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After 2011, the United States stayed on the sidelines—to Libya’s detriment

MENASource Jan 10, 2024

Egypt was mediating a deal to end the Gaza war. Then Saleh Al-Arouri was assassinated. 

By Shahira Amin

Keen on regaining its traditional leadership role as chief mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, Cairo had put forward a three-stage plan to end the conflict. 
Conflict Israel
After 2011, the United States stayed on the sidelines—to Libya’s detriment

MENASource Dec 18, 2023

2023: A year in the Middle East

By Rachel Friedman

2023 was a tumultuous and tragic year for the Middle East and North Africa. It also produced moments of hope and diplomatic feats.
Iran Iraq
After 2011, the United States stayed on the sidelines—to Libya’s detriment

MENASource Dec 13, 2023

China’s de-dollarization message finds a receptive audience in North Africa

By Thomas Hill

A coordinated and concerted de-dollarization effort in North Africa poses a significant threat to US interests in the region and the African continent at large by existing regional trade groupings and agreements.
China East Asia

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Libya

After 2011, the United States stayed on the sidelines—to Libya’s detriment

MENASource Dec 7, 2023

President Sisi’s third term will be his biggest challenge—not the upcoming Egyptian election 

By Shahira Amin

While it is certain that Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will win a third term, it is uncertain what will happen after the vote and when the Gaza war is over.
Elections Middle East
After 2011, the United States stayed on the sidelines—to Libya’s detriment

MENASource Sep 22, 2023

The Derna catastrophe is a sign that the international community needs to take action in Libya

By Karim Mezran

This narrow window of opportunity is unlikely to remain open for long.
Libya Middle East
After 2011, the United States stayed on the sidelines—to Libya’s detriment

New Atlanticist Aug 30, 2023

Israel, Libya, and Italy were just reminded that diplomacy requires more than diplomats

By Karim Mezran

A recent meeting in Rome between the Libyan and Israeli foreign ministers has resulted in protests in Libya and political pressure on Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.
Africa Israel
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Jul 30, 2024

After 2011, the United States stayed on the sidelines—to Libya’s detriment

By Ben Fishman

When reflecting over the last decade of the US policy, especially in the Trump and Biden administrations, three consistent trends emerge: insufficient support for the UN political process to restore legitimacy to Libya’s political; leadership, repeated appeals to eastern warlord and head of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar to participate in a political process; and most consequentially for the United States, a seeming lack of attention to Russia’s increased presence in Libya.

Conflict Libya

Report

Jul 30, 2024

Libya is the crucial hub for Moscow’s activities in Africa

By Chiara Lovotti, Alissa Pavia

Over the past decade, Russia’s involvement in Libya is evidence of its realization that it could transition from a marginal power to a significant competitor in the country, and thus in the broader Middle East and North Africa.

Conflict Middle East

Report

Jul 30, 2024

After anti-migration efforts shrank its influence, Rome needs a new Libya policy

By Karim Mezran, Aldo Liga

It has been more than thirteen years since the outbreak of the 2011 Libyan revolution and the moment when Italy reluctantly supported the NATO-led intervention that imposed a no-fly zone over Libya purportedly to protect the population from Muammar Gaddafi’s retaliation.

Italy Libya

Report

Jul 30, 2024

Benghazi is a major stumbling block for national reconciliation efforts

By Mary Fitzgerald

In May 2014 Libyan General Khalifa Haftar launched a then-unauthorized military operation from Benghazi, Libya’s second city. The operation, which Haftar named Karama, or Dignity, was centered on but not limited to Benghazi; its declared aim was to eradicate what Haftar and his associates described as terrorism. However, it prompted a swell of armed opposition from those who suspected it was a pretext for the septuagenarian general’s ambition to rule Libya.

Conflict Libya

Report

Jul 30, 2024

Internationalized kleptocracy is on the rise in Libya

By Oliver Windridge

On April 16, 2024, UN Special Representative for Libya Abdoulaye Bathily announced he would resign, citing a “lack of political will and good faith” among Libyan leaders. Few would disagree with his diagnosis that the vested interests of Libyan leaders have created a roadblock for progress.

Conflict Libya

Report

Jul 30, 2024

The UN should take a bolder stance in Libya

By Álvaro de Argüelles

The two main armed conflicts of the last two years—in Gaza and Ukraine—have led to the belief that international politics are ruled again by sheer force and that the United Nations is no longer a relevant actor.

Conflict Libya

Report

Jul 30, 2024

Libya’s protracted crisis, ten years of electoral deadlock

By Ben Fishman, Alvaro de Argüelles Lugo , Mary Fitzgerald, Aldo Liga, Chiara Lovotti, Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

A decade has passed since the last elections were held in Libya, and the country remains mired in a stalemate and deeply divided.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Jul 29, 2024

The Mattei Plan is an opportunity for North Africa

By Karim Mezran

North Africa is particularly vulnerable, and the Mattei Plan can positively defuse regional tensions.

Africa Civil Society

MENASource

Jul 17, 2024

How Tunisia’s upcoming presidential elections will erode its democracy

By Alissa Pavia

These elections will likely enable further consolidation of power and undo more than a decade of progress in building democratic institutions.

Elections Human Rights

In the News

Jul 16, 2024

Mezran in Institute for Global Studies: Abdelmajid Tebboune lifts reservations and announces his candidacy for the presidential election

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Elections
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