How Haftar Took the Stage, Dropped, and Then Kicked Off Again: A Libyan Roller‑Coaster
So what’s the deal with Khalifa Haftar? Picture a charismatic, ops‑savvy general who once held the reins of eastern Libya, got brutally embarrassed by a flunky EU delegation, and then hustled back onto the political block like a jacked‑up champion in a ring. This is the story for the ages.
The First Fall
- Diplomatic Poke‑Poke: An EU delegation—think the polite version of a laid‑back bartender—tried to talk the commander out of a military blitz. The result? A spectacular display of disrespect that left the EU trip looking more like a comedy sketch than a diplomatic walk‑through.
- The Haters’ Party: The BEAU… you know, the EU’s top folks went for a politically‑charged blow‑out, leading to what many dubbed the ” humiliation of a century.” Picture a football team being handed a red card while the crowd is rotting to the ground.
The Comeback, Phase One
After the slap‑on-the-back, Haftar didn’t just walk away. He played short‑stop and rebuilt an army with the grit of a wrestling champion. He rolled back into the scene by forming a coalition of local forces, foreign mercies, and an army that had more firepower than a rocket‑launching sedan.
Why the world’s eyes were on him?
Fast‑track alliances: He gained the patience of neighbouring powers and some suspiciously generous suppliers of arms. In a spatial clash on a map, Haftar seemed to have the GPS in check, heading straight toward the capital.
The Second Coup, Inheritance & Intertwines
- Foreign Nudge: It wasn’t just Haftar’s private men but logistics from “outside,” mainly Russians and Bulgarians, who kept his boots polished. They supplied heat‑seeking missiles, drones, and the occasional patina of ‘reserved for himself’ (Kremlin style).
- Political Handshake: The EU tried again to one’s ways, but this time the “humiliation” was turned into a whisper of behind‑the‑scenes lobbying which gave Haftar enough breathing room to re‑install himself in a seat of power.
What’s the agenda?
Haftar’s new power mantle aims for stability – though critics say it’s just a classic “win‑game” with a Shakira karaoke soundtrack on loop. The big-play is a “gold mine” sentiment. By bolstering the eastern region’s resources, he intends to put Libya back on the radar of a global economy buzzing in the wake of post‑COVID intentions.
Yet, the stakeholders?
The odd buddies: Russia, the EU, and a few influential corporate oligarchs all chirp in for a laugh and a believe that the chaos is about sharp currency edges. They profess solidarity via “security packages” and lend logic to the auto‑distraught Libyan front lines.
Haters and Hopes: The Catch‑22 of Haftar’s Herd
While some nature lovers brush off his strategy for potential humanitarian needs, the bigger debate is whether Libyan affairs can be rearranged in a nutshell. Rest easy or roll your eyes – Haftar served more than a job. He served a role that might either restore or re‑brand the country’s destiny.
Final Takeaway: Out of a humbling slap, we see a modern Libyan saga that mixes a bit of politics, a sprinkle of war, and enough drama that would make even a sitcom writer pause: “If world leaders were in Netflix, this would just be an endless binge‑watch season.”
EU Delegation Tour Stops: One Briefing, One Unwelcome Bye‑Bye
Picture this: a slick EU flight lands in Benghazi, the city of sweltering heat and down‑turned politics. The delegation’s mission? Cut the runaway migrant traffic heading north toward Europe. Instead of the expected diplomatic hug, they received an abrupt, very literal “kick out.”
Unexpected Exit
- The EU delegation, including European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner, arrived on a sunny Tuesday, ready to chat about migration.
- Within minutes of their jet touching down, they were declared “persona non gratae.” Heads were turned, toes were lifted, and the sky seemed a little less blue.
- The dismissal came with a side‑kick: Haftar, the head of the Libyan National Army, apparently pulled a “diplomatic trap” to force the EU diplomats to pose for a photo that would help legitimize his hold‑out government in Benghazi.
Who’s at the Helm?
General Khalifa Haftar isn’t just a name; he’s the big boss in most of Libya right now. Even though the United Nations doesn’t formally recognize him as the head of state, his influence stretches from the coast to the desert. He’s the de‑facto ruler in a country still struggling to stitch its patches together.
