Article by WN.com Correspondent Dallas Darling:
Libya and Vietnam: Two Lessons in Geographical Ignorance and Projection
This week when the Obama Administration announced it had evacuated its personnel from its embassy in Tripoli, it brought back memories of Saigon….Political boundaries that ignore existing peoples and their cultural realities usually fail.
Similar to Vietnam, the Obama Administration’s and Kerry’s political thinking and military strategy towards Libya had revealed a geographical ignorance and projection. Geographical ignorance is being unaware of a nation’s political, economic, social, and religious complexities, let alone its physical landscape. Geographical projectionists attempt to impose their ethnocentric beliefs, a conviction that one’s own group and culture is superior to others.
It is a dangerous ideology, overly simplistic and naive. To perceive others and their environments as similar to one’s own-whether it be politics or economics, religions or cultures, histories or traditions, even spatial or physical-leads to disastrous policies. As the U.S. discovered in Vietnam and now Libya, human desires and aspirations vary around the world. Geography is always the determining factor.
In Libya, neither did America’s political elites and military strategists recognize ongoing changes in the GREAT JAMAHIRIYA.
Mu’ammar al-Qathafi signed a number of treaties to forgo both weapons of mass destruction and the development of nuclear arms, al-Qathafi formed closer ties with Italy and the European Union. He also totally denounced terrorism. Human rights could not be greater than in his Universal Green Charter of human Rights (12 June 1988). Mu’ammar al-Qathafi personally tore down prisons, and completely eliminated poverty and homelessness in the Libyan Great Jamahiriya; and, he financed innumerous outreaches throughout the globe in education and welfare.
Mu’ammar al-Qathafi apologized to African leaders on behalf of Arab nations for their involvement in the African slave trade, something the U.S. has not yet done. Still, it was not enough for Washington’s lame empty headed-projectionists and those who wallow in geographic ignorance. Despite these facts, wishful ‘regime change’ thinking ruled in their tunnel-vision brains.
Was it geographical projection that caused the U.S. to assist extreme militant factions, like al Qaeda and ISIS, in overthrowing Gaddafi? Or was it geographical ignorance, of not being able to grasp the importance of a stable system. The result has been costly, as rogue militias and bloody ‘coups’ (as in the Brotherhood Omar al-Hassi ‘government of Salvation’ in TRIPOLI) continue to kill thousands of Libyans (calling themselves ‘Dawn Libya’, then ‘Sunrise Libya’)….
U.S.-NATO geographical projectionists are merely stoking the flames by pursuing their own interests and in sending military personnel and weaponry. Like Vietnam, Libya will resist any outside state or global power that tries to impose its own brand of politics and economics.
PICTURE: worried foresight, Mu’ammar al-Qathafi and his soldiers
The U.S. was unprepared in ridding Libya of ‘The Great Jamahiriya’ and al-Qathafi. More so, it was geographically illiterate. al-Qathafi had gained a broad base of support by distributing Libyan oil wealth and improving the nation’s standard of living, which explains ongoing hostilities among his supporters…and Libya is no longer a wealthy nation (as it was).
Heavily dependent on oil and a superimposed global market, it has tried to diversify its economy with tourism and some mineral exploitation. By NATO destroying all the infrastructure, and halting inovative industries and constructions in the making, as the progress of the ‘GMMR project’ (which still had at least two more stages to completion), Libya will suffer again from severe water shortages. Libya is primarily desert. It will continue to endure bouts of food scarcity while battling rising costs in imported foodstuffs, as prior the the GMMR Project.
Toppling the ‘Great Jamahiriya’ societal (direct democracy) infrastructures, made Libya into another spidery maze. A blood stained nexus of armed extremists, religious and corporate fanatics, and internationalist projectionists.
Geographical projection is always a mental map, an innate way of thinking about the world, and of processing human and physical landscapes. Seldom does it resolve tensions. More often than not it incites conflicts and wars.
Washington, DC has a geographical perception of its own, albeit an extremely disconnected one. Its isolated and disconnected geographical projection can be compelling and intoxicating, especially when it is done through military and economic expansionist incentives. But such incentives always have a price for all involved. Did the U.S. ever learn this in Vietnam? Has the U.S. learned it in Libya?
