How is outside intervention shaping Libya’s future?
5 years, 2 months ago

How is outside intervention shaping Libya’s future?

Al Jazeera  

The civil war in Libya is a global affair and many countries are involved on both sides as the battle intensifies. It’s more than eight months since Haftar launched his offensive against Tripoli and his forces have now reached the centre of Sirte 450km away. The strategically important city lies close to Libya’s so-called oil crescent where several key export terminals are located. Haftar gets help from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and France, and private security forces from Russia are also reportedly fighting alongside him. Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra Guests Youcef Bouandel – Professor of political science and international relations at Qatar University Naim Ghariani – Member of the Tripoli-based House of Representatives and a former minister of higher education in the first transitional government of Libya from 2011-2012.

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History of this topic

Diplomatic failings and ‘elite bargains’ prolonging Libya turmoil: Analysts
6 months, 1 week ago

Diplomatic failings and ‘elite bargains’ prolonging Libya turmoil: Analysts

Al Jazeera  

With the central bank in turmoil, analysts say that diplomatic efforts in Libya are failing its people. “The CBL, although weaker now than it was a few years ago, remains a linchpin to the nation’s access to hard currency.” He added that the CBL funds most of Libya’s imports of food, medicines and other staples, which the country cannot last …

Is Libya on the brink of another civil war?
2 years, 7 months ago

Is Libya on the brink of another civil war?

Al Jazeera  

Power struggle between rival governments triggers street fighting in Tripoli. The militias are divided between those who support the United Nations-recognised government in Tripoli, and those who back a rival parliament based in the eastern city of Tobruk. Years of negotiation, mediation and ceasefires have failed to bring peace following the removal of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Presenter: …

Libya’s new interim government is facing an arduous task
3 years, 8 months ago

Libya’s new interim government is facing an arduous task

Al Jazeera  

The parliamentary and presidential elections planned for the end of the year give the long-suffering people of Libya reason to be hopeful about their country’s future. Nevertheless, their optimism is tempered by the ongoing struggles to achieve transitional justice, the fears about possible election violence, and the many other challenges the North African country’s newly formed interim government is facing. …

Is there renewed hope for peace in Libya?
4 years ago

Is there renewed hope for peace in Libya?

Al Jazeera  

On Wednesday, March 31 at 19:30 GMT: A decade after NATO’s intervention in the Libyan civil war, the country is still struggling from years of chaos complicated by foreign involvement. But a newly sworn-in unity government – the first in seven years – is giving Libya an opportunity to rebuild its institutions and unify the country. For years, Libya was …

Explainer: Libya‘s war in 500 words
4 years, 4 months ago

Explainer: Libya‘s war in 500 words

Al Jazeera  

A timeline of events that led to the end of nine years of violence in the war-torn North African country. From last year’s push to seize the Libyan capital Tripoli by renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar to hopes of peace, here is a look at events that led to Friday’s agreement to hold elections. On April 19, United States President …

UN-led Libya talks set December 2021 date for elections
4 years, 4 months ago

UN-led Libya talks set December 2021 date for elections

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Libya's warring sides have agreed …

UN hosts Libyan military leaders in hopes of end to conflict
4 years, 5 months ago

UN hosts Libyan military leaders in hopes of end to conflict

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Military leaders from Libya’s warring …

Libya’s UN-recognised government announces immediate ceasefire
4 years, 7 months ago

Libya’s UN-recognised government announces immediate ceasefire

Al Jazeera  

Turkey-backed Government of National Accord called for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held in March. Libya’s UN-recognised government announced a ceasefire across the country on Friday and called for demilitarising the contested strategic city of Sirte, raising hopes for peace in the more than nine-year-old conflict. The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord also called for parliamentary and presidential elections …

Can Libya’s Khalifa Haftar pull back following Tripoli defeat?
4 years, 11 months ago

Can Libya’s Khalifa Haftar pull back following Tripoli defeat?

