The Libyan government needs a new approach to its current crisis. Similarly, the international community needs to recalibrate its assistance to Libya. Teaming up with FP's Mohamed Al-Jarh, we have crafted a policy relevant piece for the Atlantic Council.
On Friday November 15, Tripoli witnessed its bloodiest day since its liberation from Muammar Qaddafi. This current crisis allows the government an unprecedented opportunity to change course and to abandon its previously failed policies. Finally, the inhabitants of Tripoli and Benghazi are attempting to reclaim ownership of their cities from the militias.To meet the demands of the Libyan people, the Libyan authorities and the international community need to start engaging in efforts at "localizing" power. As we pointed out in the New York Times on October 18, the cancellation of some military aid to Egypt should allow President Barack Obama to redirect part of the withheld funds towards projects in Libya without the need for congressional approval. Furthermore, despite his pledge to not resign, Prime Minster Ali Zeidan should step down and allow for the formation of a national unity government which will fulfill a caretaker function—recalibrating the relationship between center and periphery while overseeing the elections for the constitutional committee. To read the rest click here.