As heavy fighting rages across Libya, and as warring militants amass along Egypt’s borders, those in the U.S. responsible for Libya’s coup are missing in action. Even a former secretary of state, who is out promoting a new book, is planning on running for president, and shares liability in the Beghazi attacks, laughed when she (pretended) to hear of al-Qathafi (false) pre-planned’death’. She exclaimed, “We came, we saw, he died.
Meanwhile, Libya’s rising fuel prices and ongoing violence points to an unpredictable future. Is the U.S.’s Vietnam Syndrome, its geographical ignorance and projection, now haunting Libya, as it is haunting other nations in the region. If so, it is a syndrome that will continue to sacrifice people and nations….
Dallas Darling (darling@wn.com)
Posted, 2014-07-30 in WN.com
PICTURE (ABOVE): Muammar al-Qathafi Interview – TV Eye
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The first reports of al-Qathafi‘s death being a hoax were published in the Egyptian newspaper ‘al-Masri al-Yawm’, on the very evening of his ‘proported-death’ on 20 OCTOBER 2011. Iranian news reports say that the Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi is not dead, and is in fact very much living.
The story also announces that the videos which claim to be ‘showing his last moments before his death’ were definitely faked. al-Qathafi himself sent a telephone short-message on Friday (21 October 2011) puzzled at the news reports and really quite angry !
Many other messages by Mu’ammar al-Qathafi, have since been made public. He is reportedly still leading a resistance movement in Libya (‘People’s Liberation Front’ /PLF) which also assists the many ‘needy’ now found within and without Libya.
(al-Qathafi‘s soccer-playing son, Major-General al-SAADI, has stated emphaticly, that his father is NOTdead.) Listen to the numerous ‘You-tube’ recordings, and published letters, as well.
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RATS respond to the pro-JAMAHIRIYA/ al-Qathafi program, with Ahmed Gadaf-a Dam Horwitzer Blood, titled “al-Qathafi’s blood”, broadcast over many channels, originating from the ‘International Channel’ :
Menkwol:
Menkwol: Alliance of page (RAT PAGE)
National Forces Alliance (RAT BROTHERHOOD ORGANISATION)
On the relationship between ‘National Forces Alliance’ and theInternational channel Libya’
Statement of National Forces Alliance (3) for the year 2015
Follow the National Forces Alliance reactions that spread on networking sites:
Social after the end of a meeting called ‘Ahmed howitzer blood’ on the International Channel
Yesterday Monday, 09/02/2015.
The RAT National Forces Alliance (TRIPOLI Rat Governmennt of Salvation’ based) condemns in the strongest condemnation what came in the words of phrases from
‘Ahmed Howitzer blood’ especially with regard to ‘glorifying the Great Jamahiriya’ Asthenth and the sacrifices that have been made in the revolution of February 17, and he was accused of treason by the Omar al-Hassi regime.
Both participated in, as well as in the language of the obvious threatening, and in contempt
Political experience and that produced the legitimate objects in Libya.
And thus based on a critical juncture, which passes by the home.
it was useful international channel and out of SHOW opinion and the other opinion that hosts
Someone else, responding to allegations and fabrications called ‘Ahmed Howitzer blood’, where we see
To give nearly two hours for that person and in this difficult time
And the difference without the presence of another opinion, raises some question marks.
On this occasion confirms National Forces Alliance for all that it is not the owner
of the ‘International Channel’ and has no authority over them, and that pursued by this channel and other
Of channels is not consistent often with National Forces Alliance Policy, Which many refuse to believe on the basis that some of the owners of the channel are Members of the RAT National Forces Alliance.
We are in the National Forces Alliance, and on this occasion we appeal to all activists
And media and owners of the floor and opinion, and check to make sure before posting any
Information or News erroneous and incorrect, because it will not be the only oil Saba
On the fire, and will not only contribute to the creation of more division and discord among
Libyans.
………………………….
SHAME on the RATS...and Allah BLESS MU’AMMAR al-QATHAFI..and
THANK YOU AHMED, for speaking-out bravely !
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‘ZINTAN BRIGADE QaQaa’ comments on what is happening !
