Maghreb Edition

Libya and its three Competing Power Centers

Posted On 10 March 2015

Number of times this article was read : 361

The recent appointment of General Khalifa Haftar as top military commander is an indication that many Libyans are looking to unify their efforts against the Islamists. This appointment is also an effort to form a more solid block against the fast advances of the Islamic State. Indeed, the Islamic State organization managed to build a strong presence in Sirte, spreading fear across Western Libya, in particular Misrata over a pending expansion of the militant organization. Sirte is only 220 kilometers from Misrata and just about 400 km from Tripoli.

Premium content article location: follow this link.  Not a subscriber? Follow this link to subscribe

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Algeria: Salima Melizi’s Case Highlights Algeria’s Cultural Tensions

The recent detention and subsequent release of author and publisher Salima Melizi have unsettled Algeria’s literary community, bringing to light the continued pressures facing writers and intellectuals. The case, which did not begin with mainstream media coverage but instead spread through social networks and private discussion, has fueled debate over censorship, freedom of expression, and the increasing sense of caution within Algeria’s cultural scene.

Mauritanian Police Detain Anti-Slavery Activist After Advocacy Event

Warda Ahmed Souleymane, a member of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA), was arrested by police in Nouakchott the evening of October 31, 2025 and taken to an undisclosed location. The detention followed her public participation at a continental human rights session in The Gambia, where she called for peaceful civic mobilization.

Security Council Backs Morocco’s Plan for Western Sahara, Sets Out Negotiation Terms

The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution supporting Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as the most feasible basis for future negotiations. The decision, initiated by the United States, passed with eleven members in favor, three abstentions from Russia, China, and Pakistan, and no participation from Algeria. The resolution renews the mandate of the UN mission (MINURSO) and calls for all parties to engage in talks without preconditions, though key disagreements on self-determination and final status remain.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.

Discover more from The North Africa Journal

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading