Aftermath of Arab Spring proves worse for Christians than Qaddafi regime
What began as a Western-backed chance to assist Libyans in gaining freedom from an oppressive dictator has resulted, according to some reports, in nearly the entire population of 100,000 Libyan Christians leaving the country. The rising power of numerous radical Islamist militias, which have recently launched a low-scale terror war against Christians, is increasingly being felt throughout the country. This anti-Christian effort by Islamist militias has also been aided by a Libyan government incapable or even unwilling to protect Libya's Christians. While it is unknown if it is the Libyan jihadists' goal to have all Christians expelled, the fear created by their operations is producing that effect.
Tiny when compared to Libya's 97 percent Sunni Muslim population, most Libyan Christians are Roman Catholics or followers of the Egypt-based Coptic Orthodox Church. Libya's Coptic Orthodox, many of whom came to the country from Egypt (and have also fled back to the country), often run small businesses in urban locations such as Tripoli or Benghazi. Many Christians still in Libya are foreign laborers who have worked there since Qaddafi ruled the country.
Even before the revolution, Libya's previous leader, the ever capricious Muhammar Qaddafi, was no fan of Christianity. Immediately following Qaddafi's rise to power, he made sure to convert Tripoli's Roman Catholic Cathedral into Tripoli's Grand Mosque.
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