Libya

al-Jumhuriyyah al-Libiyah

Note: On September 11, 2012, Islamist militants stormed the American Consulate in Benghazi, killing the U.S. ambassador, J. Christopher Stevens, along with three other Americans. Crowds subsequently drove out Ansar al-Sharia, the group suspected of being behind the attack, and other militias out from Benghazi. The attack highlighted the need to disarm the country’s rogue militias and raised questions abroad about radicalization in Libya. It also figured prominently in the [Page 846]U.S. presidential campaign. In October Prime Minister-elect Mustafa Abu Shagur was dismissed after twice failing to win parliamentary approval for his government. On October 14 the National Congress elected Ali Zidan, a former diplomat and longtime opposition figure in exile, to succeed him.

Political Status: Independent state since December 24, 1951; revolutionary ...