On 17 December, Anna Borshchevskaya, Ben Fishman, and Barbara A. Leaf published an article with The Washington Institute. The authors analyse the results of the Palermo Conference held in November 2018, an Italian initiative which aimed at gathering Libyan and international actors to push forward a solution to the persisting crisis in Libya. The authors argue that while the conference produced some positive outcomes, a US involvement would be required for a genuine breakthrough. In the absence of US leadership, the authors also highlight the emergence of Russia as partner for Libya. For the authors,
Now is the time for Washington to reengage—UNSMIL’s efforts are gaining momentum, and only the United States can give the mission the political space required to advance the next stages of Libya’s long-overdue transition.
On that matter, recent reports suggest that plans could be underway for the return of a US diplomatic mission to Libya.Click here to read the article.