Resolving the Gulf crisis through Libya – The Hill (blog)
The rift within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is one of the most significant foreign policy challenges facing the Trump administration.
The conflict between Qatar on the one side, against Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, as well as Egypt, is based on divisions over key issues including political Islam and Irans quest for regional influence.
A clear example of how these tensions have played out on the global stage is the ongoing proxy wrangling over Libya.
Libya has been suffering from a civil war that began in 2014 when the country split between rival factions based in the east and west, respectively. The United States supported a U.N.-led negotiation effort that resulted in the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement in late 2015 and the establishment of an internationally recognized Presidential Council (PC). However, it has been unable to solidify its hold on the capital in Tripoli, let alone the rest of the country. It faces a major challenge from eastern-based strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is aligned with the House of Representatives (HOR) in the east.
It is against this backdrop that the divisions in the Gulf have played out most clearly in a proxy conflict. As a result of personal relations between the Qatari elite, authoritative figures in the Muslim Brotherhood, and Islamist-leaning intellectuals and personalities, Doha in 2011 openly supported the Libyan revolution and worked to strengthen forces in the country close to its Islamist allies. While Qatar briefly suspended its support for proxies in Libya in 2015 due to U.S. and U.N. pressure, it resumed this support in 2016.
The UAE and Egypt, while ostensibly supportive of the PC in official rhetoric, have provided Haftar with military support in his campaign to free the country from all Islamists. These states support Haftars anti-Islamist rhetoric because they have sought to isolate and crack down on certain Islamist groups, most notably the Muslim Brotherhood. The HOR joined the Saudi-UAE bloc in cutting ties with Doha, and Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA) accused Qatar of deploying forces in Libya and financing radical groups.
The Benghazi Defense Brigades (BDB), which has been battling Haftars army and has fought alongside PC-backed forces, was one of the organizations on a terrorist sanctions list issued by the Saudi-UAE bloc accused of receiving financing from Qatar.
The proxy support provided by the Gulf to Libyas rival parties is no secret. In March 2013, the U.N. panel tasked with monitoring the arms embargo on Libya said that in 2011-2012, Qatar violated the embargo by providing military material to the revolutionary forces through the organization of a large number of flights and the deliveries of a range of arms and ammunition.
The U.N.s most recent report in June found that the UAE violated the embargo from 2014 to 2017 by providing aircraft and other military assets to Haftar. UAE airpower was also likely decisive in helping Haftar retake key oil facilities from the BDB in March.
The conflict in Libya presents the United States with an opportunity to mediate between the conflicting parties in the GCC rift. The United States is the only country capable of leveraging enough authority to convince Doha and Abu Dhabi to cease support for their respective proxies on the ground in Libya and come to the table in earnest search of a credible solution to the crisis in the country.
Progress on this front would establish a level of positive cooperation between the Qatar and the Saudi-UAE bloc that could lead to a more productive, U.S.-led dialogue aimed at ending the Gulf crisis.
While the State Department has been correctly reluctant to throw its weight behind the Saudi-UAE bloc, the current policy of keeping at an arms length is ineffective. Days before the Saudi-UAE bloc released its demands to Qatar, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert noted that The more time goes by, the more doubt is raised about the actions taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE and whether they were about concerns of Qatari funding for terrorism or longstanding grievances.
This was a welcome shift from the immediate support expressed by President Trump for the Saudi-UAE bloc. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Riyadh to ensure that its demands to Doha were reasonable and actionable. However, Qatar is unlikely to bow to the heavy list of demands issued on June 23. Doha insists that it will not negotiate with the Saudi-UAE bloc while faced with punitive diplomatic and economic measures.
In this context, rather than pressure Qatar to submit to the demands or call out the Saudi-UAE bloc for what are unlikely the reasonable and actionable demands Tillerson envisioned, the United States should present Libya as an opportunity to address the competing interests of the Gulf states.
By bringing the Gulf rivals together around the negotiation table on Libya, the United States could foster common ground between the Saudi-UAE bloc and Qatar. An improvement in relations surrounding the Libya issue could help build trust and find solutions for other major disagreements. Indeed, recent progress in Libya could provide an opening, such as the decision by the BDB, condemned by Haftar and his Gulf supporters, to demobilize and agree to join a formal, legitimate national army.
