On 3 December, Jared Malsin published an article with The Wall Street Journal on Eastern Libyan General Haftar and prospects for his integration in the future of Libya. The author notes that despite Haftar’s controversial reputation in Libya, he is considered by some Western powers as indispensable in prospects for peace and stabilisation in Libya due to his military force and influence. Due to his position towards Islamist groups in the country, General Haftar also benefits from strong support from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. According to Malsin quoting Claudia Gazzini, senior Libya analyst at International Crisis Group, the international gathering on Libya in Palermo last November particularly revealed the importance given by Western powers to General Haftar. However, it remains unclear how General Haftar could be fully integrated in Libya’s political sphere givent the existing divisions between Libyan political factions. On that matter, on 19 November, the Head of the High Council of State (HCS) Khalid Al-Misri declared agreeing with the Head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez Al-Sarraj on rejecting the appointment of General Haftar as the Supreme Commander of the future unified Libyan army.Click here to read the article.
What prospects for General Haftar ?