Al Jazeera  

Amid global economic downturn, analysts say it’s unclear if foreign supporters will continue to bankroll the strongman. 200104110325735 “Haftar’s loss of an area estimated at 500-square kilometres is an event of seismic magnitude both for him and his foreign supporters,” said Walid Ratima, a Turkey-based Libyan columnist. “His defeats will sooner or later … force his supporters to find other …

Is Khalifa Haftar losing in Libya?
4 years, 11 months ago

Is Khalifa Haftar losing in Libya?

Al Jazeera  

Khalifa Haftar’s hopes seem shattered as forces loyal to the UN-recognised Libyan government make significant gains. Renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar wants to control Libya and his battle to do that could be reaching a turning point – but not in his favour. Just over a year ago, Haftar launched an offensive to capture Libya’s capital Tripoli, where the internationally …

Years after the fall of Gaddafi, Libya remains in the grip of foreign powers
5 years, 1 month ago

Years after the fall of Gaddafi, Libya remains in the grip of foreign powers

The Independent  

Abdul Hakim Belhaj was doing very well. The former rebel commander who British intelligence had once helped deliver to the Gaddafi regime through a secret rendition was riding high in the polls in Libya’s first post-revolution election in 2012. An international conference on Berlin last month, followed by talks in Geneva and Cairo between the two rival sides – United …

Absolute power: How warlord Khalifa Haftar’s designs on Libya have emerged as the top obstacle to peace
5 years, 2 months ago

Absolute power: How warlord Khalifa Haftar’s designs on Libya have emerged as the top obstacle to peace

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Khalifa Haftar has had every opportunity to help Libya …

US calls for ‘immediate’ resumption of Libyan oil production
5 years, 2 months ago

US calls for ‘immediate’ resumption of Libyan oil production

Associated Press  

CAIRO — The U.S. Embassy in Libya on Tuesday called for the immediate resumption of oil production in the country, pressuring eastern Libyan forces who have sought to choke off oil exports in territory under their control. Powerful tribal groups loyal to Gen. Khalifa Hifter, whose forces control eastern Libya and much of the south, seized several large export terminals …

No more arms: World powers pledge to halt Libya weapon transfers
5 years, 2 months ago

No more arms: World powers pledge to halt Libya weapon transfers

Al Jazeera  

Reports of arms, troops, and cash flooding into Libya from foreign allies have sparked concerns of further bloodshed. Berlin, Germany – Several foreign powers signed a landmark agreement to limit external interference in the war in Libya and to push the country’s warring factions towards a peaceful end to the fighting. Reports of arms, troops and cash flooding into Libya …

Libya’s war: Who is supporting whom
5 years, 2 months ago

Libya’s war: Who is supporting whom

Al Jazeera  

Al Jazeera takes a look at the foreign actors invested in the Libyan conflict and who they are siding with. Since renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive on Libya’s capital Tripoli in April, the conflict in the North African country has ground to a standstill. 190423174812673 That stance, however, is counterweighed by France’s diplomatic support for Haftar, which …

Are the chances of finding peace in Libya getting worse?
5 years, 3 months ago

Are the chances of finding peace in Libya getting worse?

Al Jazeera  

The UN is again pushing its peace plan for Libya, but Khalifa Haftar is threatening a final offensive on Tripoli. Eight months ago, renegade General Khalifa Haftar‘s forces defiantly marched towards Libya‘s capital, Tripoli. That offensive could lead to both sides getting more military support from different countries in violation of a United Nations arms embargo on Libya. Presenter: James …

Deadlock in Libya
5 years, 9 months ago

Deadlock in Libya

The Hindu  

Libya’s UN-recognised government’s decision to launch a peace initiative aimed at stabilising the civil war-stricken country is a welcome move. Mr. al-Sarraj made the offer at a time when the rebel army of warlord Khalifa Haftar was fighting the Tripoli government troops on the outskirts of the capital. The self-styled Libyan National Army, commanded by Mr. Haftar, backs the Tobruk …

UN envoy: ‘Libya a textbook example of foreign intervention’
5 years, 10 months ago

UN envoy: ‘Libya a textbook example of foreign intervention’

