Tag Archives: Libya

Instead of progressing towards a legitimate government that can finally stabilize the country, Libyans are once again hostages to a showdown between two self-serving centers of power. This situation threatens to generate a new wave of violence in the capital and beyond.

Russia, under Vladimir Putin, has expanded its influence in Libya as a key supporter of Khalifa Haftar’s war. Yet Moscow often operates pragmatically and will surely adapt its strategy as Haftar is losing ground.

European countries should try to revive the political approach to resolving the Libya conflict, particularly given that Turkey may want to do so from its current position of strength.

Swift positions taken by the AU could be stymied by ongoing conflicts, funding shortfalls and border closures.

Although Germany’s mediation role in the Libyan conflict has received relatively little attention so far, this might change if its initiative leads to a peace conference – or, alternatively, a collapse of the political process.

Regardless of who wins the fight for Tripoli, the power of armed groups over government is being entrenched. It is necessary to ensure that Libya’s security sector is tailored to the needs of Libyans and can operate effectively in the post-conflict environment.

When the 2011 Libyan civil war erupted, Twitter became a major instrument to air the rebels’ account of the conflict and present themselves internationally as a viable alternative to Moammar Gadhafi.

The most important development in Libya’s recent history may have just taken place. And it was not a high-level summit, but a new expression of popular opinion on Libya’s future.

From Catalonia to Kurdistan, long simmering regions are clamoring for their own states. But what good is being a state anymore?

Europe must use its diplomatic leverage to ensure that increased Russian involvement does not come at the cost of further destabilization on Europe’s southern border.