Archive for the ‘Libya’ Category

Is It Time for the Second Kingdom of Libya? – The National Interest

Those who deny that history repeats itself should take a look at recent Libyan history. Almost three-quarters of a century ago, following the defeat of the Axis forces in Libya during World War II, the issue of the destiny of the former Italian colony arose. Not unlike today, the international community was divided on how to deal with Libya. Interestingly, the same major international players currently present on the scene were already there in the 1940s. The United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy were all competing for some amount of presence in the country. Turkey, now actively engaged in Libya, had at the time quit the competition, but only after several centuries of dominating Libya, which ended with its surrender of the country to Italy in 1912.

Some of these international players, however, exhibited a better capacity for decisive action during World War II than they seem to be capable of nowadays. In particular, the UK, the United States, and France realized the bearing of Libyas strategic location on their respective national interests and proceeded accordingly. Britain needed a military presence close to Egypt and the Suez Canal, and Cyrenaica (East Libya)was ideal for the purpose. This agreement was indeed later formalizedin 1953 through a treaty giving Britain access to Aladam Air Base.

The United States also wanted a share of the Libyan strategic sphere, in this case, the Wheelus Air Base in Tripolitania (West Libya).An agreementon this was similarly formalized in 1954. At the time, Libya was one of the poorest countries in the world. Thus, the rental proceeds of the two facilities constituted the bulk of Libyas national income for several years before the discovery of oil. France did not need a military base in Libya, but was keen on its stability, especially in Fezzan (Southwest Libya),as it was bordering Frances North African and Sahel colonies. In short, each of the three powers recognized the strategic importance of the three provinces of Libya and acted accordingly.

Although they represented the national interests of three distinct actors, the international parties involved came to grasp the fundamental reality that the stability of any of the three Libyan territories was dependent on their unity. Despite vast expanses of desert separating them, the three territories are closer to each other than to any neighboring region. They have far too much connecting them demographically and culturallyto be treated as separate entities.

The United States, in particular, recognized the need for a reliable head of state who could ensure such unity in order to guarantee the stability necessary for the U.S. presence in West Libya to continue. On the ground, national movements and demonstrations rallying for unity under the leadership of Emir Idris Al-Senussi provided just that solution. As emir of Cyrenaica, and having garnered the allegiance of the people of Tripolitania in 1920, Idris was the only national figure who enjoyed both nationwide consensus and international confidence. Had it not been for Idris, who was the right man at the right time, and the convergence between national and international interests, modern Libya would never have seen the light of day.

Libyas independence in 1951 may therefore be one of the rare examples of an auspicious confluence of national and international concerns. The needs of a poor, occupied country for independence, economic support, stability, and unity were reconciled with the interests of three international powers.

If Libyan history is truly repeating itself, then it is doing so unkindly considering the current intra-Libyan violent conflicts and ferocious rivalries. Despite the existence of some factions and disputes in the 1940s, the wisdom of its founding fathers, who realized that none of the three provinces could survive apart from the others, prevailed. Notwithstanding certain limitations, the eighteen years that followed were an exemplary era of unity, stability, and prosperity, especially when compared to the post-monarchy era. Unfortunately, those conditions are absent today, with the petty factionalism that had been dormant for decades currently rearing its ugly head.

Over the course of the past ten years, the international community and United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) have struggled to address the deteriorating conditions in Libya. Two Berlin conferences and the Geneva dialogues were the most recent attempts to rectify the crisis in Libya. The United States, in coordination with UNSMIL, has been highly influential in brokering a ceasefire. What is of most concern today is the formation of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) and elections scheduled for December 24, 2021, a nostalgic, albeit ironic, allusion to the day of deliverance under Idriss leadership.

The promised elections are packaged in two segments, parliamentary and presidential. Assuming that free and transparent elections are possible amid the turmoil overrunning Libya, a newly elected parliament would only replicate the present one in terms of internal rivalries, corruption, and lack of meaningful impact.