Al Jazeera  

Ghassan Salame says between ‘six and 10 countries are permanently interfering in Libya’s problem’. The United Nations‘ envoy to Libya has bitterly denounced the conflict raging in the North African country, describing it as a “suicide” that was robbing its inhabitants of the land’s vast oil riches. The country has become “a textbook example of foreign interference today in local …

Tripoli battle prolongs Libya conflict
5 years, 11 months ago

Tripoli battle prolongs Libya conflict

Firstpost  

Political transition in West Asia and North Africa operates on the principle of “The King is dead, long live the King”. In Libya, Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, the UAE-Saudi-Egyptian-backed warlord, hopes that his assault on the capital Tripoli, the seat of the country’s United Nations-recognised government, will either end the conflict militarily or at the very least, significantly increase …

Libya: Trump can’t straddle two horses in this civil war (opinion)
5 years, 11 months ago

Libya: Trump can’t straddle two horses in this civil war (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: David A. Andelman, executive director of The RedLines Project, is a contributor to CNN where his columns won the Deadline Club Award for Best Opinion Writing. And Libya, fractured into two halves after the Arab Spring – the west ruled by Tripoli and the east ruled from Benghazi by insurgents – could easily fall prey to forces antithetical …

In Libya, a rogues’ gallery of militias prepare for war
5 years, 11 months ago

In Libya, a rogues’ gallery of militias prepare for war

Associated Press  

BENGHAZI, Libya — Libya is on the verge of an all-out war involving a rogues’ gallery of militias, many of which are little more than criminal gangs armed with heavy weapons. A similar scenario could play out in Tripoli, with local militias luring Hifter’s forces into the city and fighting block by block. ___ TRIPOLI MILITIAS The U.N. and Western …

Fighting Grips Tripoli As Libya Faces New Violence Among Rivals
5 years, 11 months ago

Fighting Grips Tripoli As Libya Faces New Violence Among Rivals

NPR  

Fighting Grips Tripoli As Libya Faces New Violence Among Rivals Enlarge this image toggle caption Mahmud Turkia/AFP/Getty Images Mahmud Turkia/AFP/Getty Images Rapidly escalating violence is limiting civilians' ability to travel in and out of Libya's capital. The attack "constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law which prohibits attacks against civilian infrastructure," the U.N. Support Mission in Libya said. "The …

A US citizen wants to overthrow a US-backed government in Libya. Here’s why
5 years, 11 months ago

A US citizen wants to overthrow a US-backed government in Libya. Here’s why

CNN  

CNN — After several days of aggressive military advances, the spotlight is on Libya once again. At the heart of this is Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, now leading the current move by forces from the east of the country towards the capital Tripoli. It is unclear how serious Haftar is about moving into Tripoli, the heavily populated capital where warring …

Regional interference is threatening Libya’s future as one state
7 years ago

Regional interference is threatening Libya’s future as one state

Al Jazeera  

When Libya declared its independence as a constitutional monarchy under King Idris Sanusi on December 24, 1951, it became one of the first former European colonies in Africa to gain independence and achieve autonomy through the United Nations. Foreign interference of this kind is most prominent in Libya’s southern Fezzan region as the country’s southern border with Niger, Chad and …

How David Cameron's intervention in Libya is fuelling war and terror around the world
8 years, 6 months ago

How David Cameron's intervention in Libya is fuelling war and terror around the world

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Britain’s intervention in Libya and …

Libya, not Syria, is now the frontline in the war against Isis
8 years, 7 months ago

Libya, not Syria, is now the frontline in the war against Isis

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, for …

When is the next Libya intervention?
9 years ago

When is the next Libya intervention?

Al Jazeera  

If the US does decide to bomb Libya again, it will be doing so effectively in alliance with Egyptian foreign policy. The Guardian acknowledges the intervention, but only to suggest that a new bombing campaign may turn the tide against ISIL, as it changed the tide against Gaddafi. Whether it is in Iraq, Syria or Libya, the jihadists have benefited …

Q&A: What next for Libya?
9 years ago

Q&A: What next for Libya?

