Prisoner Release and Libya Make Headlines Today By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Reuters
Five long and grueling years of captivity came to an overwhelming end today as Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, was freed as part of a swap agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
Appearing much thinner and paler from his years in Hamas captivity with some lingering shrapnel injuries sustained, Shalit was grateful to be going home.
For this one prisoner, there were 1027 Palestinian prisoners exchanged and to be released. Egypt successfully played the mediator in this exchange between Israel and Hamas. Shalit was flown to Tel Nof Air Base and reunited with his family. As he took his first steps on his home soil, he saluted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on arrival. He was welcomed home by hundreds of excited supporters all glad for his return. There were no words to express the gratitude and heartfelt happiness that his parents felt to have him home again.
Getting back to normalcy will take time but hopefully this is a step in the proper direction and perhaps a gaze down the path of peace.
Today was also marked by a surprise visit from U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to Tripoli in Libya. This is the 1st Official to visit Libya since Moammar Gadhafi was ousted from control which sparked much violence in the country. Security was extremely tight as Clinton met with officials of the National Transitional Council and visited wounded soldiers.
Clinton is hopeful that Gadhafi will be found and captured soon. In addition, she is optimistic that reconciliation is underway and that the army and police will soon be united under one command. Clinton was adamant that the United States will not support violence and will only move towards supporting democracy and added that women need to have equal rights with men in Libya.
The main purpose of Clinton’s visit was three-fold.
First, she wanted to offer sincere congratulations on behalf of the United States to the Libyan people for their efforts in trying to bring about a rejuvenated country. The Secretary of State wanted to announce the restart of the Fulbright Program which is an educational exchange program benefitting the younger generation. The other issue on the table was how to fully integrate Libya into the 21st century world economy in a transparent way and use the oil wealth of Libya to the advantage of the Libyan citizens. Privatizing state monopolies may be the avenue to take as a solution.
Although it was a quick visit, much was discussed in a very short span of time and optimism was the ensuing result as Clinton had hoped.
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