Who are the Libyan Rebels?

The Takeaway

The rebel groups fighting against Col. Gadhafi in Libya have formed the National Libyan Council to begin the process of forming a more organized opposition group. However, there are questions as to whether this group hopes to promote an Islamic state. Murad Hemayma, a former Libyan Foreign Ministry Official who defected from the Gadhafi regime, says “the fear of fundamentalism does not exist in Libya,” and that: “It’s the people against the regime and we will build a democratic, law-abiding state based on citizenship.”

Will you support The World?

The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?