Economist Podcasts Haftar be going now: the balance shifts in Libya
Jun 10, 2020
Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, shares his insights on the dramatic shifts in Libyan power as Khalifa Haftar retreats from Tripoli, revealing the complexities of foreign influence and internal strife. Lena Shipper, the bureau chief, discusses North Korea's economic woes and its increasing isolation from the South, exploring how local crises often distract from external tensions. They touch on broader geopolitical implications, unveiling a fascinating look at how conflict shapes nations.
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Libya's Stalemate
- Libya has been in constant conflict since the 2011 uprising, with warlord Khalifa Haftar attempting to seize Tripoli.
- Neither Haftar's forces nor the UN-backed government held a decisive advantage for long.
Haftar's Background
- Khalifa Haftar has been a constant figure in Libyan politics, serving under Gaddafi and later working with the CIA.
- After Gaddafi's overthrow, Haftar returned to Libya, aiming to seize power through military force.
Tripoli Under Siege
- Haftar's siege reduced Tripoli's effective size, with the city center remaining lively despite the constant threat of violence.
- Pelham witnessed the city's resilience but also the ever-present danger, even at the airport.