There are wise in this morning:
There is no control in this comic gangster
Followed only
There is no political or media does not understand fighter
Dear anarchists to because you do not understand that the war is a war of attrition
You are in front of the supply center and one in the Western Region
In contrast Bajmaa Khalatkm and inform you. ‘
“Disabled” Tkbdon every day losses Sawa was physical moral arming souls
Qatar _ Turkey _ Sudan _ _ America, Great Britain (Cyrtkm)
But like geese lame !!
Dear Zalin for information because the troops did not attack everything that happens absorption (bodies everywhere) and dream Wattaya weather Atlasha.
Victory Kikla Bagoat ‘Dawn Libya’ fully lethal Baanoa of arms and ammunition and the crowd support external
During the three lightning strikes only been Abtaa ‘Roma Libya’ in Kikla. Wayne arms ammunition: Where Where Where vagrants Qatar, where Misurata Wayne Wayne ??
Because of science to any order an attack did not happen all happening a war of attrition
And all knew one Baamr of the General Command of the Army, we are in the heart of Gehurkm because everyone knows we are in front of your doors.
Helicopters and fighter did not enter into force until the battle begins because our young did not understand.
begrudge Libya booty !!
The next Edhi and ordered Aajuj era.
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TUNISIA:
Tunisian government cancel the tax for each tax departing foreigners and non-residents in Tunisia.
PICTURE: Muammar al-Qathafi’s ‘Project Life’, in Tunisia 2007
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TRIPOLI:
ABU SALIM / FRIDAY MARKET:
Shahid home
Murad, a great young members of the Brigade of the Friday Market treacherously murdered went to Tripoli Lyra his mother, a bedridden where downloaded al-Angas semiconductor men kidnapped him and killed him and found his body in the Abu Salim area of yes men gracious gentleman brave
Science that Friday Market residents of Tripoli.
.
Allah… that we shall return to him.
—
RATS Security Directorate within their ‘security plan’ to ‘secure’ the city.
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GREEN NAFUSA WESTERN MOUNTAINS:
ZINTAN:
Delegation headed by the Casablanca based Minister of Interior, “Omar al-Sanka” on a visit to the city of Zintan and al-Rajaban and surrounding areas this day and met inside the city of Zintan to discuss the latest security situation in the western region.
picture: CASABLANCA Security Directorate Omar al-Sanka spoke with Manager Colonel Directorate security locked Abu Zahra.
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WESTERN REGION:
WATTAYA:
‘Valley Rouge directly':
ALLAH is great, God is great:
we controlled Asudrh Tihana pilot Allahu Akbar Khvena WATTAYA.
The same lying al-Musa MISURATI !!
Hat is understood from
________________
dirty MISURATA:
Certain of Misurata inside information:
Attempts by elders of Misurata to search for clips even
Tames its victims oxen, repeating the phrase:
“We walked and Gina Mhltin Mhltin”
______________________
CYRENAICA:
SIRTE:
al-Karzabiah (GHARADABIYA):
GMMR industrial water up to al-Karzabih tank, after a 25-day outage:
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NOFALIYA:
Daash organization set a deadline for residents of the town of Nofaliya,
al-Asttabp and ‘vows’ of falling behind under the
‘legitimate accountability’.
Lived and Vena.
–
PORT SIDRA:
A wonderful picture of the day gathered photographers Cyrenaica channel
“Ayoub al-Akora” and “Ahmed al-Bergthe”
Who’s with heroes in front of Sidra.
—
Maritime hub for front Sidra
Urgent | new secret arrival of tanks coming from Battalion 204 under the command of Colonel Benghazi “Mahdi al-Bergthe |
To Port Sidra
(‘Rouge Valley directly’)
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=840851342645806&set=vb.368265363237742&type=2&theater
Port Sidra is Mirbat Horse
Poet “Khaled Subaihi”
Ahmed al-Bergthe
05:44
الوادي الحمر مباشر
السدرة هي مرباط الخيل
للشاعر “خالد الصبيحي”أحمد البرغثي
—
‘Rouge Valley directly’, comments:
Both Misurati including Jowo mesh normal. ‘Ansar al-Sharia’ and Misurata and ‘sisters of the cities of the West’ are fighting side by side:
Their goal one .. Not including any differences, remember they persist in their war against the Cyrenaica, where the city of Sirte is now teeming with DAASH, and Sabratha also teeming DAASH, South side also teeming DAASH and control the Carp Field is located in the South of Libya,
and all that with the blessing of Misurata and Belhadj and el-Mahdi al-Haratine (Akkla Giani GNEOH) and receivers of arms and ammunition across Mwaném and Mtarathm ..
and we do not exist, but we have two choices: either to win or die.
