In February 2017, Italy and Libya signed an agreement to try to slow the arrival of migrants across the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe, with Italy giving logistical and financial support to Libya's coast guard. Since then, migrant sea arrivals in Europe have declined, and so have drownings, but many migrants returned to Libya face abusive detention.
Tunisian fishermen near the border with Libya are learning to be a safety net of sorts for migrants and refugees on the Mediterranean
Migrants die in increasingly desperate, and risky trips to Europe. But one smuggler seems okay to be their guide, so long as he gets paid.
Alaeddin Muntasser owns an oil and energy services company in Libya. He says daily life in the country has turned into nothing short of a nightmare.
In Libya, alcohol is banned. But plenty of Libyans drink. And last year, illegal booze laced with methanol sent 1,500 people into Tripoli’s hospitals within a few days. Now some Libyans have turned to a simple recipe for distilling their own hooch, known as "bokha."
US Navy SEALs seized control of a tanker carrying Libyan oil in the Mediterranean late Sunday — at the request of the Libyan government. It seems that rebels in the country who hold a port were trying to export the oil.
Muammar Gaddafi had supporters in Libya, especially in one town long ago settled by African slaves. Gaddafi had a soft spot for the town. But when he fled, the fate of the residents turned for the worse.
Libyans had great hope when they started their revolution three years ago and deposed long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Now, many are tired and frustrated with a weak central government and broken promises. On February 20, they face a hastily-arranged election to select delegates who will only now start writing a new constitution.
Some 500 African migrants piled into a boat in Libya this week, headed for Italy and, they hoped, asylum. But the boat sank, killing dozens with many more still missing.