The Burning Shores: Inside the Battle for the New Libya Hardcover – April 17, 2018

Libya is a sparsely-populated country (just 6+ million people). However, the country has the largest oil reserves in Africa, is one of the world's 20 largest countries by land area, and serves/served as a conduit for northbound sub-Saharan African migrants. There aren't many books focused on Libya, not in English at any rate. So Wehrey's book doesn't have a lot of competition. But it's definitely worth a read ... just don't rely on this book as your sole source for understanding modern Libya. Wehrey describes the ongoing Libyan revolution, the fall of Qaddafi, the attack on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, the rise of various militias, ISIS in Libya, the migrant crisis. Prominent military leader Khalifa Haftar comes across as an ambiguous figure. The chapter on migrants and human trafficking was particularly well-written. Thanks to Wehrey for introducing me to the Touareg band 'Tinariwen'!The big blind spot for me was business. Wehrey hardly discusses business at all, in fact. Oil is by far the biggest industry in Libya, in terms of export revenue. Who are the biggest investors in Libya (ENI, Repsol, ConocoPhillips, Total)? How does the National Oil Company (NOC) operate? How are revenues distributed? Who buys Libyan oil? One would think that somebody in the business community - either from the NOC or a foreign firm - would merit an interview. The current state of Libya's oil industry (challenges + opportunities) merits at least one chapter in a 326-page book. How about small business? Perhaps the banality of business isn't as exciting as embassies/diplomacy, geopolitical intrigue, militias and armed conflict. But the bills must be paid somehow... a stronger economy would provide an incentive for warring sides to lay down arms.To summarize - helpful overview of modern Libya ... but incomplete.

I read this book in preparation for a new job in Libya. I wanted something focusing on post-2011 Libya, and something that went beyond just the initial overthrow of Qadhafi. This book delivered. It covers a bit of Qadhafi-era politics, a large chunk on the revolution and fall of Qadhafi, and then, uniquely, the second half of the book follows the course of Libya after the overthrow Qadhafi up until 2017, including the migrant crisis, the Tuaregs and politics of southern Libya, the incident at the US consulate in Benghazi, as well as ISIS's expansion into Libya.It's a well-written book: easy to digest, and great for anyone looking to get completely up to speed on the country quickly.

The author has inside knowledge of the situation on the ground in Libya and therefore I found this book highly informative. I recommend it to all readers interested in the region, and all readers generally interested in understanding the problems faced when trying to bring peace and democracy to some societies.

This book is utterly engaging. Well written, and provides a very clear picture of post-revolution Libya, without getting too bogged down in historical minutiae. Worth the read if you are interested in Libya and the future of North Africa.

Great book and great service!!

What can be said? This book should be required reading for US foreign policy makers. For all those who say Ghaddafi should have stayed, either you didnt read this book or you misunderstood its message.

the best book on the libyan revolution and the aftermath

Good read

This an update information on current situation of Libya .

Highly recommended to read in particular for libyans.

Condizioni pessime, ben al di là dei normali segni d’usura. Copertina rigida pesantemente danneggiata.