Thursday, Jun 05, 2014
Between presidential elections in Egypt, ongoing violence and sham elections in Syria and the endless cycle of violence in Iraq, it is easy to see how Libya has fallen from most geopolitical radars. But now, more than three years after the outbreak of a rebellion against the rule of strongman Muammar Gaddafi, Libya remains essentially in a state of revolt. And sadly, there is little sign that the factions within Libya — either in parliament or those controlling militias across the nation — have little ability to either rule together or even agree with each other.
Libya remains wracked by violence, with militias controlled regionally trying to command territory and petroleum producing facilities. Even General Khalifa Haftar, who in recent months had begun to emerge as a figure at least capable of controlling most elements in and around Benghazi, narrowly survived a bomb attack on Wednesday. The assassination of a Red Cross worker in Sirte, also on Wednesday, highlights just how dangerous the situation is for foreigners who are trying to improve the humanitarian situation in the country. Indeed, Haftar himself is a divisive figure, having been part of Gaddafi’s army chiefs and who now has command of former army units that remain loyal to him. He seems more focused on controlling Benghazi itself than being driven by the ideals of building a strong, unified Libyan state modelled on modern, democratic and secular principles.
While Gaddafi remained at large, the Libyan people — with the support of the Arab League and the broader international community — were united in the sole purpose of ending his dictatorship. After his death, those united rebels fractured into regional and religious groupings determined to carve out their own place of influence rather than rebuild a unified nation. How quickly too the international community has forgotten Libya, letting it wallow in divisions for the past two years as elections and leaders in Tripoli have failed to end the divisions to build a better future. Now, more than ever, it is time the Arab League takes a leadership role and effectively organises a meaningful conference to set Libya on a secure, prosperous — and peaceful — path.
By Gulf News
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