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Rash of kidnappings shows lawlessness in Libya

Libya's central government is powerless in the face of increased kidnappings for ransom and the targeting of civilians by militias.
Tunisian diplomat Al-Aroussi Kontassi (C) hugs a family member upon his arrival at a military airport at Aouina in Tunis early June 30, 2014. The Tunisian diplomat and an embassy worker kidnapped earlier this year by unknown gunmen in Libya arrived at dawn on Monday at a Tunis airport after being freed on Sunday.  REUTERS/Anis Mili  (TUNISIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) - RTR3WCZP

The latest fighting around Tripoli’s main international airport is just another example of the strength of the country’s rogue militias and the weakness of its central caretaker government. It also indicates the lawlessness of the capital and the rest of Libya, where kidnapping for ransom has been the norm since October 2011. 

Some 2 million people — almost the entire population of the capital — are hostage to the warring militias. This has been the case since the former regime was toppled in October 2011.

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