In theory, presidential elections could be the way out. Many Libyans hope for a charismatic and strong persona, who would negotiate the departure of all foreign military personnel, unify the armed forces, and hold a constitutional referendum. However, it seems highly unlikely that the various internal factions and external powers would voluntarily set the country free from the grip of militias and foreign forces.

A great disappointment may be in store for those who harbor the illusion that free and transparent presidential elections will take place this coming December and will be recognized by the competing domestic and external forces. The country may instead be headed to another civil war, this time ending in the countrys final fragmentation, flinging open the gates for a flood of terrorists into Libya and illegal immigrants to Europe. In other words, the potential for another Afghanistan is real.

Those who set the unrealistic date of December 24 do not seem to be aware that they were functionally setting a date that may make or break the future of Libya. A sense of foreboding is creeping as that date approaches. Meanwhile, in contrast to the proactive attitude toward the Libyan question in the 1940s, the present international position is characterized by indecision and opaqueness, if not overt hypocrisy as far as some parties are concerned.

Is there any glimmer of hope in this otherwise bleak picture? Those who were interested in saving Libya in the postwar era found the way out through the Independence Constitution promulgated by the National Assembly in 1951. It offered a representative system of government and political and social freedoms which were exemplary for the region. In light of the lack of a constitutional basis in Libya, this constitution (as amended in 1963) is the only legitimate foundation for political action.

The constitution has not been repealed by any democratic action and was only suspended by the 1969 military coup which was itself devoid of any legitimacy. Notwithstanding the lack of opinion polls gauging support for a return to the monarchical system, calls for such a system are steadily rising on the ground. The exceedingly low satisfaction rate with the present situation is the best index for the desire for drastic change.

Perhaps it is time for a Second National Assembly to be convened by the interested international parties to reactivate the Independence Constitution and the royal system that was based around it. The restoration of the monarchy and the implementation of the Independence Constitution would have to be backed up by the concerned parties with all appropriate means. The Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammad El Hasan el Rida el Senussi, would then assume his responsibilities as the King of Libya, bringing with him the same unifying powers his forefathers exemplified.

After so many decades of mismanagement and corruption, it is about time for a head of state who cares about the future of the country. A figure with integrity and steadfastness, transcending partisan politics and factional interests, is necessary to restore national unity and reconciliation. The same constitution through which Libya found salvation seven decades ago may still be the path for the restoration of Libyas unity and stability.

Dr. Abdurrahman Habil is the former Libyan Minister of Culture and Member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Libya.

Image: Reuters

Read more from the original source:
Is It Time for the Second Kingdom of Libya? - The National Interest

Fact Check: Old video from Libya shared as Taliban learning to fly US chopper – India Today

A video depicting Taliban fighters learning to fly American helicopters has gone viral on social media (Photo: India Today)

The United States left behind billions of dollars' worth sophisticated weaponry, including attack helicopters and armoured vehicles, as they pulled out of Afghanistan. Visuals of Taliban taking over Kabul airport and posing with US choppers have been circulating on social media.

Amid this, a video of a helicopter going zigzag on a road is being shared with the claim that Taliban is learning to fly American choppers. Special Black Hawk Taxi Service, #Afghanistan Taxi Operator #Taliban, says one such caption.

The archived versions of the posts can be seen here and here.

India Today Anti Fake News War Room (AFWA) has found the claim along with the video to be misleading. The video is linked to the Libyan conflict and was taken last year.

A reverse search of keyframes of the video led us to a Vietnamese news website which had used a still from the viral clipping in a report on the Libyan conflict.

The Libyan conflict is primarily between the Government of National Accord (GNA) and Libyan National Army (LNA). According to the news report, in June last year, GNA forces cleared Tripoli International Airport of LNA fighters and captured a large cache of heavy weaponry, including helicopters.

Russian media Piter.TV also gave out similar information. A Twitter user had even shared the same video on June 5, 2020.

