Regardless of the current Western propaganda, Libya was a shining light of prosperity and social well-being for much of the region. Though notorious for his association terrorist crimes and the repressive actions of his revolutionary regime Gaddafi was highly respected (and in many parts of Africa still is) for the transformation of Libya from an impoverished post-colonial theocratic Monarchy into the most prosperous country in Africa. Compared with other countries in the region Libya had greater distribution of wealth, a modern economic infrastructure, and an extensive network of educational and technical institution, free education and healthcare and subsidized basic commodities and services.

On World Bank quality of life indexes, Libya had improved steadily over the past 40 years: LIFE EXPECTANCY 77, about the same as the US, Female Literacy, 77%; Infant mortality falling from over 100 per 1000 in 1970 to less than 16 in 2008.

Now, the Western powers with their Oil Kingdom Allies, are determined have their way in Libya, even if they have to destroy it. Most of my friends in Africa are angry at what appears to be the murderous arrogance of the Europeans . Some see the Western policy as a reaction to China's encroachment on their sphere of economic control. But, at the end of the day the West will have lost because of the legacy of hatred that will span far beyond the borders of Libya.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/as-bullets-fly-and-sanctions-bite-libyas-once-gilded-economy-stalls/2011/05/11/AF3uEumG_story.html

As bullets fly and sanctions bite, Libya’s once gilded economy stalls

TRIPOLI, Libya — Towering above the Libyan capital’s coastline, the sleek silver Marriott Hotel opened three months ago as the latest symbol of the North African nation’s oil-fueled investment boom. . . . Almost overnight, what had come to represent a new Libya, replete with opportunities even under the oppressive rule of Moammar Gadhafi, morphed into a symbol of the country’s uncertain future.

It is going to be a long time before the Libyan economy can start recovering, said Parag Khanna, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, a Washington-based think tank. He said any hopes to “turn the place into a new, sunny south of France” are now a long way off.

Those fighting Gadhafi said they want freedom, but also economic opportunities long elusive because of rampant patronage and nepotism. . . In the areas where Gadhafi remains in control, the economy has virtually come to a halt because of a toxic mix of sanctions and war.
. . .
Even the few perks that Libyans enjoyed under Gadhafi’s regime are fizzling. . .Gas stations have become battle grounds, with the country’s heavily-subsidized gasoline in such short supply that soldiers guard the pumps and motorists can wait for days for their turn to fill their gas tanks.

Btw, the text above the link in your OP is not sourced.

You cite comment of American justifying western intervention.

Just compare welfare of Libyan people with that of Western backed dictatorships around the world.

If you do a little research you will find that even Gaddafi's Libyan enemies agree that the average Libyan's welfare has improved radically during Gaddafi's rule.

Are you saying that some of the report in the article at the link YOU quoted is correct and some of it false?

I was referring you to basic, un-interpreted statistics on social welfare in Libya. There is data going back to the 50's so you can do some objective fact-finding.

I don't believe you are that uninformed so I assume you are pretending to pursue an agenda.

Btw, check this out - where the 30% figure is also mentioned.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=1086301&mesg_id=1090368

I had no idea that the unemployment figure was 30% until I read that article some days ago.

Once again, ad nauseum, can we discuss facts - and not lob false accusations.

You seem ignorant of the youth demographic bulge throughout the region. The unemployment figure you will find results from that phenomenon and is comparable through the region.

For you information here is a link that summarized Libya country stats before the bombing:

http://alexandravaliente.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/libya-country-profile-of-human-development-indicators-before-the-bombs-started-to-fall/