A year ago, thousands of Libyans left their lives and families, took up arms, and joined a ragtag rebel army to help fight Muammar Gaddafi, one of the world's most powerful dictators. Most of them civilians with little knowledge of war or weapons, the rebels were thrown into a violent and chaotic conflict that dragged on for eight months. Now, with Gaddafi dead and a new Libya struggling to gain its footing, the former rebels are attempting to get back the lives they left.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!