The Libyan story is under reported and so is the suffering of Libyans. A country with enormous potential and economy should not be witnessing a need for healthcare, food and other basic commodities including shelter. 287 thousand Libyans fled conflict and are scattered in towns and cities countrywide, needless to say and living in dire straits. AID agencies operating in Libya mentioned that they are facing major constraints in funding the internally displaced Libyans. As a citizen of Libya’s neighbor Egypt, I cannot understand the real issue here.
What is exactly the story with the Middle East. 2 of the rich oil countries in the region are now dependent on aid. Where is the oil money?? This is a question that most of us around here are raising eyebrows for in utter disbelief. The situation in Libya and Iraq prior to deposition of Qaddafi and Saddam Hussein was like any other rich- state residing under the rule of a dictator, who monopolized and marginalized human rights, but all in all maintained safety, security and a decent life for his citizens ; as long they kept distant from politics.
The situation today in these two countries and the stories of misery which survivors in both countries report make me as a Middle Eastern citizen think that we do have a long way to go. However, I somehow believe that in our path along this long way we must as in must institutionalize reform. People should not be forced to sacrifice shelter, safety and security in search for an immediate, right this second democracy. Democracy is a big story and apparently takes long years to surface, and even longer years to achieve and maintain but right this second people need security, food and shelter.
We have to develop some form of understanding that now the poor and limited income groups are the ones paying the hard price. The rich and upper middle classes are usually the ones qualified to leave, immigrate or go on temporary residence, but other than this all other various segments of the population have to endure the hardship manifested in witnessing daily blood shed, panic, insecurity, lack of a source of income and dire economic conditions.
Revolutionaries, tribes and all factions at war in Libya and Iraq need to stop it, it is obvious that there are absolutely no winners in their fight, they are paving the road for others to win though…..
