Idris' government was increasingly unpopular by the latter 1960s; it had exacerbated Libya's traditional regional and tribal divisions by centralising the country's federal system in order to take advantage of the country's oil wealth, while corruption and entrenched systems of patronage were widespread throughout the oil industry. Arab nationalism was increasingly popular, and protests flared up following Egypt's 1967 defeat in the Six-Day War with Israel; allied to the western powers, Idris' administration was seen as pro-Israeli. Anti-western riots broke out in Tripoli and Benghazi, while Libyan workers shut down oil terminals in solidarity with Egypt. By 1969, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency was expecting segments of Libya's armed forces to launch a coup. Although claims have been made that they knew of Gaddafi's Free Officers Movement, they have since claimed ignorance, stating that they were monitoring Abdul Aziz Shalhi's Black Boots revolutionary group. COUNT 10
QSN1 What was happening to Idris' government in the 1960s? ANS1 Idris' government was increasingly unpopular by the latter 1960s QSN2 What industry greatly impacted the downfall of Idris's government? ANS2 the oil industry QSN3 What sort of problems did the oil industry experience in Libya? ANS3 corruption and entrenched systems of patronage were widespread throughout the oil industry QSN4 What did the Libyan workers do to show their support of Egypt? ANS4 Libyan workers shut down oil terminals in solidarity with Egypt QSN5 Did the CIA confirm knowledge of Gaddafi's upcoming coup?: ANS5 they have since claimed ignorance, stating that they were monitoring Abdul Aziz Shalhi's Black Boots revolutionary group. QSN6 What country won the Six-Day War? ANS6 Israel QSN7 In what cities did protests against westerners flare up in 1967? ANS7 Tripoli and Benghazi QSN8 On what country's behalf were the 1967 protests taking place? ANS8 Egypt QSN9 In what year did the CIA begin to expect a military coup in Libya? ANS9 1969 QSN10 What revolutionary organization was led by Abdul Aziz Shalhi? ANS10 Black Boots