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Uprising’s guest expert Courtney Morris, an assistant professor of African American and women’s Studies at Penn State University, analyzes today’s news headlines:

A group of militants has taken over the airport in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, declaring a new state. The Libyan rebels, naming themselves Operation Dawn, are a coalition of various groups, and have declared victory after battling government forces for five weeks. The fighting was sparked by elections in July in which a number of Muslim parties failed to secure enough votes. The Libyan government is holding an emergency meeting after declaring Operation Dawn a “terrorist” organization. The crisis has also stoked regional fears of the rebels using airplanes to fly into other areas. According to the Guardian newspaper, “Dawn leaders insist they are not extremists, characterizing themselves as patriots ensuring that the gains of the 2011 revolution are not lost.” Click here for a Guardian newspaper article about the story.

After a year of economic stagnation, France’s socialist government is being reshuffled. President Francois Hollande has asked his Prime Minister to form a new government today. The new posts will be announced tomorrow and it remains to be seen if Hollande can command a majority. The moves are being watched gleefully by French conservatives who are calling for the government to be completely dissolved. President Hollande, who has been outspoken in foreign policy affairs, is struggling with a dismal 17% approval rating among the French. Click here for a Reuters article about the story.

California’s Bay area suffered from one of the worst earthquakes in 25 years, sending 170 people to hospitals for treatment of injuries and causing major damage. Much of the damage was centered around Napa Valley and its wineries. Several historic buildings literally crumpled, and some roads and highways cracked from the pressure. The quake’s epicenter was just south of Sacramento. Gov. Jerry Brown has declared the area a disaster zone. More than 70,000 people lost electricity but this morning the majority have had their service restored. Click here for a Bloomberg article about the story.