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Trump administration goes for ‘360 degree’ diplomacy to help end Libya war

White House calls for cease-fire as Egypt-Turkey rivalry spills over into eastern Mediterranean.

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Fighters loyal to the UN-recognized Libyan Government of National Accord secure the area of Abu Qurain, halfway between the capital, Tripoli, and Libya's second city, Benghazi, against forces loyal to Khalifa Hifter, who is based in eastern Benghazi, on July 20, 2020. Since 2015, a power struggle has pitted the Government of National Accord against forces loyal to Hifter. The strongman is mainly supported by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia, while Turkey backs the Government of National Accor. — MAHMUD TURKIA/AFP via Getty Images

The Trump administration waded even deeper into the Libya conflict this week, backing UN calls for a cease-fire amid the many factions, and signaling again that the country’s oil fields are off limits to those seeking to profit on the war.

The US initiative is well timed, with signs of an escalation of fighting between the Libyan Government of National Accord, which is recognized by the UN and backed by Turkey, and the insurgent forces of former general Khalifa Hifter, who has the support of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and France. 

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