Libya has emerged back into the global scene after two decades of isolation. It is now the focal point of oil giants, companies in the infrasture and construction sector, and billions are spent in agriculture, tourism, and investing abroad. Seeking to reassert its position in global politics, Libya has been aggressive in making its positions known to governments around the world, from the West to Africa.

More recently. The release of Libyan agent Al Megrahi from a Scottish jail has led to a storm of outrage in the United States, and a great deal of embarrassment in Scotland. The British and Scottish governments have been on a defensive stance insisting that the release was not motivated by economic considerations. The opposition parties in Britain and Scotland are also trying to use this event to score political points. Meanwhile, Libya has celebrated 40 years of Muamar Kaddafi’s reign, putting him on track to beat Omar Bongo’s 41 year tenure and reach Fidel Castro’s 49 years in power. The difference between Kaddafi and Castro is that eventually the Libyan leader may turn out to be more successful than the Cuban leader in that he is managing to neutralize his Western foes, and control his domestic opponents. This magazine provides key articles and analyses published by The North Africa Journal. Papers are update regularily and as they are released.