The "Free" Libya

Libya is now "free"

And will Inshallah forever be

Out of the rule of the dictator 

That was a hater

Of my people that he killed

And with their blood, he filled

Our precious soil

That contains a lot of oil.

He made families in Libya sad

By stealing treasures from our land.

The rebels are on a chase

To find his pathetic face.

Now, Libyans aren't the ones in fear

But are the ones who cheer.

Finally, I would like to say

With Allah's agreement, Libya may 

Be a free county

With peace and democracy. 

                                                                                  Aug. 27, 2011

Goodbye!

After he got shot in the head

Gaddafi became bloody then dead.

Then Libyans came out to celebrate

And thanked the rebels that were great.

We don't know very well 

But let's just hope he went to hell.

And just another fact to know

Gaddafi's son got killed also.

Some will think his death is vicious 

But to Libyans, it's precious.

Gaddafi got shot

By the weapons that he bought.

To many of whom 

Thought of this to be his doom?

I hope that this protest

Is meant for Libya's best!

                                                       Oct. 20, 2011

Another one of my poems that I wrote during the Libyan Revolution of 2011. I remember the day Gaddafi died, and it was the first time ever in my life to be happy due to someone's death!!! I was very passionate about the revolution. 

Libya Forever

Oh, Libya and Tripoli

Don't you worry

Victory will inshallah come soon

Either it's tonight or at noon

Allah helped us with all his might

And our men will fight

History will remember when

Gaddafi's so called men

Surrounded Tripoli for many days

And treated us in such ways

Also, when our people tried

To stay calm when their brothers & sisters died

Gaddafi said to

Libyans, " Who are you?"

We showed him who we are

By putting up the flag with our special star

Oh, Libya my country

You and your people are mighty

A poem I wrote during the February 17 Revolution. I was 13 at the time....

A Failed Revolution ?!

By Nuha Dadesh

     When a regime or a government oppresses its people, a revolution occurs. Generally, a revolution's objective is an improved, prosperous nation. Its aftermath, though, leaves people regretting it at times.

     The February 17 Revolution had Libyans untied at one time. However, as the riots came to an end, corruption, lawlessness, and separation began. Chaos and confusion are expected considering the humongous change in the country, but after nearly three years, a resolution should have been put into place.

     Many are debating if the Libyan revolution in 2011 is a failure. There are several factors that make some consider it a failure, and each one played a big role in the collapse of the rebellion.

     It all went downhill when the phrase " Forgive and forget" lost its meaning. When it was obvious that Gaddafi was becoming powerless, a quantity of his loyalists began to support the revolution. Although their crimes were well-known, they were still welcomed with joyous smiles as "brothers". Another thing that lost its value is the word "Thuwar," which means rebels in Arabic. Some men that slept cozily under their blankets during the six months of fighting, were later given non-earned respect and admiration. In addition, freedom was new to Libyans, since it was not known for over four decades. Many abused it; thinking it meant that you could do what you want, when you want, where you want, and how you want! What an enormous slip-up it was that liberty was not offered in a limited amount.

     A numerous amount of citizens were gleefully ready to start building a better Libya. However, they found out shortly after that many enjoyed it being corrupt and lawless. The awful and shocking character traits of many began to appear.

     Hatred and bitterness. Selfishness. Revenge! Being somewhat successful didn't give an idol image, but meant that they were not better than you. Humbleness usually was seen as a weakness, thus creating an ostentatious society. The " United we stand, divided we fall" motto was not followed. It seems that everyone is just trying to make it on their own in this land due to the lack of service from the so called government. Finally, it's as if all the forgiveness was poured at the end of the revolution and none of it is left in Libya. Pay back became a common tactic among the residents. Instead of the mutual negative vibes, consciousness and piousness should be gained for a better, happier society

     Racism and double standards! The discrimination is usually towards  dark skinned people. The word "Abed," which means slave in Arabic, is a common slur used by Libyan folks while mentioning blacks. Moreover, men and women are treated and looked upon very differently. For instance, a Libyan man smoking is considered normal, but a Libyan woman smoking is considered a taboo.* In conclusion, there are loads of  backward subjects that need to be discussed and worked out.

     "Some people are so open minded, their brains fell out." A majority of the population desires modernization, but some have the wrong picture of what it is like to be modernized. In particular, there is a trend that portrays if you are not religious or you practice religion as least as possible, then that means you are modernized. Hopefully, one day Libya will get to see the true definition of renewal. 

