Publication

This commentary examines developments in the conflict in Benghazi, Libya since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 as well as the position of main actors involved in the conflict. The authors contend that the forces in Benghazi which are nominally acting on behalf of the internationally recognized Libyan government of Tobruk have succeeded in pushing Islamist and jihadist forces out of much of Benghazi. However, they also suggest that further progress and even a victory over Islamist forces is unlikely to stabilize the situation in eastern Libya as this would likely lead to increasing competition between the different elements of the fragile national government coalition.