“Operation Dignity“ and
Khalifa Hafter Could Be Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Of Libya
During the so-called “Arab Spring“ process, Libya experienced the revolution following the revolution of Tunis. The Libyan revolution began on 17th February 2011 in Benghazi. After that, the optimistic expectations on the democratic revolutions based on political and economic liberalism in Arab countries began to be lost. In this respect, the failure of establishing political stability in Libya further decayed due to spread of Al Qaeda based structures stemming from the countries like Syria, Iraq, Mali, Somalia and Yemen. This negative effect still continues in an upward manner. The free move of the terrorism-oriented groups and individuals, and the robberies and assassinations associated to these organizations worry the ordinary Libyan citizens and cause disappointments about the revolution.
The bill of instability in Egypt is put on the Brotherhood movement. Nevertheless, the Brotherhood in Libya is in a disliked political position from the beginning. According to the 7 July 2012 elections, the Justice and Construction Party (J&C) is represented in the parliament with only 17 members. Its percentage in elections floats around 11 % taking 17 of 80 seats allocated for party lists received. 30 of 120 seats reserved for independent candidates so close to the person's name is stated that the J&C. Thus, the output of the second batch of the Brotherhood election. However, according to their own words, had gone first. Because the rival group, the National Forces Alliance, it is not a well-organized political party, but is highly fragmented coalition. Therefore, the political party of the Brotherhood (J&C) is the undisputed winner of the elections. 47 of the 200 seats of the parliament are belong to the party of Brotherhood (J & C). This is approximately 25% of the parliament. But nowadays, it is accused of being puppet of foreign powers with a claim that the number of its supporters is decreasing.
Under great threat on May 25 2014 Ahmad Maitik's cabinet received a vote of confidence by the General National Congress (GNC). But according to the oppositional parties and groups Ahmad Maitik is closed to the Brotherhood Party of J&C. The Libyan media and elite perceive that Turkey has a pro-Brotherhood policy. Even this perception does not reflect the reality, a lot of people in Libya argue this claim. Because of this stance, Turkey and Qatar are targeted. Turkey may engage in diplomatic actions on the media and display attitudes that would strengthen its personally-created perception.
The failure of democratization process in Libya unlike Tunisian progress creates disappointment. Tunisian revolutionary leaders are in close contact with Libya. Nevertheless, Libya can be shown as the most negatively affected country from the counter-revolution in Egypt. Turkish advantages in Libya in several fields still continue. In this sense, the activities of Turkish companies increased and gave clues about further positive developments. Besides, the visa-free travel policy between the countries and increasing number of Turkish Airlines flights are the factors that further consolidate Turkish-Libyan friendship.
The Forces of Retired Major General Khalifa Hafter appear to be gathering for an armed confrontation with Islamist militias in Benghazi, Libya’s second city and he widened his operation to Trablus. He called his military movement as “Karame/Operation Dignity“ and most of Libyan people support stability and want to be freed of the unsafe milieu as soon as possible. Therefore, Khalifa Hafter unexpectedly continues to gather supporters. Recently, the assemblies of Derna and Misratah have declared to decide on direction of the people.
To determine a position based on drawing parallels between Abdel Fattah al-Sisi movement in Egypt and Hafter movement that the latter contains significant strong clues of having countrywide support would create problems on our diplomatic relations. Any exaggerated comment would create a new syndrome as it did in Egypt.
Unless Hafter declares his action as coup, it would be a quite wrong political attitude to name the process as “coup“. Any wrong attempt accompanied with already existed negative perception would restrict our maneuvering area. While a new era is expected after three-year interregnum, The friends of Libya should determine its position by taking real developments into account. The friends of Libya who shares common history, culture, religion and ethical values with fellow Libyan people and has strong cooperation in the economic and political grounds should maintain these cooperative and unifying links in the future. Any policy without sensitive analysis would face the friends of Libya with unexpected results.
Dr. Süleyman KIZILTOPRAK
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