Tagged: Libya Conflict

The rocket attack in Libya that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens gets plenty of attention in Congress. But, not many have heard about a global health project Stevens left behind.

When Stevens was murdered last Sept. 11th in Benghazi, Libya, he had a meeting scheduled with a group of doctors the very next day, Sept. 12th. They're trying to setup Libya’s first modern 911 system.

Now, Stevens' sister, in Seattle, is bringing a higher profile to that unfinished project – helping a group from Boston that’s working with the Libyan doctors.

It’s a “privilege” to be in Libya at the height of its transition from the now-dead leader Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi’s rule to that of the rebels, said Anna Knutzen, an emergency program manager for Mercy Corps in Tripoli, who grew up in Seattle.

“Martyrs' Square … was a sight to see. People were just piling in to celebrate the news, and it’s still going on. You might be able to hear it in the background,” Knutzen said in a phone interview Thursday afternoon.

Some Air Force and Army bases in the Northwest are helping with the Libyan fight. Seven tankers and about 100 airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base are already working in undisclosed locations in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.

A longtime University of Washington economics professor has quickly found himself in a lead role with fellow Libyans fighting to defeat ruler Col. Moammar Gadhafi's forces. 

Shortly after Ali Al Tarhouni returned to Libya weeks ago, he was named finance minister for Libya's opposition movement, according to a statement Wednesday from the University of Washington press office.

Happy Spring!  We'll see periods of sunshine and some rain showers today.

Making headlines around the Northwest this morning:

• First Flight for 747-8 
• Afghan War Crimes Photos Released
• Libyan-Americans Monitor Conflict

Sunday for Boeing: "Absolutely Gorgeous"