Obama: Libya's 'Dark Shadow Of Tyranny Has Been Lifted'

NPR | By Mark Memmott

Published October 20, 2011 at 2:16 PM EDT

A year ago, President Obama just said, "the notion of a free Libya" seemed far-fetched.

But today, with the death of ousted dictator Moammar Gadhafi, the "dark shadow of tyranny has been lifted" in that North African nation, the president added.

During remarks from the Rose Garden of the White House, the president hailed the U.S. and coalition forces that protected Libyans, hailed the civilians there who "broke the back of the regime" and called on Libyans to build on this "momentus day" in their history.

"Libya will travel a long and winding road to full democracy," the president said, and "there will be difficult days ahead."

But, said Obama, a brutal dictator who denied his people their basic rights is now gone.

Mark Memmott

Mark Memmott is NPR's supervising senior editor for Standards & Practices. In that role, he's a resource for NPR's journalists – helping them raise the right questions as they do their work and uphold the organization's standards.

See stories by Mark Memmott

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now