ASSESSMENTS

Tripoli's Attempts to Control Eastern Libya

Sep 26, 2012 | 10:30 GMT

Members of a Libyan rapid unit brigade secure an area of Tripoli on Sept. 23

GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/GettyImages

Summary

In a meeting with Libyan President Mohamed Magariaf on Sept. 24, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the Libyan government's efforts to tighten security in eastern Libya. On the same day, Tripoli announced that the Libyan National Army would assume control over three of Benghazi's largest militias. Both events reflect positively on the fledgling central government's attempts to guide Libya's fragile political transition.

To bolster its influence in eastern Libya, Tripoli is attempting to cultivate working relationships with local leaders in Benghazi, subdue the region's other armed militias and leverage anti-jihadist sentiment among the city's populace. The Libyan military had some early success in the region, and the central government has apparently found common ground with leaders over security needs. However, immediate and long-term challenges remain — especially looming political tensions stemming from ideological and administrative differences throughout Libya.

The new Libyan government is focusing on security in Benghazi....

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