Crisis in Libya: European and Libyan Views

A discussion featuring:
Mattia Toaldo
Policy Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Program
European Council on Foreign Relations 

Abdul Rahman Al Ageli
Cofounder
Libyan Youth Forum

Moderated by:
Karim Mezran
Senior Fellow, Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
Atlantic Council

Since the 2011 uprising against Muammar Qaddafi, Libya’s transition to democracy has been severely derailed, culminating over the course of the last twelve months in political and armed clashes between two main factions. The United Nations and Western states support a negotiated solution, but hardliners increasingly call the shots. With regional states lending support to the rival sides, options for breaking the impasse are few. 

Meanwhile, security threats to neighboring states and Europe are on the rise as the political vacuum in Libya provides a haven for extremist militants, including the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Please join the Atlantic Council for a discussion exploring how Libyans view the devolution of their country, the current debate among European policymakers, and viable options for the international community to bolster chances for successful peace talks. 

This is on-the-record and open to press. 

DATE:         Wednesday, May 20, 2015

TIME:        12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. 
A light lunch will be served. 

LOCATION:     Atlantic Council
1030 15th St NW, 12th floor
Washington, DC 20005