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Libya: The Return of the Arab Strongman?

August 13, 2026 · 1 h 19 min

Show notes

Turning their attention away from Iran and toward another Middle Eastern hotspot, Aimen and Thomas explain the course of events in Libya since the Arab Spring. Seismic political events are underway in that sad country, which has been riven by civil war and political division for over fifteen years.

They discuss:

  • The difference between East and West Libya
  • First Libyan Civil War: state collapse and militia fragmentation
  • NATO intervention and Western short-termism
  • Khalifa Haftar: from Gaddafi officer to eastern strongman
  • Second Libyan Civil War: Operation Dignity and divided government
  • Libya proxy war: Egypt, UAE, Russia, Turkey and Qatar
  • Libyan oil politics: NOC, Central Bank and Haftar’s leverage
  • U.S.-backed Libya deal: Saddam Haftar, Dbeibah and Pakistan mediation

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Conflicted is a Message Heard production.

Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren.

Produced and edited by Thomas Small.

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