Turkey's meddling in Libya could make conflict worse

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has proposed a political initiative that paves the way for the return of normalcy to Libya

By Christiane Waked


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Published: Sun 12 Jul 2020, 10:52 AM

Last updated: Sun 12 Jul 2020, 12:57 PM

A lot of young Syrians have been lured by Turkey with money to secure Erdogan's interests in Libya. Over 450 Syrian fighters have lost their lives fighting in Libya.
As per the recent tally by the Syrian Observatory, 459 Syrian fighters have died, and many among them were 18-year-olds; young lives sacrificed at the altar of Ergodan's political ambitions. These Syrians survived war in their own backyard but couldn't escape the vagaries of geopolitics. They died not for a cause, but for promises of a better life for their families. Erdogan government promised them Turkish passport and monthly salary of $1,500.  
Turkey has using the toxic Muslim Brotherhood propaganda to influence young Syrian minds. It is spreading hatred and feeding on the helplessness of people. Young people are being radicalised and roped in to fight for Turkey.
Around 15,300 Syrian mercenaries were sent by Turkey to Libya. These included child soldiers in the age group of 14 to 18 years. Turkey is using these boys and men to exert its influence in the region, it takes inspiration from history when the Ottoman empire thrived by committing genocides and killing innocent people.
Libya's civil war has turned into a regional and international war with hired mercenaries to kill Libyan civilians and create more chaos.
The Libyans should see merit in getting united and fighting for their country as one. Together they can bring back peace and prosperity and ensure well-being of all.
It is noteworthy to mention that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has proposed a political initiative that paves the way for the return of normalcy to Libya, and has warned against any military option to resolve the crisis. He pointed out that the political solution is the only way to solve the Libyan crisis. The 'Cairo Declaration' calls for respecting all international initiatives and decisions regarding Libya.
Meanwhile, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and Turkish Chief of Staff Yasar Guler travelled to Tripoli this month to discuss military cooperation with the Libyan Government of National Accord, thereby rejecting any call for peace.
Also, as per my sources Turkey is in talks with GNA to set up two bases in Libya. This could be at Al Watiya, the largest air base in western Libya. From the looks of it, Turkey is not planning to leave Libya any time soon.
Christiane Waked is a political analyst based in Beirut


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