Photo Gallery The Influence of Islam in North Africa
Abdel Hakim Belhaj is commander of all rebel troops in Tripoli. He is also thought to be a former ally of Osama bin Laden. His influence in Libya highlights worries that Islamists could end up with significant power in the country.
Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, head of Libya's National Transitional Council, shakes hands with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week. Jalil has presented a roadmap to democracy which calls for the election of a 200 member national congress within eight months.
Libyan rebels praying before resuming the fight against the last remaining pockets of pro-Gadhafi forces. Rebel leaders have promised a secular democracy, but the influence of Islamic groups promises to be significant.
Women in Libya have already complained of being attacked by Islamists. The National Transitional Council, however, has introduced weapons training for women, seen here in Benghazi.
Libyans celebrating earlier this month during a speech held by Jalil in Tripoli. He promised that Islam will be the main source of legislation in post-Gadhafi Libya.
In Egypt, too, there are concerns that Islamists will end up with a significant say in the future of the country. The Muslim Brotherhood exerts sizeable influence in the country. Here, an Egyptian man joining an Islamist demonstration in July on Tahrir Square in Cairo.
Tunisia too has a powerful Islamist party. Here, women listen to Rached Ghannouchi from the Islamist movement Nahda in September. The group is considered to be Tunisia's most popular political party.
