Libya's political crisis has reached a critical juncture as a new US-backed initiative gains traction in the east, putting pressure on western factions to respond. The plan, spearheaded by White House adviser Massad Boulos, aims to form a unified government, integrate state institutions, and encourage American oil investments.
On June 21, prominent politician and former Tripoli Military Council commander Abdul Hakim Belhaj officially endorsed the US initiative, calling on the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) to clarify its position. Belhaj described the plan as an opportunity to accelerate political solutions, stressing the need for pragmatism.
Belhaj's endorsement carries symbolic weight, but analysts question its impact. Eastern commander Khalifa Haftar and over 100 members of the House of Representatives (HoR) had already expressed support. However, some HoR members allegedly had their names added without consent, according to High Council of State member Mohammed al-Maazab.
Critics argue the initiative is more of a deal than a genuine plan. Political analyst Abdulsalam al-Rajhi claimed it aims to install Saddam Haftar and Ibrahim Dbeibah—both implicated in a UN report on oil smuggling and financial misconduct—in key positions. He accused Boulos of seeking a quick geopolitical victory.
Conversely, Tripoli-based analyst Senussi Ismail argued that the political deadlock requires calculated risks. He stressed that the US plan must be merged with the UN roadmap and that any new government must be bound by strict timelines leading to elections.
The diplomatic push has intensified, with foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey meeting Boulos in Cairo. Pakistan also announced a new 'R-4' regional mechanism with these countries to support stability.
The GNU has yet to take a formal position, with analysts suggesting it is waiting for Washington's final stance to crystallize while preserving its maneuvering space. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the US initiative can break the cycle of failed settlements in Libya.
Source: www.aljazeera.com