The US has backed Libya’s Haftar clan. The UK should not make the same mistake | Letters

Patrick Wintour’s report (Libyan unity talks upended as warlord’s son linked to drone attacks on fuel facilities, 3 October) should not surprise anyone concerned with the attempts to end conflict and seek the unification of Libya. Saddam Haftar, like his father, Khalifa, has been backed by the US to support its aims and ambitions in Libya. There is no logic, if democratic elections are the goal, to be backing a member of the Haftar clan for any role in the future of Libya.

The Libyan population want nothing more than peace, security and to use constructively the wealth that could be generated from their extensive natural resources for the improvement of their society. Instead, their resources are being dissipated in corruption and conflict, a state of affairs that benefits only the warmongers.

As a result of representations received from Libya set out in a 9BR Chambers report, Libya: The Voice of the Tribes, the UK’s present and previous governments and successive ambassadors to Libya have been offered a role in brokering a peace and unification conference in this country.

All it required from the UK was to formally issue visas and invite the political leaders from east and west Libya, who would attend with the legitimate military commanders from both sides, rather than the bad actors. There has been no take-up by either Tory or Labour governments, with neither showing any confidence to do anything contrary to the policies of the US, which are doomed to failure.

The benefits to the UK to be seen to be acting independently and in a role consistent with its status as a member of the UN security council would undermine the current perception of it being a declining power. It would also be an opportunity for the UK to assist in the reconstruction and development of an important economy with obvious benefits in its own search for trade.
Steven Kay
9BR Chambers