Voice of America News quotes Senior Fellow Karim Mezran on his belief that the United States should take a more active role in Libya, lest it become a failed state:
Karim Mezran, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, agrees with the U.S. position.
“The only way out of the downward spiral is for a third party to mediate direct negotiations among the warring parties, with the objective of forming a national unity government and reaching consensus over a roadmap to address the country’s challenges.” Mezran said.
Mezran said that it is time for the U.S. to exercise a more assertive role in Libya.
“The Obama Administration has to support the Libyan government efforts to build the state institutions and use political pressure to push the international community to facilitate negotiations, as local interests are far too entrenched and distrust far too great,” he said.
Mezran warned of dire consequences for the U.S. interests if Libya is to become a failed state.
“Such scenario would pave the way for terrorist organizations to flourish and have safe havens in Libya, which would destabilize neighboring countries and threaten regional stability,” he said.While the U.S. is closely monitoring developments in Libya, the U.S. military remained poised to evacuate Americans amid escalating violence.