–
Hotel Page ‘Valley Rouge direct’
5-star hotel in the valley ploy:
Direct Tepe Poll
Sentry and send the coordinates over the radio
(‘Rouge Valley’ directly)
—
BIN JAWAD:
Sporadic clashes continue in front of Ben Jawad today.
And alert all units fighter.
‘Rouge Valley directly’:
Manifestations of faith from the continent mourning:
—
Brig Muhammad Mnfor exiled ordered Fighter Squadron in the central region denies the fall of one of its planes in Bin Jawad area.
We deny the fall of the track for the presidency of the General Staff over Sidra ,,, plane
Each Maihaky in the pages of Misurata just rumors.
There was no information on the subject so far.
About the image deployed in Misurata pages on the projection plane of the Army This video link in Syria .. ai-Vascl ai-Vascl
Duro Ali Tkzbo Post the news to expose the ‘rebels al-Nivia':Shoot down a helicopter in the countryside west of Aleppo Information Office of the Nur al-Din al-Zanki 27/11/2012 helicopter was shot down in the countryside west of Aleppo, Sheikh Suleiman over the artillery regiment of 111 near the mountain town of two domes.
SEE, IT IS OLD FOOTAGE: and ONCE AGAIN MISURATA PROVE TO BE LIARS !! Jaybeala image explosive pilot of foreign film and told you Valsdrh.
The problem with them Majaboh director pleasures of the film.
—
al-Gahoyen Raqilhm and Leicester God…looked like lipo Iderio Valmsarit senses:
—-‘Rouge Valley directly':
The right word to anyone who tries to manipulate the armyand the distinction between a group and not another.
our Champions ‘Gate Barss':
03:53
الوادي الحمر مباشر
كلمة حق لكل من يحاول التلاعب بالجيش والتمييز بين مجموعة دون اخرىابطال بوابة برسس
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=840914832639457&set=vb.368265363237742&type=2&theater
—
One of the vehicles that the gun 106,
continued to Osnad al-Thani
(Ktibh hhadae al-Braiqh al-Mqatlh agdabia)
(‘Rouge Valley directly’)
–
Equipment for the battle after the clashes that took place this morning between the ‘Oil GUARD installations’, and RAT Brotherhood militia forces ‘Sunrise’.
Which resulted in five wounded troops of the Rats ‘Sunrise’.
—
BENGHAZI:
To follow the news editor of Benghazi all credibility and sources confirmed
You follow up on an urgent page original Benghazi: www.facebook.com/ajel.orj Hasib in Benghazi and the eastern region: Black Out
__________________________
SOUTH LIBYA:
(FEZZAN):
SABHA:
Two people and wounded as a result of an armed attack on the
headquarters of Passports and Nationality in Sabha-jnobi.
___________________________
AFRICA for Africans Stamp –
___________________________
MEMORY LANE:
LIBYAN VACATION JOURNEY 11 APRIL 2000:
Newsletter #16 11-April-2000
Libya
Greetings,We’ve covered a lot of distance since you last heard from us. We crossed into Libya at Ras Ajdir. Border formalities took a couple of hours and we bush camped on the Mediterranean near the town of Zuwarah. Before we crossed the border, we celebrated Max’s 73rd birthday with a fruitcake Kienny had baked for the occasion.
On Thursday we asked about the price of fuel and were told that diesel was cheaper than water! At0.04€ per litre, it cost 7.95€ to fill our 180L fuel tank!! After gleefully paying for the fuel, we visited the Roman ruins at Sabratah, on the coast about 100Km west of Tripoli.
The ruins are claimed by some to be the “most beautiful in the world”. The town was founded by the Phoenicians as a port and is the source of some of the best known mosaics in the world. We spent several hours walking through the amphitheater, admiring the artistry of the Herculean Temple, and puzzling the plumbing of the Oceanus Baths and the public Latrines!
