Libyan Protests Carry Recent Trend of Arab Uproar

photo courtesy of MSNBC

By Sunday, at least 233 people died across the country, according to Human Rights Watch, after the six-day outbreak by protesters turned violent. Military helicopters were ordered to fire upon protesters on the ground in Tripoli, the capital and second-largest city in the North African country. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year regime has lost strength in the nation among ordinary citizens, as well as many government officials and diplomats, many of whom have already resigned over disgust for the military response to protests.

Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam stressed that if the regime were to fall, Libya would quickly default to a state of civil war, according to the Washington Post. Col. Gaddafi has reportedly fled the capital. European leaders, as well as United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, have warned the dictator to step down and to halt the violence.

The opposition protests began in the east of the country and pro-regime forces were deployed to subvert protesters. The BBC reported that the largest number of casualties have occurred in the city of Benghazi. Eastern regions have reportedly been taken from the hands of military forces, with momentum surging toward Tripoli.

photo courtesy of BBC

People gathered in Green Square, where sightings of helicopters gunning down protesters increased. Internet and phone lines have been down repeatedly, making international communication and social networking impossible. Journalists have been denied access by authorities, and many foreigners have fled the country.

In addition to Libya, Morocco, Yemen, Algeria, Bahrain, and Iran have also seen violent measures by security against anti-government protesters in the last few days. After the visibility of unrest in Egypt and Tunisia, Middle Eastern nations are witnessing a mass upheaval in favor of more democratic political practices and a greater emphasis on individual civil rights.

This article is supported by material from the Washington Post and BBC News.