Libya Transition and State Building

The 11 September 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi underscored the serious security challenges facing Libya's citizens, their newly elected leaders, and U.S. diplomats. U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other U.S. personnel were killed after armed individuals attacked and burned buildings on the main mission compound and subsequently attacked a second annex site where U.S. personnel had been evacuated. Libyan officials and citizens have condemned the murder of U.S. personnel and investigations have begun. Libya's post-conflict transition is underway, as Libyans work to consolidate change from the 40-year dictatorship of Muammar al Qadhafi to a representative government based on democratic and Islamic principles. This book explores Libya's transition and state building efforts with a focus on political developments and challenges; and domestic and regional security issues.