The city was destroyed in 647AD. We missed going to the museum as it was closed for the Feast of Abraham – the day the Muslims celebrate the day Abraham sacrificed the lamb provided by God in place of his son.We bypassed Tripoli and camped off the road that night just before Leptis Magna [according to the GPS, at 32 degrees, 41 minutes N and 14 degrees, 5 minutes E] amongst some pine trees. It was a delightful spot with ample firewood. During the night we had a very light shower, the first rain since leaving Australia.It’s hard to escape feeling at home as many of the roads are lined with eucalyptus trees. We have also seen a number of plantations of eucalyptus trees as well as a lot of wattle trees in blossom. We’ve seen these Australian trees in all the countries we’ve travelled through.Yesterday we spent most of the day exploring the expansive ruins of Leptis Magna. One of the beauties of Libya is the lack of tourists and therefore the lack of restrictions in such places as Leptis Magna. We had the freedom to explore the ruins to our hearts contents. The ancient town of Leptis Magna was so big, the ruins are so awesome, that it is hard to take it all in. Max and Sheila have visited numerous ruins throughout Europe and reckon the sites we have seen in Libya and Tunisia are far more impressive. One of the guidebooks says that Leptis Magna is the “best Roman site in the Mediterranean”.The two Roman ruins we’ve seen in Libya are just so impressive they have to be seen to be appreciated. We don’t have the words to describe them. After spending most of the day here, we ended up camping at the same pine tree campsite we stayed at the previous night. The nights in Africa have been cool and the days very pleasant. When we woke up this morning there was not a cloud in the sky, but it was the coldest we’ve had in Africa (8 degrees C) yet the day has turned out to be the warmest we’ve had (low 20’s).
Today Saturday 18 March we arrived in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. As we’ve not had a shower since leaving Tunis, we had no choice but to spend a night in a hotel. We are staying at the Bab El Madinah, on the Mediterranean in the centre of town within walking distance from the old fort and markets.
In the past, hotels in Libya have been very expensive. However, since the currency has been devalued, prices are now very reasonable. It cost us 17.68€ for a double room overlooking the Mediterranean with secure parking. We changed money on the black market before entering Libya, but found the official rate at the banks in Tripoli to be similar [1.9 Libyan dinar to 1 US$].
We have found the prices in Libya and Tunisia to be very cheap, especially compared to European prices.We are sending this email from an Internet cafe in Tripoli. It is very large and has in the order of two dozen computers in a modern office. It cost only2.21€ per hour. In Tunis and Marseille it was difficult to type because the keyboards were not in English, where as here in Tripoli the keyboards are in English. We are constantly amazed by the number of Africans using the Internet.Despite its reputation, Libya is an extremely safe place.
In the four days we’ve been here, we have only seen guns twice — one soldier at the entrance of an army base and two policemen at the entrance to a museum. We saw far more guns in Italy and Tunisia than we have seen here. The locals have been extremely friendly and many of them speak very good English. Everyone we’ve met has been very keen for foreigners to realise that Libya is a safe and beautiful country to visit — which is certainly our experience. All the officials we’ve met have also been friendly and courteous. About the only criticism we have of the country is that it needs an anti-litter campaign.
After leaving Tripoli, we headed southwest to Ghadames via Yfren and Nalut along a good bitumen highway. About 100 km out of Tripoli, the highway climbed to the top of a mountain range that extends from the coast just east of Tripoli all the way to Tunisia.
On leaving Tripoli, the countryside was green and populated, but eventually gave way to desolate desert country the closer we got to Ghadames. At Nalut we went to the immigration office to have our passports stamped. As the forms were all in Arabic, a local who was in the office renewing his passport invited us into his home for a cup of tea while he filled in the forms for us. This has been typical of the friendship shown to us by the people of Libya.
In Ghadames we visited the old town which is now on the World Heritage list. It was fascinating to walk through the narrow alleyways and the multi-storied mud-brick houses. Contained within the wall of the old town were numerous date palms and small farming plots, with plentiful water supplied from the vast artesian basin. It was only recently that everyone was relocated into modern housing surrounding the old town. We spent a couple of days in Ghadames, made all the more delightful by spending time with three local guys who befriended us.
We left Ghadames for Ghat along the Algerian border with our permit and compulsory guide. Ali was a Tuareg tribesman who grew up travelling the old trade route with his father back in the camel days. We spent four days covering the 720 km, some of which passed through Algeria. The countryside was diverse.
