Libya dangerous

This item appears on page 15 of the July 2014 issue.

In May, the US Department of State warned travelers in Libya to depart immediately. Heavy clashes between rival factions erupted in May 2014 in Benghazi and other eastern cities. Hotels frequented by westerners have been caught in the crossfire. On May 18 in Tripoli, armed groups attacked the General National Congress as part of a campaign to influence and intimidate institutions of government. This posturing has the potential to continue, reigniting fighting at any time. 

Following the 2011 revolution, the Libyan government has not been able to adequately build its military and police forces to improve security.