Al Jazeera  

UN-backed government has defied threats and arrived in Tripoli – but will this bring stability to the country? Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord arrived in Tripoli by sea on Wednesday, defying opposition attempts to keep it out of the Libyan capital and set up a base there. The most likely scenario is that in the very near future the …

Southern Libya could be new frontier of Islamic State: Analysts
9 years ago

Southern Libya could be new frontier of Islamic State: Analysts

Firstpost  

A potentially critical conflict has gone largely unnoticed in southern Libya yet could open up a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa for the Islamic State group, analysts say. IS has consolidated its hold along Libya’s northern coast, and experts are concerned the jihadists may now be pushing into the remote desert region of Fezzan in the southwest of the country. Having …

ISIL’s gains in Libya and the case for intervention
9 years ago

ISIL’s gains in Libya and the case for intervention

Al Jazeera  

Libya has replaced Syria and Iraq as the top military priority, especially for Europeans. The political stalemate is ongoing with Libya's two governments having competing patrons: Tripoli supported by Qatar and Turkey, while Tobruk gets the nod from the West, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The risk of a larger Western intervention may have incited ISIL fighters to leave …

Analysis: Will the West intervene in Libya?
9 years, 2 months ago

Analysis: Will the West intervene in Libya?

Al Jazeera  

The formation of a unity government in Libya has been dealt a blow with the rejection on Monday of the 32-member cabinet proposed by the country’s new Government of National Accord. by Mattia Toaldo, analyst “In an abstract sense, building up a Libyan national army might be desirable in the long run, but it won’t get results in the short …

Long-awaited breakthrough in Libya’s political deadlock
9 years, 3 months ago

Long-awaited breakthrough in Libya’s political deadlock

Al Jazeera  

Libya’s bitter political rivals have signed an agreement aimed at resolving the country’s deep political crisis with elections to be held within two years. UN says ISIL exploiting Libya security vacuum “I don’t see anything changing immediately, but what I hope would happen is that Misratan militias would work with pro-Haftar moderate elements in the fight against ISIL. “The West …

Libya: ‘No one can win this war’
9 years, 11 months ago

Libya: ‘No one can win this war’

Al Jazeera  

Tripoli, Libya – As the latest United Nations-brokered peace talks between Libya’s warring factions convened in Skhirat, Morocco, fierce fighting broke out on the weekend between militias in Tajoura, 30km east of Tripoli, killing over 21 people and wounding scores more. “The Thinni government doesn’t control all the oil terminals, and neither does the Libya Dawn government,” he added. “So …

‘Libya’s future cannot be left to one renegade general’
10 years, 8 months ago

‘Libya’s future cannot be left to one renegade general’

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Sara ElGaddari is a Libyan-British national and doctoral researcher at the University of Hull. Story highlights Libya's instability is indicative of an ineffective government, says Sara ElGaddari General Khalifa Haftar and the Zintan militia are stepping into the power vacuum, she says But ElGaddari says Haftar and rebel militias are directly contributing to Libya's instability She says the …

Western intervention, is it ever helpful?
13 years, 6 months ago

Western intervention, is it ever helpful?

Al Jazeera  

According to Greg Muttitt, a London-based writer, the best thing the West can do for Libya is to leave it alone. At every stage US-UK involvement in Iraqi politics played a negative role.” “We should watch out for Western interpretations about what Libyan society is like.” Greg Muttitt, author Another thing that’s striking in Western coverage, according to Greg, is …

Western intervention, is it ever helpful?
13 years, 6 months ago

Western intervention, is it ever helpful?

Al Jazeera  

According to Greg Muttitt, a London-based writer, the best thing the West can do for Libya is to leave it alone. At every stage US-UK involvement in Iraqi politics played a negative role.” “We should watch out for Western interpretations about what Libyan society is like.” Greg Muttitt, author Another thing that’s striking in Western coverage, according to Greg, is …

Libya: what now?
13 years, 7 months ago

Libya: what now?