Therefore, it is clear that even though there are fears of American weapons falling into Taliban hands, the viral video is not related to the crisis in Afghanistan, but the conflict in Libya.

(Inputs by Sreejisha Laila in Thiruvananthapuram)

ClaimVideo shows Taliban learning to fly American helicopters left behind. ConclusionThis video was taken in 2020 during the Libyan conflict. The Government of National Accord (GNA) had captured the helicopter and other heavy military equipment from Libyan National Army (LNA).

The number of crows determines the intensity of the lie.

Click here for IndiaToday.ins complete coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

See more here:
Fact Check: Old video from Libya shared as Taliban learning to fly US chopper - India Today

List of heads of state of Libya – Wikipedia

Kingdom of Libya (19511969)[edit]No.NamePortraitLifespanReignDynastyReign startReign endDurationKing of Libya1Idris I1889198324 December 19511 September 196917years, 251daysSenussiThe first and only King of Libya. Deposed in the 1969 coup d'tat.Libya under Gaddafi (19692011)[edit]Libyan Arab Republic (19691977)[edit]No.NamePortraitLifespanTerm of officePolitical partyTook officeLeft officeTime in officeChairman of the Revolutionary Command Council2Muammar Gaddafi194220111 September 19692 March 19777years, 182daysMilitary / Arab Socialist UnionGaddafi dissolved the Revolutionary Command Council on 2 March 1977, after the General People's Congress adopted the Declaration on the Establishment of the Authority of the People.Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (19772011)[edit]Secretaries-General of the General People's Congress(2)Muammar Gaddafi194220112 March 19772 March 19792 yearsMilitary / Independent(Islamic socialist)Gaddafi renounced all government functions on 2 March 1979. However, as leader of the revolution (officially "Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution"), he retained ultimate control over Libya until he was deposed and killed during the 2011 Civil War.[1][2]3Abdul Ati al-Obeidiborn 19392 March 19797 January 19811year, 311daysIndependent(Islamic socialist)Previously served as Secretary-General of the General People's Committee (Prime Minister), from 1977 to 1979.4Muhammad az-Zaruq Rajabborn 19407 January 198115 February 19843years, 39daysIndependent(Islamic socialist)Afterwards served as Secretary-General of the General People's Committee (Prime Minister), from 1984 to 1986.5Mifta al-Usta Umar1935201015 February 19847 October 19906years, 234daysIndependent(Islamic socialist)Served at the time of the 1986 United States bombing (Operation El Dorado Canyon).6Abdul Razzaq as-Sawsa193320167 October 199018 January 19921year, 103daysIndependent(Islamic socialist)7Muhammad az-Zanatiborn 194418 January 19923 March 200816years, 45daysIndependent(Islamic socialist)8Miftah Muhammed K'ebaborn 19473 March 20085 March 20091year, 2daysIndependent(Islamic socialist)9Imbarek Shamekhborn 19525 March 2009[3]26 January 2010327daysIndependent(Islamic socialist)Previously served as Secretary-General of the General People's Committee (Prime Minister), from 2000 to 2003.10Mohamed Abu al-Qasim al-Zwaiborn 195226 January 2010[4]23 August 20111year, 209daysIndependent(Islamic socialist)Served at the time of the First Civil War and the concurrent foreign military intervention. Deposed during the Battle of Tripoli.Transitional period (2011present)[edit]Chairman of the National Transitional Council11Mustafa Abdul Jalilborn 19525 March 20118 August 20121year, 156daysIndependentIn rebellion to 23 August 2011, based in Benghazi during this period.Presidents of the General National CongressMohammed Ali SalimActing Presidentborn 19358 August 20129 August 20121dayIndependentSymbolic head of state for the handover of power from the NTC.12Mohammed Magariafborn 19409 August 201228 May 2013292daysNational Front PartyResigned to comply with the Political Isolation Law passed by the GNC on 14 May 2013.Giuma Ahmed AtighaActing Presidentborn 195028 May 201325 June 201328daysIndependent13Nouri Abusahmainborn 195625 June 20135 April 20162years, 285daysIndependentIn rebellion, based in Tripoli. Internationally recognized until 4 August 2014.Following the 2014 legislative election, the government was split between the newly-elected House of Representatives and the outgoing General National Congress, resulting in the ongoing civil war. The 2014 legislative elections were declared invalid by the Libyan Supreme Court in November 2014.Presidents of the House of RepresentativesAbu Bakr Baira Acting Presidentborn 19414 August 20145 August 20141dayIndependentSymbolic head of state for the handover of power from the GNC.14Aguila Saleh Issaborn 19445 August 201415 March 20216years, 222daysIndependentIn rebellion, based in Tobruk. Internationally recognized until 12 March 2016.Following the inauguration of the Presidential Council and the Government of National Accord, the government remained split between the House of Representatives and the National Salvation Government, recreated after the 2016 coup d'tat attempt. Afterwards, the High Council of the Revolution was created as well. However, the High Council of State, based in Tripoli, recognized the GNA.Chairmen of the Presidential Council15Fayez al-Sarrajborn 196030 March 201615 March 20214years, 350daysIndependentInternationally recognized, based in Tripoli. Simultaneously served as Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord.16Mohamed al-Menfiborn 197615 March 2021Incumbent164daysIndependentInternationally recognized, based in Tripoli.