Some areas were flat, while others were undulating plains of gravel or sand. There were several mountain ranges, numerous “wadis” (dry creek beds) that often widened out into plains. But best of all was the sand dune country! One night we spent camped inside Algeria on top of the tallest sand dune we could find (about 175 metres high). Along the way we saw some rock carvings, a salt lake, a small oasis lined with palm trees that is being overtaken by a large sand dune, a large petrified tree, and a number of Algerian oil fields clearly visible from the Libyan side of the border.We reached the bitumen again just before Ghat where we spent two nights in a campground where we were able to enjoy hot showers and restaurant meals within sight of the Akakus mountain escarpment. The day before we arrived in Ghat, we had broken the main front leaf spring, so our first task was to get this welded. Does the OME (Old Man Emu) heavy duty leaf spring warranty cover two years on African roads? In Ghat we strolled through the old mud-brick town and climbed the hill for a look at the fort the Italians built during the war, stocked up with fresh fruit and vegies, topped up the water and fuel tanks, and got our permit to travel through the World Heritage Akakus mountains.
Continuing on with Ali as our compulsory guide, we spent five days winding our way through the ever changing and absolutely stunning scenery of the Akakus mountains, pausing on numerous occasions to look at rock carvings and paintings, some of which are reputed to date back 10,000 years.
Words are not enough to describe the beauty of the Akakus region with its sand dunes back-dropped by rugged mountains and bizarre rock formations.It was sad when we set foot back on the bitumen and said goodbye to Ali who had been our guide, friend and companion for the past eleven days. From Serdeles we headed north east to a campground just outside Germa.
After having a shower, stocking up with fresh supplies, and lowering the tyre pressure, we headed north into the “sand sea” dune country to visit the picture postcard Dune Lakes. The drive was a real buzz and a lot of fun for the driver (Geoff) but a bit stressful for his passengers! It was all that you imagine of the Sahara. Driving in a Saharan sand sea is very different from driving in Australian deserts.
As a whole the sane dunes are much firmer, irregular, taller and vast!We first stopped at the Mandara oasis where we strolled around the lake and enjoyed lunch under the shade of a eucalyptus tree overlooking the lake, fringed by palm treees.
As is typical of Africa, where ever people have lived in Libya, you find an abundance of Australian eucalyptus or gum trees. Palm trees look nice, but for firewood and shade, you can’t beat our trees! After lunch we drove to the oasis of Um el Ma, where we camped for the night. This lake is called the “Mother of the Waters”, although we think it would have been better called the “Mother of Flies”!
The afternoon sun was very hot, but the view of the lake with the reflection of the palm trees against the setting sun was fabulous. The spring fed lake is 200 metres long and 50 metres at its widest point and is the prettiest of all the lakes. We were tempted to go for a swim, but as the water was salty, we didn’t relish the thought of sleeping with crackly skin.
The next day we continued over the sand dunes to the Gabrun oasis, the biggest of the lakes. We had a relaxing afternoon strolling through the old abandoned village and having a snooze under the eucalyptus trees. The village was most interesting, considering the people had moved out only ten years ago.
During the day the clouds built up, and as we were sitting down for tea, it began to rain… well, a few drops fell out of the sky. We later heard that Ghat had had two days of rain.On leaving the next morning the temperature skyrocketed, reaching 38 degrees, blown in by strong winds. The drive back to Germa gave us our first taste of a sand storm.
The surface of the dunes was awash with billowing sand and navigation was difficult due to the reduced visibility and the fact that the tracks were being quickly obliterated. Back at the campground, we enjoyed a lengthy shower, removing the sand from our eyes, ears, hair and beard…
The next day, in spite of the heat, we spent the morning driving in air conditioned comfort to Wadi Mathendous. This is a relatively small dry creek bed in the middle of a plain covered with black basalt boulders that is home to a 200 metre long fantastic gallery of 10,000 year old rock carvings. Despite the 41 degree heat, we spent an hour and a half viewing the many engravings before heading back once again to the campground near Germa.We woke the next day to much cooler temperatures and set off for Waw en Namus, some 600 km to the south east.
We left the bitumen at Timsah, reduced the tyre pressure and travelled through the Timsah Sands. We then followed a formed dirt road that was so corrugated that we made our own track across the plain.
