- More Western/Libya imports and exports, most notably, the export end. Libya is or has the potential to be a top exporter of many non-petroleum products like figs and olives and related products.Possibly also citrus fruits. However, due to a lack of contacts among importers of agricultural products, as well as Western university "extension" offices which provide support for certain fields, Libyan farmers lack a lot of ability to do this.
- And yes, this is partially due to the untapped potential I see in the olive oil market. Americans in certain areas (the East and West coasts; the Midwest is less interested in such things) LOVE olive oil. As someone allergic to "vegetable oil" (almost always pure soybean oil) and an allergy or intolerance to peanut oil and peanut products, I've used EVOO (as well as canola/rapeseed oil and sunflower oil) almost exclusively.
- And of course, Libyan farmers can teach Western farmers of these same products new techniques as well. Knowledge is a two-way street, the world can never have enough knowledge, and knowledge is best utilized when shared with people of different backgrounds.
- More "help" for Libya from those countries which have embassies, consulates, or "interests" sections in the country. E.G., economic, educational, and other opportunities for Libyans in the West. The JFK Inaugural Address 1/20/1961 applies.
- Definite promotion of those UNESCO sites in Libya, and Libya as a "tourist destination". For former Gaddafi regime "palaces" to be turned into hostels or something of the like. However, since "possession" of these buildings is unclear, and many have been razed, this aim may not be feasible. For those existing hotels to definitely be up to "Western" standards of hospitality (I do know this is the case at some hotels, like the Corinthia Hotel-Tripoli).
- Naturally, the security situation in Libya will have to improve before Libya could be truly promoted as a tourist hotspot.
- See Al Waddan Hotel: Libya's Oldest Hotel
- More Western style justice in Libyan courts. Especially in the trial and detention of former regime figures. When I say this, I mean, "right to due process", "speedy trial", "trial by jury" etc., etc. When you have had someone in detention for over two years, yet are no closer to trying him than you were the day a militia detained him in the desert while he was engaged in a vain attempt to flee to neighboring Niger, as he took a "sand bath" and gave a nom de plume with the Arabic equivalent of the Western "John Doe", something is totally wrong. Get the opera on the stage, and don't merely have a showy trial for the world's benefit with a predetermined verdict and sentence. I am referring, of course, to the detention and "stop and go trial" of second eldest son Saif Al Islam Gaddafi.
- And if my stalkerish "fan club" says a damn thing about this, they should know... I am monitoring things very closely, and while I'm presently on an extended visit to my house in WA St., as I am still a card carrying resident of CA, the laws of the state of California, as well as those here in WA, as well as federal statutes, DO apply. I am a private citizen, not a public figure, and I DO NOT want attention from them. I see it as creepy, stalkerish, and really out of line/personally disturbing. I am afraid of what they may do to myself or my family based on prior acts. And no, they're NOT the only source of traffic, and I have never blogged for their amusement, the egotistical bitches they are, thinking I do.
- Modernization/repair of Libyan transportation, especially that damaged by NATO bombing raids. All sectors, from airports (main airports being TIP/HLLT and BEN/HLLB), to railroad, to freeways/highways. Let there be a (interstate) highway system like in the US. In a country the size of my state (WA St. is slightly larger, population wise, than Libya), one would think this would be possible. ALL world airlines, which fly into Libya or have codeshare arrangements with airlines that DO fly into Libya, should make this a priority. TIP BEFORE the war looked like TUL in Oklahoma, and it's my understanding many bombing raids' consequences, which took place there and at BEN, have not been appropriately dealt with. And yes, this means sealing the borders airtight, something which Old Fuzzhead likewise struggled with, and which the US has "issues" with.
- Better law enforcement, military, and other "national security" entities. With Al Qaida and other hardline Islamist groups being a potential threat, the need for LEGITIMATE law enforcement entities, rather than armed militias belonging to this city or that, are of utmost priorities. It would be a hell of a shame for Libya to rid herself of one tyranny only to fall under the spell of another.
- Raising the literacy rate (related to education)... for ALL Libyans, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, tribal affiliation, etc. In both the national language, Arabic, widely spoken Berber, and at least one "Western" language (English and/or Italian, French, etc). Fluency in a second language will enable ALL Libyans to better communicate with the West. While many in the country do speak adequate to very good English, or other second (or third) language, progress can be made here. And the statistic (see photo) of male literacy rate to female literacy, the gap being 12.5%, is, in my book, UNACCEPTABLE. Bridge that gap! Educating females is JUST AS important as educating males.
- There are Libyan authors, bloggers, Libyan literature, Libyan TV stations and radio, Libyan newspapers, probably Libyan magazines (the fact I can't name one leads me to believe there aren't many), etc. Yet they're virtually unknown OUTSIDE OF LIBYA or the MENA region. Even English language newspapers in Libya (e.g., the Libyan Tribune) charge EXORBITANT, prohibitive fees to access online content. I would gladly read them... just not for $60 a MONTH. That's a YEARLY fee for the LA Times online edition. Not a MONTHLY one.
- Luckily, the value of the LYD has not suffered. As of 1/15/2015, 1 LYD is worth $.75 USD. That's roughly the same as pre-war values, albeit slightly lower. See Economy of Libya.
That is all, for now, and this will be an ever-evolving entry, subject to edits. Will attempt to note when edits are made.
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