On September 1, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, will not celebrate his 42nd year in power - at least that's what Abdul El-Arbi hopes.
El-Arbi emigrated from Libya to San Diego 30 years ago. His family that lives back in Tripoli is worried about the uncertainty surrounding the capitol, but is excited after learning rebels are gaining the upperhand.
El-Arbi's family participated in protests at the beginning of the six-month struggle. More recently, they grew fearful of government forces who, according to El-Arbi, were raiding homes and shooting into the streets. But he says the struggle is worth it.
"We're very excited and happy that we're going to get rid of a very dark era of Libya," he said.
While government forces are still engaging in fierce gunfire with rebels for control of Tripoli, El-Arbi believes it is only a matter of time before Gadhafi is toppled from power.
El-Arbi plans to someday return to a Gadhafi-free Libya to help rebuild a country that has endured more than six months of violence.
