Marco Rubio meets Libyan commander as US pushes to resolve Libya crisis
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has met a top official from the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), which backs the government in eastern Libya and is competing for power with the internationall
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has met a top official from the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), which backs the government in eastern Libya
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
The meeting signals a potential shift in U.S. diplomacy toward Libya, where Washington has long been accused of sidelining local factions in favor of externally backed governments. Rubio's engagement with the LNA commander—despite its controversial reputation—underscores a pragmatic approach to stabilizing Libya, a country whose instability has fueled regional proxy wars and global energy disruptions.
Background Context
Libya has been fractured since the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of Muammar Gaddafi, with rival governments in the east and west backed by competing foreign powers, including Russia, Turkey, and the UAE. The LNA, led by General Khalifa Haftar, has been a key military force in eastern Libya but is often criticized for human rights abuses and lack of democratic legitimacy.
What Happens Next
Rubio’s meeting could pave the way for U.S.-mediated negotiations, but success hinges on whether Haftar’s faction can be convinced to accept a power-sharing deal. Skepticism remains high among Libya’s western factions, who view the LNA as a destabilizing force, while Haftar’s allies may demand concessions in exchange for cooperation.
Bigger Picture
This engagement reflects a broader trend of the U.S. re-engaging with regional strongmen to counterbalance Russian and Turkish influence in Africa and the Middle East. It also highlights the challenges of state-building in post-conflict zones where external actors prioritize strategic interests over democratic transitions.
