Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to engage with Vladimir Putin, yet competition persists between the U.S. and Russia in Libya. Recent U.S. military efforts focus on forging ties with General Khalifa Haftar, who maintains Russian support. Experts diverge on Haftar’s future alignment, with some pessimistic about shifts due to Russian influence and others hopeful about potential ties through his son, Saddam.
In recent geopolitical developments, Donald Trump has expressed a desire to engage with Vladimir Putin, at times disregarding U.S. alliances. Libya remains a pivotal area where U.S.-Russia tensions are evident, reminiscent of Cold War dynamics, particularly with the presence of Russian troops in the region. Recent U.S. military activities, including a notable training visit by a B-52 bomber, aim to strengthen relations with local leaders to challenge Russian influence.
The U.S. initiative focused on General Khalifa Haftar, the military commander controlling Libya’s eastern territory, who has been utilizing Russian support to maintain his position and project power toward neighboring regimes. Following a visit from Haftar and his sons to Belarus, signifying their strengthening ties with Russia, the U.S. is keen to sway Haftar’s allegiance. Jalel Harchaoui, from the RUSI think tank, noted that the Pentagon is leading diplomatic efforts in Libya amid a lack of coherent policy from both the Biden and Trump administrations.
U.S. military representatives from Africa Command have engaged with Haftar’s forces, but cooperation remains challenging due to Haftar’s reliance on Russian military aid. Harchaoui observed that while Haftar professes willingness to cooperate with the U.S., Russian support, particularly in air defense, complicates his stance. Moreover, recent reports indicate a rise in Russian military personnel stationed at Libya’s Brak al-Shati airbase.
Experts express skepticism about Haftar’s potential shift away from Russia, as articulated by Ben Fishman from the Washington Institute, who argues that U.S. military maneuvers alone will not sway him. Conversely, Mohamed Eljarh from Libya Outlook highlights possibilities of engagement, citing Haftar’s son Saddam’s efforts to forge ties with the U.S. and ongoing concerns about Russian strategies in Libya.
Analyst Umberto Profazio cautioned that it remains uncertain how the Trump administration will respond to potential overtures from Saddam Haftar, given its atypical approach towards Russia and tendencies to reduce overseas military involvement. The situation in Libya exemplifies the complexities of international diplomacy in this changing geopolitical landscape.
The situation in Libya underscores significant U.S.-Russia tensions as both nations vie for influence. While military engagements have resumed, the path to gaining support from Libyan leaders like General Haftar remains fraught with challenges, especially due to his reliance on Russian military assistance. The evolving dynamics between the United States and Libya, particularly with potential engagement from Haftar’s son, will be pivotal in determining future alliances. Ultimately, the intricate geopolitical landscape highlights the enduring competition between the U.S. and Russia in regions like Libya.
Original Source: www.defensenews.com
