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October 24, 2011

Libyans Celebrate "Liberation" Following Gaddafi Death 
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Thousands of Libyans turned out for celebrations on Sunday to mark the
death of former leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi and the apparent end to the
fighting that overthrew his regime. Libya's governing National
Transitional Council has proclaimed Gaddafi's death marks the
"liberation" of Libya after more than four decades of autocratic rule.
Gaddafi's body remains on display in the town of Misrata following his
capture and death on Thursday. According to Reuters, an autopsy shows
Gaddafi had a bullet in the head and a bullet in the abdomen along with
multiple injuries. The United Nations and United States have called on
Libya's interim government to explain the circumstances surrounding his
killing. In his White House address, President Obama said the conflict
in Libya is coming to a close.

President Obama: "Meanwhile, yesterday marked the definitive end of the
Gaddafi regime in Libya. And there too, our military played a critical
role in shaping a situation on the ground in which the Libyan people can
build their own future. Today, NATO is working to bring this successful
mission to a close. So to sum up, the United States is moving forward
from a position of strength. The long war in Iraq will come to an end by
the end of this year. The transition in Afghanistan is moving forward
and our troops are finally coming home."



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