Tuesday 9 August 2016

ITALIAN ROLE IN LIBYA?

Romano Prodi, ex Italy PM, is quite right when he argues that Italy must regain its role in Libya. But what is that role? Former P.M. does not say. It is not hard to imagine why. Because whether and what role our country should take in respect of the former colony is extremely difficult.
The old colonial relationship is obviously impractical.
The same applies to the kind of protectorate that existed in the early years after World War II with the Libyan King Idris. Not to mention cartel's privileged founded on mutual interests that all Italian governments of any color have held with Colonel Gaddafi at the time of its dictatorship on the old "box of sand."

The "if" regain role in Libya would seem obvious. Although Five Star party amateur adventurers are theorizing for our country the advent of neo-isolationism outside of history and of all forms of logic. But, established the "if", it is the "how" that becomes complicated to define.
Because Libya is fractured by tribal struggles and, above all, by the attempts of all kinds of world-class power or local to take advantage and ride these tribal struggles to gain weight and influence on the country.

If Europe had an identity policy to prune out a foreign policy and military unit the issue of relations with the various drafts of state institutions in Libya would be less complicated to solve. The interests of a EU in the Mediterranean could easily coincide with those of the USA. And the West's united weight may have an easier time balancing attempts by Arab countries, at odds with each other, to transform parts of Libya in their protectorates.

But this Europe does not exist. Since 2011 France operates in Libya pursuing its own hegemonic objective  despite the historical relations between our country and Libya. And in a context marked by the contrast with its Latin European "sister" ranging redefined the role of our country returning to follow its national interest. This interest requires a greater Italian presence in Libya.
That must surely be diplomatic and economic but which, albeit with great caution and foresight, must be able to provide even a very limited military presence.

But is the country of  demented neo-isolationism ready to play this role?

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