The US Navy’s Long History with Libya

The Takeaway

“From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.”  Those are the opening words to the official hymn of the United States Marine Corps. The Barbary Wars of 1801-1805 are an oft-forgotten part of American history. But those wars, fought to protect US ships from pirates along the coast of North Africa, were fundamental in the formation of the US Navy.  For a look at the history of US military involvment with Libya, we’re joined by David Smethurst,  author of “Tripoli: The United States’ First War on Terror.”

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