deal Signed, Longest Hit Song

Palestinians inspect damages after an Israeli airstrike destroyed a house in Rafah, southern Gaza, as hostilities resume after a week-long truce between Hamas and Israel.

Emma Albright & Valeria Berghinz

👋 Alò!*

Welcome to Friday, where fighting resumes in Gaza after the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas expired, a COP28 deal is signed for a fund to pay for climate damage in poor countries and a rapper breaks a billboard record with a flute. Meanwhile, Mastercard is arriving in China following Xi Jinping’s “dinner diplomacy” last month in San Francisco, reports Chinese-language media The Initium.

[*Haitian Creole]

Keep reading...Show less

The latest