This article discusses the escalating rivalry between the U.S. and Russia in Libya, focusing on attempts by the U.S. to win over General Khalifa Haftar amidst increasing Russian military presence. Analysts offer varied viewpoints on the potential for U.S.-Libya relations and Haftar’s ties with Russia. Amidst these geopolitical maneuvers, the implications for U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration remain uncertain.
In recent developments concerning global geopolitics, Donald Trump has expressed a desire to engage in business with Vladimir Putin, while simultaneously expressing skepticism towards American allies. This situation is particularly evident in Libya, where the rivalry between the United States and Russia intensifies, reflecting a persistent Cold War atmosphere.
Recently, a B-52 bomber from the U.S. Air Force undertook a training visit to Libya, as U.S. military leaders seek to persuade local authorities to remove the increasing number of Russian troops positioned at desert bases within the country. The primary focus of this engagement is General Khalifa Haftar, who commands the eastern region of Libya and has permitted Russian forces to use the territory to support anti-Western regimes further south.
The visit by U.S. officials aimed to gain Haftar’s favor and occurred shortly after he and his sons visited Belarus, strengthening their ties with Russia. Analyst Jalel Harchaoui from the Royal United Services Institute noted that U.S. efforts to court Haftar have largely been managed by the Pentagon, emphasizing that both the Biden and Trump administrations have lacked a robust strategy towards Libya.
During the U.S. military visit, personnel from Haftar’s forces were invited to participate in exercises alongside members of a separate eastern Libyan government. Harchaoui remarked on Haftar’s ambiguous relations, stating, “Haftar tells the U.S. he would work with them but says Russia gives him air defenses and military training.”
After this engagement, Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister made yet another visit to eastern Libya, indicating the persistent Russian presence. Harchaoui noted that the number of Russians stationed at Libya’s Brak al-Shati airbase has increased significantly, rising from 300 to approximately 450 since November.
Ben Fishman, a senior fellow, expressed skepticism regarding Haftar’s potential shift away from Russian support, highlighting the limitations of U.S. military presence in affecting his decisions. Conversely, Mohamed Eljarh expressed optimism, suggesting that Haftar’s son, Saddam, is advocating for closer ties with the United States and had visited the U.S. in the previous year.
Despite these developments, analyst Umberto Profazio remained uncertain about whether the Trump administration would reciprocate any advances made by Saddam towards the U.S., given the administration’s unconventional stance on Russia and potential inclination to minimize U.S. involvement in Libya.
The dynamics in Libya illustrate the ongoing rivalry between the United States and Russia, with military engagements shaping local alliances. While U.S. outreach to General Khalifa Haftar continues, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding Haftar’s ties with Russia. The differing perspectives among analysts indicate both skepticism and cautious optimism about future U.S.-Libya relations and their impact on Russian influence in the region.
Original Source: www.defensenews.com
