Few communities have a deeper or more troubling tie to Libya than Syracuse. It's the country from which the attack on Pan Am flight 103 was launched. The bombing which killed 270 people including 35 students from Syracuse University.
Monday night, leader Moammar Gadhafi appeared for less than a minute on state television. It was an odd picture, him holding an umbrella and sitting in a vehicle, saying he was in the capital Tripoli. He denied rumors he had fled to Venezuela amid the protests. Now, Libya's own ambassadors at the United Nations are calling for him to step down. Meanwhile, European Countries are sending planes and ferries to evacuate their citizens, and some international oil and gas companies are suspending operations.
As tension in Libya continues to flare and peaceful political protests turn violent, all eyes are on the Middle East. Especially in classrooms at Syracuse University. Professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication Joan Deppa says the current events took center stage in her class Monday. "I really wanted them to understand how international affairs and especially big ones like this can impact a local community."
Deppa wrote a book on the Pan Am 103 terrorist attack and how the media covered the tragic event. The convicted bomber, Abdel Basset al-Megrahi was released from prison on compassionate grounds in 2009. Libyan leader Gadhafi staged a big welcoming celebration for him once he returned to the country.
"It really brings into question, how do we deal with terrorism?" said Deppa.
Syracuse University continues to hold remembrance events every year and offers scholarships in the names of the victims of Pan Am 103.
Libyan protestors, who are fed up with Gadhafi, are staying strong in their demands for the leader to step down. He's been in control for 4 decades. It's been a bloody few days, more than 230 people have been killed since the protests began. Leaders promise democratic reforms but only if the unrest ends. And are threatening a fierce civil war if the clashes do not stop.
What do you think of the unrest in Libya? Should Gadhafi step down?
