History of Libya:
The Arabs conquered Libya in the seventh century, and then the Ottoman Turks took over the country in the 16th century. Italy invaded and made Libya a colony in 1911. In 1949, the UN stated that Libya should become independent before 1952. Libya declared its independence on December 24, 1951 and was the first country to do so through the United Nations.
The c ountry was proclaimed a constitutional and a hereditary monarchy under King Idris. Libya had become an extremely wealthy country due to the oil reserves and petroleum sales. King Idris was overthrown in September 1969, and the new regime was headed by the RCC (Revolutionary Command Council). The RCC proclaimed the new Libyan Arab Republic.
Current Situation in Libya:
The LIbyan Civil War, or Libyan Revolution, is currently taking place between those who favor Muammar Gaddafi and those who want to end his rule. The war was preceded by protests beginning in February 2011. The rebellion spread across the country, with people opposing Gaddafi establishing The National Transitional Council.
The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on February 26 stopping the assets of Gaddafi and his inner circle and referred the matter to the International Criminal Court for investigation. In March 2011, Gaddafi's forces pushed East and took several coastal cities before attacking Benghazi.
