Guy Taylor, the National Security Team Leader at The Washington Times, has stated in an exclusive interview with 218News program “US-L” that the easy control Russia had over Syria could tempt Moscow to try the same in Libya, saying the latest Russian movements make Washington focus on what’s going on in Libya.
Proxy War
Taylor said whether “Russian mercenaries” wrre snipers or pilots of aircraft are attempting to support Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar to topple Government of National Accord in Tripoli, adding that this had created tension between Turkey and Russia and could turn the situation into a proxy war, especially that Turkey has promised to support GNA forces with troops while Russia backs up the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
Expanding Military Presence
Taylor added that Russian security system is actually sending mercenaries to North Africa for long term goals, such as expanding Russian military presence to western Mediterranean region, warning that five years later, the world can discover a Russian military presence in the Libyan Oil Crescent region.
US recognizes LNA
Taylor said an implied recognition by the US government of the LNA has been passed over as Donald Trump gave credit to LNA for being the most important force in fighting terrorism and the most viable in repelling ISIS militants in Libya. He added that the Trump administration has no specific policy in Libya just like what happened in Syria for years since Trump doesn’t see Libya as a great victory for him on the foreign policy agenda.
Massive US frustration toward Turkey
He added that the US feels very frustrated with Turkey, as both Republicans and Democrats have “big frustration” toward Erdogan’s government after it bought S-400 missile system. Turkey and its ally Qatar were encouraged to intervene in Libya after they found no consequences for Turkish troops’ intervention in Syria, adding that Turkey and Qatar formed an alliance in Libya.
Haftar’s meeting with Americans
Taylor said the meeting between Haftar and the US delegation saw a message delivered to him saying that some people in Washington want to sanction him or hold him accountable or even destroy his financial capabilities if he was working with the Russians.
Extremists’ Threats to Libya
“There are legitimate military factions on the ground on both sides of the civil war. They want to have a future for Libya without foreign intervention. Washington still believes that extremist groups can flourish in the current chaos in Libya and carry terrorist attacks in southern Europe, which could make Libya’s conflict a US-Russian conflict and then turn Libya into a proxy war battlefield.” Taylor said, adding that Egypt’s role in Libya comes from fearing the spread of Islamist political groups and fearing that Libya could become a safe haven for extremists that could later infiltrate to Egypt.
US Policies
The US, Taylor said, is trying to rally the Arabs around against Iran through its policies in the Middle East. He said the US is mulling an act at the Congres that could allow imposing sanctions on intervening parties and countries in Libya, saying it is difficult for the Americans to communicate with the Russians about a non-interference area in Libya as the US administration believes the legitimacy of the GNA in Tripoli is fading away.
Goal of Turkish Intervention
Taylor said the arrival of Erdogan to Libyan shores is a pressing card on Europe so Turkey can strengthen its NATO presence and make its case to join the European Union stronger, while Europe doesn’t know yet whether to welcome or reject Turkish intervention in Libya as it is against the growing Russian involvement in the country.
He indicated that the US is with peace in Libya in one way or another as Libyans have the right to use the oil resources they have. Libya has been under dictatorship for decades and after it was ousted, a vacuum was created and its consequences are still prevailing until today. Libyans must solve their problems alone, that is why foreign interventions must end.
