U.S.-Russia Tensions in Libya: A Test for Trump-Putin Relations

The article highlights the ongoing geopolitical competition between the U.S. and Russia in Libya, focusing on U.S. military engagements intended to sway local leaders against Russian influence. Gen. Haftar’s strong ties with Russia complicate U.S. efforts, reflecting the challenges within American foreign policy. Optimism exists around familial connections to U.S. leadership, yet uncertainty remains regarding strategic alignments.

This month, Donald Trump has disrupted conventional geopolitics by expressing a willingness to engage with Vladimir Putin while criticizing America’s allies. One of the battlegrounds for U.S.-Russia competition is Libya, where U.S. military presence illustrates continuing Cold War tensions. A recent USAF B-52 bomber training visit aimed to persuade local leaders to expel Russian troops entrenched in the country.

The U.S. military’s outreach, particularly to Gen. Khalifa Haftar, is an effort to counter Russia’s influence in Libya, where Haftar has permitted Russia to utilize the territory to support regimes antagonistic to Washington. Recently, Haftar and his sons visited Belarus to strengthen their ties with Moscow, signaling a deepening relationship.

Analyst Jalel Harchaoui indicated that U.S. strategies to sway Haftar appear driven by the Pentagon due to a lack of coherent policies from both the Biden and Trump administrations. U.S. Africa Command personnel conducted military exercises in Libya while seeking collaboration with Haftar’s forces, demonstrating ongoing military interest in the region.

Despite U.S. efforts, Haftar remains aligned with Russia, citing their provision of air defense and military training, while the U.S. offers contingencies dependent on his distancing from Moscow. Concurrently, Russian troop numbers at Libya’s Brak al-Shati airbase have surged significantly, further complicating U.S. ambitions.

Ben Fishman, a senior analyst, expressed skepticism regarding Haftar’s potential shift away from Russia, as local dynamics in the west favor militia influence over formal military structures. Conversely, Mohamed Eljarh noted optimistic prospects for engagement, particularly through Haftar’s son, Saddam, who has expressed interest in establishing closer ties with the U.S.

Despite these developments, experts caution against premature optimism. The Trump administration’s lack of clear strategies and an inclination to minimize foreign engagements could mean a less assertive U.S. stance toward burgeoning Russian presence in Libya.

In summary, the geopolitical landscape in Libya illustrates ongoing U.S.-Russia rivalry, exacerbated by increased Russian military presence and attempts by the U.S. to engage local leaders. The future of Libya’s alignment remains uncertain, particularly with the evolving dynamics surrounding Gen. Haftar and his associations with both Russia and the U.S. The complexities underscore challenges in U.S. foreign policy, particularly under the Trump administration.

Original Source: www.defensenews.com