This report provides background information on Libya and U.S.-Libyan relations; profiles Libyan leader Muammar al Qadhafi; discusses Libya’s political and economic reform efforts; and reviews current issues of potential congressional interest.

Front: Text describes action on various war fronts: Tripoli, Western Europe, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Pacific and Far East, Russia, Chile, Iraq. Large world map is keyed to text and illustrates time zones around the world. Inset maps: Tunisia/Libya ; Russian Front. Photographs: North Africa; Forward positions: Guadalcanal; Not in "Mein Kampf" [retreating German panzers struggling through mud]; Jap ships feel U.S. air blows. Back: Poster illustrating Italian Navy uniforms and insignia. Includes Italian pronunciation chart.

This report discusses the revolution and current conflict in Libya. The current crisis was triggered in mid-February 2011 by a chain of events in Benghazi and other eastern cities that quickly spiraled out of Qadhafi's control. Although Libyan opposition groups had called for a so-called "day of rage" on February 17 to commemorate protests that had occurred five years earlier, localized violence erupted prior to the planned national protests. As of April 25, U.S. and coalition officials stated that coalition military operations had destroyed the ability of the Libyan military to control Libyan airspace and had reduced the capability of Libyan ground forces by roughly 30%-40%.

This report discusses the recent revolution in Libya, from its 2011 uprising to the end of the Qadhafi era. It specifically looks at Libya's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) disarmament, political reform and human rights, and energy as it relates to the Libyan economy.