What You’re Missing
While the EU keeps mum about the little humiliation the delegation faced, one senior Libyan analyst called it outright “outrageous”. It drips with a heavy dose of political drama — and a pinch of facial photo drama that, unfortunately for the EU, didn’t go well.
When the Picture Shoots Straight
Imagine standing in front of a camera, thinking you’re about to reflect a peaceful partnership, only to find your reflection replaced by a contentious standoff. That’s classic Haftar: once a quiet exile until the storm of 2011 rolled around, and now on the frontline, pushing everything he’s carrying into the global spotlight.
Keep your friends close…
From Quiet Beginnings to Military Prowess: The Rise of Khalifa Haftar
Imagine a kid born into a Bedouin family on the rugged plains of northeastern Libya around the time Britain was stepping in to administer the region. That kid was Khalifa Belqasim Omar Haftar. Even his friends back then joked that he was the type of boy who didn’t bother with drama and preferred keeping a low profile.
Educational Journey
- Benghazi Military University Academy – The place where Khalifa pushed his limits and found his calling.
- Peers describe him as “a very stern boy”, an image that stuck even after graduation.
- His classmates noted: “He’d never seek out a fight, but if the situation demanded it, he handled it with precision.”
Crossroads with a Legend
At the academy, a young Khalifa crossed paths with none other than Muammar Gaddafi. That budding relationship would later shape both of their destinies.
Quick Takeaways
- Born into a Bedouin family during British rule.
- Quiet, yet determined, with a reputation for discipline.
- Graduated from Benghazi Military Academy.
- Met future Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi during his studies.
And there you have it—a snapshot of a boy who grew from a quiet background to a pivotal figure in Libyan history. The story continues, but that gives you the starting line sound of a remarkable journey.
Haftar’s Sweet‑Sour Tale With Gaddafi: From Revolution to Friendship
Picture a 1960s Libyan officer, a smirk on his face, and a man who could call the dictator of an entire nation his “angel.” That’s the quirky story of Khalifa Haftar and his distant cousin‑in‑law, Muammar Gaddafi. Their relationship is one of those bizarre, “who would’ve thought?” moments that show how politics can turn into almost sitcom‑level camaraderie.
From Revolution to “Angel” Status
- Haftar and Gaddafi were both enchanted by the same wave of revolutionary zeal—think dramatic coups, anti‑monarchy fanfare, and the hope that the next big thing would be a map with all borders erased.
- Haftar never let it go: he’d call Gaddafi an “angel” in the line‑up of stories that depicted them as the “flood‑and‑fire” duo who wanted to rewrite the world’s genre.
- “We were massively influenced by Nasser’s Egypt,” Haftar confessed, noting how that mid‑century Arab invasion of the Sinai laid the groundwork for his zeal.
Who’s the Real Inspiration for a Name?
Did you know Haftar’s youngest son is named Saddam? The same name that later became synonymous with the notorious Iraqi dictator. In a breezy interview with Tim Eaton at the Chatham House Institute, “It’s clear as day: the son was named after Saddam Hussein. That tells you all you need to know about who he is,” he laughed.
Even the title Haftar chose—Field Marshal—has a whispered history. Experts hint that it nods to Yugoslav icon Josip Broz Tito, shaking out a blend of anarchy, unity, and a sense of ‘What’s next?’
1969: The Coup That Made It All Happen
Three short years after graduating from the military academy, Haftar slammed into history. He helped topple King Idris, installing a new era under Gaddafi’s so-called Jamahiriya (the “state of the masses”)—an ideology that promised to spread its Islamic socialist recipe beyond Libyan borders.
The Odessa Connection and Beyond
In the 1970s, Haftar trained in the Soviet Union—a time when the USSR was still scribbling confetti in Eastern European capitals. He climbed the ranks fast, landing in a campaign that saw Libyan troops backing Egyptian forces in the Yom Kippur War’s Sinai front. This partnership cemented a friendship that lasted beyond boardroom boarders and into the hushed halls of Cairo’s power corridors.
