The fight for control of Libya continues between longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi's government forces and rebels who want to take government control away from him. Most recently, the rebels have gained more ground in the fight, advancing toward the long-embattled capital of Libya, Tripoli.
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an alliance of many countries including the U.S., has been launching air attacks against Gadhafi's forces for more than a month to prevent human rights violations. Now, those air strikes seem to be helping the rebels gain the most ground since the back-and-forth fighting began months ago.
Talks are reportedly underway in nearby Tunisia to try to forge a settlement between the rebels and the government forces, but no one is sure how they will turn out or what the end result will be.
Quotes
"Of course we will not let them enter Tripoli. We will stand together." - Libyan supporter of government forces
"Always forward. Challenge. Pick up your weapons. Go to the fight for liberating Libya inch by inch from the traitors and from NATO. The blood of martyrs is fuel for the battle. The end of the rats is near." - Moammar Gadhafi, Libyan leader
"Victory is coming, and coming soon...We will smoke the rats out of their bunker." - Libyan supporter of rebel forces
Warm Up Questions
1. What part of the world is Libya in?
2. What does the term 'Arab Spring' refer to?
3. What is NATO?
Discussion Questions
1. Based on what you learned from the video, summarize as best you can the events of the Libyan uprising so far. Why do you think control of major cities has changed hands so many times?
2. Why do you think Libyans' allegiances are so divided between the rebels and the government? If you lived in Libya, who do you think you would support? Why?
3. Do you you think it was right for NATO to get involved in the Libyan campaign? Why or why not?
Additional Resources
Should the U.S. Intervene in Libya?
