After the fall of Gaddafi, Libya’s historic military and political leader, many clans were left fighting for power; one of such led by Haftar, the other called the GN focused on Islamic law.
Libya’s outcome following the Arab Spring led to a divided state with two factions fighting for power. The Government of National Accord led by Fayez-al-Sarrej is internationally recognized, but the Khalifa Haftar leads a military force. Libya’s conflict has been ongoing for almost a decade now, following the demise of Muammer Gaddafi, and a summit in Berlin has brought together world leaders to end foreign interference. An embargo was signed by world powers to stop the import of weapons and cash.
Involvement in Libya is the epitome of geopolitical interest. Libya’s position in Northern Africa has a large Mediterranean coastline and is rich in oil potential. Almost every functioning country has interest in or is allied with a country of interest in Libya.
Trump in early 2017 stated that he does not see a US “role” in Libya. Although America has not explicitly taken a role on intervention, a significant ally of ours is Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has been amicable towards Haftar and his mission against the “Muslim Brotherhood.” Their position against an Islamic state of Libya is similar to their animosity towards Iran’s theocratic regime. Saudi Arabia fears the rise of religious run states in the region, as it threatens their own legitimacy.
Haftar’s mission to curb the spread of an Islamic State is also supported by the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is another secular state devoted to their economy and oil production rather than a religious state.
The embargo imposed by the UN also exemplifies the well intentioned, but inefficient nature of the United Nations. Embargos have been placed on Libya since the beginning of chaos in 2011, but were poorly enforced and had little effect on the “intra” state conflict. The United Nations may believe that it is their job to control foreign action in Libya, but economic benefits and geopolitical interests will always trump a UN “law.”
The failed Libyan state is just another example of the demise after the removal of an authoritarian leader. Although the coup may seem like a successful idea, the state is almost always drowned in turmoil and proxy battles.