One of the demands issued by Saudi-UAE bloc to Qatar is to cease interference in the affairs of sovereign countries. This is a standard that must be met by all regional actors engaged in Libya; the proxy war has exacerbated tensions within the country and made dim any prospect for a peaceful solution.
By recognizing the conflict in Libya as one manifestation of Gulf regional competition, the Trump administration, in coordination with the U.N., could exert U.S. leadership to obtain Gulf rapprochement through the resolution of divisions over Libya.
Karim Mezranis a resident senior fellow with the Council's Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East.Elissa Milleris an assistant director at the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East.
The views of contributors are their own and not the views of The Hill.
Originally posted here:
Resolving the Gulf crisis through Libya - The Hill (blog)
- Jewelry and Adornment of Libya: A Comprehensive Chronicle of Heritage and Craft - Sada Elbalad english - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Libya has announced that former NBA guard Sam Vincent - HoopsHype - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Boulos reveals upcoming signing of 2 new deals by Libyas NOC and US energy firms - The Libya Observer - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- U.S. Issues Emergency Do Not Travel Advisories For Libya, Syria, Haiti, And IraqHeres Why Ongoing Conflicts, Kidnappings, And Terrorism Have Elevated... - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Libyan prosecutors sent to Egypt for criminal justice training - The Libya Observer - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Muammar Gaddafi: The Revolutionary Who Reshaped Libya - Vocal - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- US Embassy: Allegations of transferring Gaza residents to Libya are inflammatory - The Libya Observer - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Libya is ready to work with European governments to stem the migrant flow | Letter - The Guardian - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Greece invites Libya to maritime zone talks to ease strained ties - Reuters - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Libya: INTERPOL Launch Joint Security Operation to Bolster Border Control and Tackle Organised Crime - The North Africa Post - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Libya: 'We need more than window-dressing on migration' - EUobserver - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Libyas Tika Construction Chemicals company exports another shipment of its Xtreme porcelain tile adhesive and grouting materials to Grenada - Libya... - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- EU Migration Commissioner calls for further negotiation with Libya - InfoMigrants - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Libyas first-ever 1 MW solar power plant completed ahead of schedule in Kufra by Infinity Libya - Libya Herald - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Contracts signed with Turkish company for installation of air navigation and ground communication systems at seven eastern-controlled airports - Libya... - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Libya commander Haftar seeks to force international engagement - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Libya: The case of Illizi, a Libyan territory under Algerian occupation - Sahel Intelligence - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Dairy Product Market in Libya is Projected to Reach USD 944.3 Million by 2034 | Fact.MR - openPR.com - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Pakistan, Libya vow to strengthen defence ties - Dawn - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- 216 migrants arrive from Libya; all to be deported - eKathimerini.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Mossad chief reportedly asked Witkoff for US help to move out Gazans, possibly to Ethiopia, Libya, Indonesia - The Times of Israel - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Libya Industry Union supports CBL initiative to complete stalled housing projects - through cheaper, locally manufactured raw materials - Libya Herald - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the arrest of a suspect in the Situation in Libya - | International Criminal Court - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Top ICC fugitive linked to war crimes, prison abuses in Libya arrested in Germany - Business Insider Africa - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Israel Reportedly Seeking U.S. Help To Get Libya, Indonesia, Ethiopia To Take Palestinians From Gaza - Latin Times - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Saddam Haftar seeks closer defence ties with Pakistan - The Libya Observer - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- US Issues Strong Travel Warnings for Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Rwanda Due to Terrorism and Violence - Travel And Tour World - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- EU: Keen to continue providing technical support for success of elections in Libya - The Libya Observer - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- 700 Sudanese deported from Kufra for health and security reasons - The Libya Observer - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Pakistan and Libya to expand defense industrial collaboration after top military meeting - Arab News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- HNEC distributes over 335,000 ballot cards ahead of municipal elections - The Libya Observer - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Libya Moves Forward with Major Railway Construction Plans - Railway Supply - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Trkiye and Libya Ink Strategic Pact to Boost Energy, Mining and Trade Cooperation - The North Africa Post - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Benghazi Chamber of Commerce participates in Libyan Egyptian Business Forum in Alexandria - Libya Herald - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Note Verbale by Libya to UN Extends Maritime Border