Al Jazeera  

Mustafa Abdel Jalil has sought to ease tensions within the Libyan National Transitional Council, but it is unclear how successful he has been There can be little doubt that the Gaddafi regime has ended. Gaddafi may even escape capture, despite the indemnity and offer of $1.7m for him, dead or alive, and he will certainly reject the offer of immunity …

The geopolitical message from Libya
13 years, 11 months ago

The geopolitical message from Libya

Al Jazeera  

The intervention in Libya shows that democratic empowerment is just a geopolitical tool used by the great powers. The situation in Libya has sent the world a message that humanitarian intervention is in the best interests of the great powers only when it suits them Will “mission creep” in the West’s intervention in Libya end up creating, inadvertently, a jihadist …

Monday Developments In Libya
14 years ago

Monday Developments In Libya

NPR  

Monday Developments In Libya Enlarge this image toggle caption PATRICK BAZ/AFP/Getty Images PATRICK BAZ/AFP/Getty Images NATO has assumed control of the no-fly zone in Libya. Advancing, Retreating From Gadhafi's Hometown: Rebels came within 45 miles of Surt, the tribal homeland of Col. Gadhafi, but very quickly turned back after government forces released a "barrage of tan and artillery fire," reported …

Former Bush Administration Official: US Intervention In Libya Is A Bad Idea
14 years ago

Former Bush Administration Official: US Intervention In Libya Is A Bad Idea

NPR  

Former Bush Administration Official: US Intervention In Libya Is A Bad Idea Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, and former chief adviser to Secretary of State Colin Powell, told NPR's Steve Inskeep today U.S. military intervention in Libya will only prolong war there and increase the suffering of civilians. Speaking on Morning Edition, Haass said there's no …

Why Libya Matters To The Middle East's Future
14 years ago

Why Libya Matters To The Middle East's Future

NPR  

Why Libya Matters To The Middle East's Future Enlarge this image toggle caption Anja Niedringhaus/AP Anja Niedringhaus/AP Allied forces carried out a third night of airstrikes in Libya Monday, enforcing the U.N.-sanctioned no-fly zone to stop the advancement of forces loyal to Libyan leader Mohammar Gadhafi. On today's Fresh Air, George Washington University political scientist Marc Lynch explains how the …

The drawbacks of intervention in Libya
14 years ago

The drawbacks of intervention in Libya

Al Jazeera  

The no-fly zone could involve on Libyan runways, radars, and anti-aircraft artillery installations carrying the potential for significant collateral damage against civilians and civilian infrastructure This article was written and submitted before the passage of UNSC Resolution 1973. In addition to the current no-fly zone, the UN Security Council unanimously issued a resolution imposing tough measures against the Libyan regime …

Foreign Policy: The U.N. Takes A Gamble In Libya
14 years ago

Foreign Policy: The U.N. Takes A Gamble In Libya

NPR  

Foreign Policy: The U.N. Takes A Gamble In Libya Enlarge this image toggle caption Joe Raedle/Getty Images Joe Raedle/Getty Images Marc Lynch is associate professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University. The administration clearly understands that military intervention in Libya is a terrible idea, and hoped for as long as possible that the Libyan opposition could …

Oppose military intervention
14 years ago

Oppose military intervention

The Hindu  

The fact that western leaders are considering military options over Libya is deeply disturbing. Government forces are using tanks and heavy artillery as well as warplanes in attacks on, for example, the oil town of Ras Lanuf, which is held by the ill-equipped and largely untrained rebels. British Prime Minister David Cameron floated the over-the-top idea of parachuting weapons to …

Libya Risks Protracted Civil War: Clinton
14 years ago

Libya Risks Protracted Civil War: Clinton

India TV News  

Washington, Mar 1 : As clashes escalate in Libya,the country is on brink of "protracted civil war", Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned today and said US is working to translate the world's outrage against Muammar Gaddafi into action and results. "In the years ahead, Libya could become a peaceful democracy, or it could face protracted civil war, or it …

Libya: Past and future?
14 years, 1 month ago

Libya: Past and future?

Al Jazeera  

After alienating powerful tribes, Gaddafi’s regime seems to be falling, but it is unclear who could fill vacuum. European countries worry waves of migrants will use Libya as a jump off point if Gaddafi’s government falls Many believed that Colonel Gaddafi’s regime in Libya would withstand the gale of change sweeping the Arab world because of its reputation for brutality …

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