War Lord: Khalifa Haftar and the Future of Libya

Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar leads an army that controls most of Libya, backed by the powerful Libyan tribes and international governments. He has gained the support of powerful international players but is also portrayed as a dangerous rogue commander with terrorist tendencies. This book explores his life and the future of Libya against a backdrop of Libyan oppression and war.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 15 July 2021
\n Publisher: Amberley Publishing
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Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar commands an army that holds significant control over most of Libya, positioned at the gates of Tripoli and posing a threat to overthrow the Government of National Accord. With the support of influential Libyan tribes, Haftar has also garnered backing from several international governments, who view him as the last hope for a democratic resolution in Libya. However, others portray him as a dangerous rogue commander with terrorist tendencies.

Who is Khalifa Haftar, and how has he emerged as the most influential leader in Libya? How has this unknown commander assembled an army from scratch, exerted control over powerful Libyan tribes, and secured the support of influential global players? Is he a boon for Libya or a terrorist threat? This book delves into the life of Khalifa Haftar amidst the backdrop of Libyan oppression and conflict. Haftar, a charismatic and contentious figure, offers a unique perspective on decades of Libyan unrest and sheds light on the future of this volatile region.

Haftar's military career began in the 1960s, during the reign of King Muammar Gaddafi. He served in various military positions and played a key role in the Libyan civil war that erupted in 1969. Haftar's loyalty to Gaddafi was unwavering, and he was known for his loyalty and dedication to the regime.

However, Haftar's relationship with Gaddafi began to sour in the late 1980s, as the regime faced increasing opposition and internal turmoil. Haftar was marginalized by Gaddafi's inner circle and was accused of plotting against the regime. In 1991, Haftar launched a military coup against Gaddafi, but the attempt failed, and he was forced into exile.

Haftar spent the next two decades in exile, residing in countries such as Egypt, France, and the United States. During this time, he continued to plot against Gaddafi's regime and gather support for his cause. In 2011, the Arab Spring uprisings swept across the Middle East and North Africa, and Libya was no exception. The uprising led to the overthrow of Gaddafi, and Haftar saw an opportunity to return to his homeland and reclaim his position of power.

Upon his return to Libya, Haftar formed the Libyan National Army (LNA), a military force that aimed to restore stability and security to the country. The LNA quickly gained traction and began to assert its control over various regions of Libya, including Tripoli, where the Government of National Accord was based.

Haftar's military campaign against the Government of National Accord has been characterized by its intensity and brutality. He has been accused of using indiscriminate force against civilians, including the bombing of hospitals and schools. Haftar's supporters argue that his actions are necessary to protect Libya from the threat of terrorism and instability, while his critics argue that he is using his military power to pursue his own political agenda.

Despite the controversy surrounding Haftar, he has gained significant support from powerful international players, including the United States, Russia, and Egypt. These countries see Haftar as a potential ally in their efforts to stabilize the region and combat terrorism. However, some critics argue that these countries are supporting Haftar in order to gain influence in Libya and its oil resources.

In conclusion, Khalifa Haftar is a complex and controversial figure who has emerged as the most powerful leader in Libya. His military career began in the 1960s, during the reign of King Muammar Gaddafi, and he played a key role in the Libyan civil war that erupted in 1969. Haftar's loyalty to Gaddafi was unwavering, but his relationship with the regime began to sour in the late 1980s, leading to his exile.

Upon his return to Libya in 2011, Haftar formed the Libyan National Army (LNA) and began to assert his control over various regions of the country. His military campaign against the Government of National Accord has been characterized by its intensity and brutality, and he has been accused of using indiscriminate force against civilians. Despite the controversy surrounding Haftar, he has gained significant support from powerful international players, including the United States, Russia, and Egypt.

As the situation in Libya continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Haftar will be able to maintain his hold on power or whether he will face opposition from other factions within the country. However, his role in shaping the future of Libya is undeniable, and his impact on the region will be felt for years to come.

\n Weight: 584g\n
Dimension: 168 x 245 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781398107786\n \n