The Humiliation of Libya: Foreign Meddling and Military Bases Tarnish the Self-Image or a Once-Proud Nation

• Published in: The Washington report on Middle East affairs Vol. 44; no. 2; pp. 70 - 81
• Main Author: Fetouri, Mustafa
• Format: Journal Article Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington American Educational Trust 01.03.2025
• Subjects: Aircraft accidents & safety; Diplomatic & consular services; Diplomats; Geopolitics; Military aspects; Military bases; United States; Libya; Russia; Italy; United States > US; Africa
• ISSN: 8755-4917; 2163-2782

Fetouri discusses the humiliation of Libya. Many Libyans believe their country is being pulled apart by foreign meddlers and self-confessed informants for foreign countries whose newly "polished" legitimacy is founded in their role as proxies for foreign countries (which remains, in theory at least, a treasonous act punishable by death). The evidence, they say, is in plain view. Meddling is widespread. There is hardly any issue in which foreign diplomats, emissaries and other agents do not interfere. They feel entitled to casually comment, offer unwanted advice or simply criticize any subject at hand. This bizarre intrusion is, to many Libyans of a certain age, a repeat of how the country used to be governed during its early years of independence. Most Libyans know too little about the security and maritime deal the former Government of National Accord (2015-2021) signed with Turkiye, which allowed the deployment of troops and Syrian mercenaries. It is not known, for example, how long the Turks plan to stay (and why) or even where they are.