The final 150 km was bush tracks across gravel and sandy plains. This area was the most desolate we have travelled through. Apart from a few trees in one wadi, we saw no signs of vegetation until we reached the top of the volcanic rim of the Waw en Namus crater and looked down upon three lakes rimmed with tall reeds and palm trees. After driving around the 11 km rim, we had a most enjoyable time exploring the depths of the crater on foot.
On the way back we had a most unusual sensation crossing the Timsah Sands. The surface was totally obscured by blowing sand, giving us the feeling of floating in mid air with the engine racing itself, always rising higher as though we were about to take off.
Between the end of Troopy’s white bonnet and the grey sky was nothing but the pale yellow colour of the blowing sand. It was only an occasional blade of grass or marker pole that gave any sense of orientation or speed.It was with great sadness that we hit the bitumen and realised that our time in the Sahara was at an end. We drove back to Tripoli via Sebha, Hun and Sirte and camped on the Mediterranean Sea. We have had a fantastic month in Libya.
It has met and indeed exceeded our every expectation. The people are so very friendly, the vastness of the desert is awesome, the sand dune country is out of this world, and the country is so safe and secure. It’s unfortunate that Libya has such an undeserved reputation.From here we head back to Tunisia where we have another week before catching the ferry to Sicily and our flight back to Australia. We’re really enjoying travelling with Max and Sheila, and we have all kept well, no doubt in part due to Sheila’s good cooking. It has been a magnificent trip.
Best Wishes from Tripoli,
Geoff Kingsmill and John Sandefur
UPDATE MAY-2000Getting a VISA for Libya
To get a Libyan visa citizens of most countries require an invite. Whils this sounds daunting it’s actually relatively straight forward. Most tour agents in Libya can do this for you, its just a matter of finding one. The easiest way is to contact Azar Tours using Email or Fax who can arrange the invite for you. They cater for independant travellers and so you are not required to join one of their tours. They charge 88.39€.You’ll also need to get the first page of your passport translated into Arabic.
If you are in Europe contact your nearest Libyan Embassy. As we live in Australia we got our passports translated in Australia and had Azar Tours send our invite to the Libyan Consulate in Tunis. On arrival in Tunisia, our Libyan Visa was processed overnight. All very straightforward and with the minimum of fuss.
Chris Scott has details on how to get a Libyan Visa in the UK on his Sahara Travel Information WEB page.Taking a vehicle into LibyaIf you do not have a Carnet-du-Passage then a Local Libyan Carnet-du-Passage can be purchased at the border. You will also be required to buy compulsary third party vehicle insurance and rent a set of vehicle registration number plates. Expect to pay around 220.97€ in total. Formalities will probably take around two to three hours.
Books
Chris Scott’s “Sahara Overland – A route and planning guide” book is recommended and contains detailed information on overland travel through Libya. If you look closely you’ll even see a few pictures of Troopy. His Sahara Travel Information Web page contains all the latest information to compliment the book.
Libyan Tourist Office
The Libyan Tourist Information and Promotion Board is in the process of setting up a WEB page. If you are after tourist information you can also contact them via Email. The person in charge of the Tourist Information speaks very good English and I’m sure he would be very helpful of you need more information. They also publish a number of good books and excellent posters. I assume that these will all appear on their WEB page when its up and running.
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UKRAINE:
‘Rouge Valley directly’, reports and comments:
RAT Abdul-Rahman Sowahilli is in the Ukraine to bring the shoulder-fired missiles, anti-aircraft,in addition to the five Ukrainian who Astjelbhm and sitting Asaleholh in two experts (Almiq 23) in Mitigua base,and at the same time to conduct dialogue and ceasefire !!What you want peace but the days you want to time.
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YEMEN:
A young Yemenese, represents Houthi in a campaign backing the prophet Mohammed (PBUH):
Yemen Houthi love Mu’ammar al-Qathafi:
afraid of the good, green and splendid HOUTHI, Embassies and America Britain and France closed in Yemen and withdraw its diplomats and claim their subjects to leave immediately.WHAT THEY REALLY SHOULD FEAR, is the WAHABI BROTHERHOOD (“ANSAR al-SHARIA and al-QAEDA, as in the picture) infesting Yemen, which the Houthi are trying to eliminate.