            More than half of the Libyan population are hypocrites, and that's just an estimated guess by me. The hypocrites of Libya that the world gets a chance to see are the politicians that openly lie on air without any sense of guilt; criticizing Gaddafi and his sons robbing Libya of its luxuries while they do the same.

     Depression spreads around almost as fast as the gossip, rumors, and lies here. The constant power and water cuts, gas crisis, slow Internet, poor education, robberies, kidnappings, lack of security, worthless elections,  weekly assassinations, bad healthcare, apathy, no happy spirit, and lack of respect create genuine pleasant smiles rare.

     As a final point, we can only hope and look on the bright side for so long. It's time to start building a better homeland and creating/being a better society.

*       Smoking is harmful whether you're a man or a woman. This is just an example of sexism in Libya.

   

           

          

A Nation Seeking Happiness. :)

By Nuha Dadesh

     Undeterred by the fact that Libya has been suppressed under a dictatorship for over four decades, through six months of a revolution that is still on-going, and having its death poll rising every day, its denizens have not given up on the pursuit of happiness yet.

     I haven't experienced the days of the uprising nor more than a year of its aftermath. Therefore, when I arrived to Tripoli only a few months ago, I wasn't as tolerant about the situation in my hometown as everyone around me appeared to be. I constantly found myself criticizing and hating this country. Most of the people surrounding me persisted that I would eventually enjoy and love Libya.

     After all the drama that I have been through, I started to believe that I will never get back that sense of national pride I once had for " the free" Libya. However, as months flew by, I began to enjoy the little things, and I suddenly realized that is what every non-miserable person in Libya is doing.

     Many Libyans have gotten accustomed to the frequent power cuts, not the best Internet connection, terrible roads, horrendous school system, and lawlessness of their nation. By accustomed to,  I mean they have either came up with their own solutions for problems (the "Libyan way" as I like to call it) or try to make moments pleasurable for themselves by cracking jokes about the misfortune they are living in.

     In school, for example, my class had an educational contest with the other class, and we won! The students that participated in the competition didn't get an award nor an acknowledgement. To cheer them up, a couple of students used the classroom door as a drum and began singing, then the whole class joined in. This is just a short story that demonstrates how some people here  try to make any eventless moment exciting and enjoyable.

     Libyans have provided this world with many examples to prove that they just want to be happy. One of the best examples is the night Libya won the Africa Cup; people poured to the streets that night and celebrated. In addition, on the day of February 17, which is the day the revolution started, people also went out, carried the Libyan flags, blasted on revolutionary songs, set off fireworks, and once again celebrated! No, not because Libya is perfect and flawless. But because after all this time, we are still hopeful.

     I have to admit, dwelling in Libya sometimes makes you want to pack up everything and leave, but there is also something that just holds you back. Though, if you encounter true Libyans in the worst of times, you'll end up loving it here.

     I heard this quote once that said, " Happiness is a choice!" Living in this North African nation did indeed confirm me that it is.

     

Libya; Then & Now!

By Nuha Dadesh

     All over the world, revolutions occur, and every revolution has its legacies.

     I am a 15-year-old Libyan girl that left Libya five and a half years ago since my father wanted to get his PhD in the United States of America. My family and I left our extended family and basically everything behind and started a new life in Dearborn, Michigan. When I came back, I began to realize that Libya is the same old Libya.

     Back when I was in Libya, school meant old desks and chalk boards. Recess was a time of coming up with games to play because none were offered. Teachers were allowed to physically and verbally abuse the students. No one was excluded from the abuse unless you knew someone who was in power. We were prearranged too many subjects in a school year. For example, a fourth grader had at least six subjects ( besides the electives like art and music ). Most Libyan students did not anticipate school.

     School in Libya now means marker boards and the same old desks. The school "cafeteria" consists of a dirty area filled with sand and garbage. Teachers who want to hit the students are still able to if they want; if you wanted to be excluded, bring someone important that you know or someone with weapons. The same subjects are given, except for the Gaddafi-related topics. Students nowadays are happy when they have days off because of civil disobedience or when militias are stirring up trouble.

          When temperatures are high in Libya, students sweat in their classrooms and struggle to find a method to help them stay cool due to the lack of air conditioners. While in the winter, students sit in class freezing and waiting to go home because heaters are also not available!

     Note: there are some schools in Libya that are modernized.

     In conclusion, school is one of many things that did not alter. Libya hasn't changed much for the average citizen. Two main things changed though: the flag and the national anthem.