America Must Lead in Libya

Written by: Alex Flanders

The Libyan Civil War began in 2011 as the Arab Spring led to a revolution against the former dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. After the United States and other Western entities began airstrikes on Gaddafi strongholds, rebels were able to take control and eventually eliminate Gaddafi from the battlefield. The longtime dictator was ousted from power with Western assistance and Libya has been in a frayed state ever since. The lack of formidable power brought about two distinct camps. One of these being the UN backed and implemented Government of National Accord. This camp, led by Fayez al-Sarraj, seeks to gain control of Libya and bring order back to the oil-rich lands. The opposing side, the Libyan National Army led by General Khalifa Haftar, seeks to do the same from the Eastern parts of the country and pushing West. Each of these groups have differing viewpoints in governance and religious issues such as Islamic Fundamentalism (Foreign Affairs). This war has turned into an international war where the domestic aspects of the issue are increasingly irrelevant. The war today is fought with a large amount of international support and influence on both sides. Haftar and the Libyan National Army take support from countries like Egypt, France, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, which “provide him with considerable resources to pursue his goals” (Cook). The UN-backed Government of National Accord, on the other hand, enjoys support from countries like Turkey, Italy, and Qatar. Each of these countries may have differing motivations for intervention — though nearly all are inherently selfish and not for the benefit of the Libyan people. None of the global players in Libya do so for the future health and security of the Libyan people or in the name of a future democratic Libya. Italy may be concerned out immigration or conflicts on their southern border. Egypt may be concerned about their Western border being compromised with terrorism or a larger prevalence of the Muslim Brotherhood. Many other countries have also played a part in the war — although some not as large a part. Some of these include Great Britain, France, Sudan, and others who may have covertly imported special operations teams, intelligence personnel, arms shipments, or drones. A large part of the foreign intervention is done through drone technology. Hundreds of drone strikes have been used in populated areas on both sides of the conflict (UN). In addition to the many countries playing a part in the war, there are also different armed groups that seek to gain power and influence. Many of these are Islamist militant groups such as al-Qaeda, Ansar al-Sharia, ISIS, and other groups that are found all across North Africa and the Middle East (Counter Extremism Project). Although each of these groups seek to promote Islamic fundamentalism and wreak havoc across the entire region, Libya is of particular interest to them because of its’ lack of a formidable governing power. This power vacuum provides an opening that may not be as prevalent other countries. These developments of the Libyan conflict since the downfall of Gaddafi have led many Libyans to question whether this is a civil war at all, or an international war where their land is being used for a conflict out of their own control.

Since intervention in 2011, the United States has stayed away from Libyan politics. I believe that this is a mistake on part of the American government and that there must be substantive policy changes towards Libya. Many people in the national security and foreign service apparatus have argued against intervention in Libya in fear of an Iraq — like entanglement that the United States brought about itself years ago. However, everything going on in Libya today is parallel to the feared aftermath of intervention. As we have seen, the power vacuum in Libya has led to a fight for power by many different groups and countries, and Libya today resembles a failed state more than anything else. The United States must not stand by and watch, she must stand up for the Libyan people after failing to do so for years. America holds a position unlike any other country in the world that can be used as leverage against other countries to discourage any further support for violence in Libya. America must leverage its’ economic and diplomatic tools to bring about a resolution that restores the voice of the Libyan people. The incoming administration can use its’ economic prowess to discourage further intervention through tariffs and regulation. American intervention can bring about the peace and prosperity that the Libyan people had in mind throughout the Arab Spring and downfall of Gaddafi. The American government should use its’ leverage against intervening countries to discourage further action in Libya and allow the Libyan people to have a voice through democracy and a Libyan controlled legislature. Giving Libya the geopolitical space to control its’ own economy after peace is secured may lead to a long-term strategic upside for America as other countries in the region continue on a path of uncertainty and political fracture. The United States government has two options now that the war in Libya has evolved into an international war. It can stand by and watch as other countries grapple for leverage — by any means necessary, or it can intervene and bring an end to the violence and abuses that have plagued Libya for years.

Resources

Cook, Steven A. “The Fight for Libya: What to Know.” Council on Foreign Relations, Council on Foreign Relations, 19 Apr. 2019, www.cfr.org/in-brief/fight-libya-what-know.

“Foreign Involvement in Libya Must Be Stopped, Top Official Tells Security Council, Describing ‘Race against Time’ to Reach Peaceful Solution, Spare Lives | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/press/en/2019/sc14023.doc.htm.

“Libya: Extremism & Counter-Extremism.” Counter Extremism Project, 20 July 2020, www.counterextremism.com/countries/libya.

Wehrey, Frederic, and Jalel Harchaoui. “How to Stop Libya’s Collapse.” Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2020, www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/libya/2020-01-07/how-stop-libyas-collapse.

Written by: Alex Flanders