As tensions begin to rise in Tripoli, Libya. The University of Cincinnati’s history department presented “Revolution and Human Rights in Libya: Intervention or Not?” Wednesday in the Max Kade German Cultural Center.
Panelists discussed a broad range of issues relating to the current social upheaval in Libya.
Elizabeth Frierson, associate professor of history, spoke first and analyzed the demographic and motivation of the protesters, along with speculating the potential future leaders of a post-Gaddafi Libya.
Assistant professor of history Ethan Katz followed with a dissection of Libyan/African affairs paired with American/Libyan foreign relations. Noting the reversal of Libya’s state system due to the “quasi imperialism” of the United Kingdom and United States in the 20th century, Katz hypothesized on the challenges facing Libya in the next few years.
Having just returned from Libya in January, speaker Mohamed Banoun gave a firsthand account of the current social atmosphere in Libya. Born and raised in Tripoli, Banoun’s speech offered a personal perspective as opposed to a scholarly view.
Banoun lost his uncle, Mahmoud Banoun, to Gaddafi’s regime after speaking out against the government, which had been imprisoning and killing political dissidents.
“When I came here in 1973, I knew [Gaddafi] was no good,” Banoun said. “He appointed only the people who agreed with his ideology to government positions.”
After Banoun, assistant professor of history Stephen Porter spoke on what Libya may expect next.
Porter discussed the diplomatic, economic and military responses Libya should prepare for in the coming months. After exploring the region’s role in establishing international human rights, he asked “How does the Middle East define human rights?”
After the panelists spoke, the floor was opened to a Q&A session with the audience.
