Embakbka

Embakbka

Embakbka is the name of a popular Libyan pasta dish not unlike the Italian penne al arrabiata in taste and spiciness though different in the preparation method. It is a stable for most Libyans. In fact some Libyans are so fond of it that they affectionately call it Bakbouky. The dish’s attraction is that it’s an easily prepared, tasty, one pot dish. The ingredients are available in Libyan pantries, rich or poor alike which brings us to the Embakabka’s other attraction and that is its versatility, it can be made with or without vegetables, with any meat or fish or even vegetarian if either your pocket or your health put constrictions on what  you eat.

Libyan ladies will make it for lunch when short of time, men will make it if out on a picnic or just to as a meal to end a lively long game of cards. 

Embakbka is my metaphor for Libyan society it’s a society that is diverse in so many ways, mainly due to its vast area, but homogenous in so many aspects. The borders of Libya are the one pot that contains and unifies it.

 One of God’s many blessings that Libyans are all Sunni Muslims, so Libya never had sectarian issues only Gaddafi issues.

How would we otherwise explain the response of the western mountains Arabs and Tamazight, Elzawya and Tripoli at the far west of Libya to the cries of pain coming from Benghazi in the East at the beginning of the Libyan uprising though most of the youth who bravely stormed the streets in protest, like myself, have never set foot in Benghazi. The only explanation is that a bond so strong binds this country, a brotherhood that cannot be undone.

Libyan society in spite of all Gaddafi’s efforts to divide it and cause anonymity between its people to isolate them from each other proved that they are all one and that they will only be satisfied with unity.

 Gaddafi has always known deep in his heart that he is despised and hated by the Libyan people and if ever push came to shove, Libyans will not take his side or fight  for him that’s why he’s had mercenary armies scattered all over Libya because Libyan loyalty could not be bought so he made do with rentasoldiers criminals from all over the world. These mercenaries and the absence of the Libyan army (which he semi dismantled years ago because he found its presence threatening) tipped the scales in Gaddafi’s favor at the beginning of the February 17 revolt but as Libyans defiantly stood their ground and showed to the world that they are willing to die for their freedom the world came to the rescue led by France, USA and UK.

Back to the Embakbka pot again, Libyan society is on the verge of starting the democratic process a new exciting  never  before experienced phenomena  in Libya  and as hopeful as we all are for  what the future holds, the excitement is coupled with many worries of corrupt people somehow taking advantage of the situation and installing themselves in the huge political void that Gaddafi’s toppling has created.

But as Libyans protesting in the streets have said our martyr’s blood shall not be in vain. Opportunists be warned the Libyan people are watching you like hawks, those who have political ambitions be ware, you need to be ready to take criticism, you will have Libyans reminding you 24/7 that you are there to serve them nothing more, this popular uprising shall not be hijacked by lunatic power seekers or we might as well  have cut our losses and kept our old crazy.

These fears are causing the Embakbka pot to rumble but we all know that the boiling is most furious when the dish is almost done .It’s been a long ride, eight months of blood and tears literary and we are ready to reap the rewards we deserve. God knows we have paid a high price for them. We are Hungary for Democracy, freedom, equality and it’s about time some delicious Embakbka was served.