Claims to Crete - GreekReporter.com - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- More than 100 migrants freed in Libya after being held captive by gang, officials say - Reuters - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Over 100 migrants freed from trafficking ring in Ajdabiya - The Libya Observer - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Dozens of migrants held for ransom by criminal gang in Libya released from captivity - africanews.com - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- More than 100 migrants freed in Libya after being held captive by gang, officials say - Arab News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Athens and Rome push Brussels to take action on Libya - eKathimerini.com - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- 5 Ways Libya is Reclaiming its Spot in the Global Energy Market - Energy Capital & Power - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Libya: More than 100 released after being held captive by gang members - InfoMigrants - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- CBL orders government entities from 1 August to receive payment for services from citizens electronically - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Fleeing Conflict, Sudanese Refugees Receive Lifesaving Care in Libya - International Medical Corps - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- After signing agreement in April with Georgetown University, the first emergency response training programme is launched in DC: EMSC - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- ACA suspends the Executive Director, the Chairman and 6 Board members of GNMTC - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Former ATIB bank Chairman Naaman Elbouri recalls his unjust kidnapping and detention calls on CBL Governor to implement law against those unjustly... - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Aguila Saleh discusses bilateral cooperation with Chinas Acting Ambassador - The Libya Observer - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Italy and Greece sound the alarm over Libya. But allies arent rushing to help. - politico.eu - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- EU mission in Libya urges all parties to deescalate amid military buildup news in Tripoli - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libyan citizen Othman Al-Zaalouk released after detention in Istanbul - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libya files first official complaint to UN against Greece over eastern Mediterranean rights - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libyas GNU signs agreement with Turkey to enhance military capabilities - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libya: UN urges restraint as military buildup threatens renewed violence in Tripoli - UN News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece to suspend asylum applications of migrants from Libya - DW - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Trump Hits More Nations With Tariff Letters Including Libya, Iraq and the Philippines - The Wall Street Journal - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Shell and BP return to Libya in potential boost for tanker demand - Tradewinds News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- As tensions escalate, what is Libya's next course of action? | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece blocks asylum claims for migrants on island of Crete after a surge in arrivals from Libya - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Hundreds of migrants moved to Greek mainland as Crete struggles with Libya arrivals - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Exclusive: EU delegation ejected from Libya after diplomatic 'trap', source tells Euronews - MSN - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Expulsion of European delegation: A prelude to further escalation - The Libya Observer - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- BP to reopen office in Libya, Shell discusses prospects for cooperation in oil field development - Libya Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Behind the scenes: Khalifa Haftar's son scuppered EU visit to eastern Libya - EUobserver - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- EU migration delegation ordered deported from eastern Libya on alleged entry violations - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Libya's eastern-based government bars entry of EU migration commissioner, three ministers - Reuters - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Clarification on Trademark Renewal and Re-registration Procedures in Libya - Inventa - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Where do we go from here with Libya? - eKathimerini.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece Gets Tougher on Migrants, Will Detain Arrivals from Libya - The National Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Trump Hits Libya With 30% Tariff, Urges Country To Bring More Manufacturing To The US - Stocktwits - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece Moves to End Asylum Claims for All Maritime Migrants From Libya - The Maritime Executive - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Now The Trump Administration Travel Affected Global Travel And It Impact on Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela, and North Korea: Know The... - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - WRAL.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- EU delegation forced to leave eastern Libya - InfoMigrants - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Prosecutors reveal toll of Tripoli clashes this year - The Libya Observer - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Athens adopts measured response to recent diplomatic incident with Libya - eKathimerini.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- More than 1,200 migrants arrive in Crete amid influx from Libya - MSN - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya Passenger Car Industry to Witness Strong Growth, Expected - openPR.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]