More here:
List of heads of state of Libya - Wikipedia

Libyan HoR session to be held on time: Spokesman – The Libya Observer

The spokesman for the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR) Abdullah Blehiq said the Government of National Unity questioning session will be held on time next Monday in Tobruk.

The HoR summoned the Government of National Unity for questioning but the Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah said he wouldn't be able to attend because he has a scheduled visit overseas.

The Libyan Prime Minister also said in a televised speech on Friday that the HoR is hindering the work of the government by delaying the budget approval.

The Speaker of the HoR Aqila Saleh said they will withdraw confidence in the Government of National Unity if Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah doesn't show up at the questioning session on Monday, adding that he himself will call for a no-confidence vote because not attending the session by Dbeibah means disrespect.

Speaking to UAE's Al-Ghad TV Channel, Saleh said Dbeibah has no excuse and he better attends the session where MPs will ask questions about the government's negligence in state institutions' unification, electricity, and Coronavirus among other files.

Some HoR members expressed doubt about the holding of the session on Monday due to the lack of consensus on withdrawing confidence, which was demanded by a statement of 27 MPs: pro-Haftar National Sovereignty Bloc, and rejected by many other MPs.

The rest is here:
Libyan HoR session to be held on time: Spokesman - The Libya Observer

UN: Libya’s FFM will present its report in October – The Libya Observer

The United Nations has reported that the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Libya will submit its report to the Human Rights Council next October, after its first visit to Tripoli, which lasted four days, in which it provided updated information to the Libyan authorities about its work.

The main goal of our visit was to strengthen our cooperation with the Libyan authorities in the fulfillment of our mandate, said Mohamed Aujjar, the head of the FFM, adding that Human Rights Council urged the Libyan authorities to extend full cooperation to the Mission and we are pleased that the Libyan authorities showed commitment to continue to cooperate with the Mission and assist our work.

Aujjar also stated that this visit followed an investigation mission conducted earlier last July, noting that the Mission has been able to gather a significant amount of information despite the challenges it has faced, including time constraints and travel restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

FFM member, Tracy Robinson said that they are in a position to reach a number of important findings, which they will present to the Human Rights Council next October, noting that identifying the violations and abuses committed in Libya since 2016 requires much longer time.

Aujjar indicated that many witnesses refused to deal with the Mission out of fear for their safety, saying that they called on the Libyan authorities to ensure the freedom of individuals to cooperate with the Mission, stressing that accountability for past and ongoing human rights violations and addressing prevailing impunity, must be part of the process of achieving peace and stability.

See more here:
UN: Libya's FFM will present its report in October - The Libya Observer