On Feb. 25, the streets of Tripoli were flooded by citizens demanding to get rid of there long reigning leader of 41 years, Muammar Gaddafi. As troops loyal to Gaddafi began to fight back, the capital was soon covered with blood. An all out war has started, one that he proclaims himself “is stronger than any other attempt by the foreigners and the enemies to destroy us.” (the telegraph)

            “I think the people of Libya are right with what they are doing,” said Yasmeen Alasad, a sophomore who, until recently, lived in Libya. “Gaddafi hasn’t been treating the people right, all he seems to do is take the money that belongs to them.”

            Due to the chaos, the United States has become part of the support halting the fight in Libya. On March 19, military operations began. The United States and British fired over 100 cruise missiles in what the US calls Operation Odyssey Dawn. Since the attack, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has taken command to control the no-fly zones and navy blockades.

            “It’s good America is helping out. Even if it isn’t really their war, Libya really needs the help. It’s hard to override the leader of your own country,” said Alasad.

            Alasad lived in Libya for about seven years. “My dad works for a major oil company and that’s just where we ended up needing to go. To be honest it’s not much more different than America. It’s just boring. Not many malls or fast food restaurants are around to be able to hang out at. The main reason we moved here was for the same reason we left, my dad's job, but it was at a better timing to keep us out of all the chaos going on in the city.”

         With all that is going on in Libya, it is important to remember that it is an actual country with people like Alasad who live there. The U.S. doesn’t want to get fully involved, but there’s no doubt they need help.

            “You can’t help but worry about all the people still living there. Many don’t want to get involved in what is going on, but are being forced to choose between the government and the people. I am very worried about my friends, especially the ones I grew up with over the past seven years. I just want them all to be safe and ok,” said Alasad.

            While troubles exist back home, Alasad is making it work here. “America is so much more different. A lot more opportunities are available and I really feel like I am fitting in. Everybody here makes it a point to ask about my family and really does seem interested and it’s great to have that. Anytime someone offers a word of encouragement, not even just about the war going on, it helps to know they care. Teachers are always willing to work with me if I don’t understand something, and it’s so much fun finally having something to do and being able to go to places on the weekends,” she said.

            As time goes on Libya will continue to change. People will be forced to take sides and make choices. But meanwhile, Alasad is enjoying her time here in America while keeping a watchful eye on her friends. “I’m not sure what will end up happening. I just hope the people are ok, that’s all that matters.”