With reconstruction in mind, can Turkey-Egypt thaw offer lifeline for Libya?
The complex interplay of regional and international interests and entrenched divisions within Libya itself suggest that progress may be slow and difficult to achieve.
BENGHAZI, Libya — The recent diplomatic thaw between Egypt and Turkey, marked by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's visit to Ankara on Sept. 4, is a noteworthy development in the Middle Eastern political landscape. While this rapprochement holds potential implications for the ongoing crisis in Libya, it remains uncertain whether it will yield the stability many hope for. The coordination between Cairo and Ankara might offer a new approach to addressing Libya's challenges, but it must contend with numerous regional and international interests that could complicate progress.
Historically, relations between Egypt and Turkey have been strained, particularly over their opposing stances in Libya. Both nations have supported rival factions, exacerbating tensions in the conflict. The recent rapprochement hints at a possible change, with both countries expressing a commitment to support simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya. Although this is a positive step toward addressing Libya's political paralysis, the situation remains complex, and it is unclear whether their cooperation will lead to substantial breakthroughs.
A central element of this evolving diplomatic relationship is the call for the removal of "illegal foreign forces and mercenaries" from Libya. This aligns with Egypt's long-standing position but may suggest a more nuanced approach compared to previous demands for the complete withdrawal of foreign military forces. The shift could be a strategic attempt to balance Turkey's influence in Libya while pursuing broader goals of stability. However, it remains to be seen how far this alignment will go in practice, particularly given Turkey's entrenched role in supporting the Tripoli-based government.
Reconstruction projects