So when you read about Libya’s political drama, remember the less ominous side: a guy who could rally an army, a name that made headlines, and a friendship that felt less like war and more like a peculiar episode of a long‑running drama series.
But keep your enemies closer
Haftar: From Gaddafi’s Troop to Libyan’s Rebel Icon
Early Career: The Quick‑Climb
In 1986, Haftar cracked the ranks and was promoted to colonel, stepping into the role of military chief of staff just as the Gaddafi regime was fiercer and more unpredictable.
The Chad Disaster: A Turning Point
Later that decade, the regime’s best‑known commander made a misstep that would change everything. The ill‑fated raid into neighboring Chad resulted in the capture of almost 700 Libyan forces—Haftar included. The soldiers were locked up, and the world’s attention suddenly turned to the uneasy negotiations that followed.
From Prison to Parole with a Twist
- Haftar spent years behind bars, and it wasn’t the Libyan government that freed him.
- The United States stepped in, making the release a major shift in his relationship with Gaddafi.
From Sword to Shadow
According to Libyan analyst Anas El Gomati, Haftar was once Gaddafi’s “chosen sword.” When the leash snapped, he turned into the very blade that cut straight back at the tyrant. “He became the dark mirror of the regime—learning every trick of authoritarian rule,” El Gomati noted.
Two Decades of Planning in Virginia
After the release, instead of stepping into supportive politics, Haftar hopped to Virginia and spent twenty years itching for a comeback. He didn’t simply oppose Gaddafi; he understood the system from the inside, and now he’s armed with both experience and ambition.
When a Pilot Escapes — and the World Watches
Hafidah, a former Libyan air force ace, found himself on the run for more than two decades. After a brief but dazzling stint at a Gaddafi‑furnished dance‑ball, he fled to a quiet corner of the US, living just a stone’s throw from Langley, the CIA’s home base.
The 24‑Year Exile
- He hunkered down in the Washington suburbs and joined opposition circles, shaping Libya’s future from afar.
- Reporters in 2019 caught murmurs that the former chief of staff had been handed a swanky Cairo manor by Gaddafi, a place where Haftar’s son “Saddam” reportedly grew up.
- “He was chased by envy and Gaddafi’s shadow,” former advisor Mohamed Bouzier told the BBC, painting a picture of a man stuck between loyalty and betrayal.
Behind the Scenes
In one moment, Haftar was a celebrated pilot at a grand dance thrown for African leaders. In the next, he was a political figure in exile, negotiating with opposition groups while barely washing his socks.
Why It Matters
The tale isn’t just about a man who flew planes; it’s about a country that saw a man light a candle in the darkness and then watched that flame stretch across the Atlantic, borrowing stories and ambitions from every corner of the globe.
Back in the fold
Libyan Streets Go Wild in 2011, and Haftar Gets a Shot
When the Arab Spring blew through the mid‑East, the streets of Libya erupted with a fire that even the “little” rebellions had been dreaming of. From the bustling capital to the dusty outskirts, Libyans took to the streets, demanding a change that had been years in the making.
Haftar & the American Support Speculation
Some say the ex‑NATO commander Hibatullah “Haftar” al‑Maag was a one‑man show acting on a chatty U.S. whistle‑blower’s plan. Yet, as Libya expert Claudia Gazzini puts it, “there’s been no concrete evidence that the Americans nudged him to return to the capital.” In other words, no one actually told him, “Hey, pop back to Tripoli!”
How the Real Story Unfolds
In 2012‑2013, Haftar planted himself in Tripoli— but he was still a side‑note in the political saga. The city was a patchwork of armed factions, and no single player had the upper hand. In that frenetic maze, Haftar didn’t command the spotlight he’d later chase.
El Gomati’s Take: “A Cold War Footnote”
El Gomati, known for his blunt style, dismissed Haftar as “a Cold War fossil” and a footnote in a period of chaotic power grabs. That’s the low‑down: no grand design, just an ex‑military playing a smaller role than the headlines would have led us to think.
From Side‑by‑Side to Supreme Commander: The Rapid Ascent of Khalifa Haftar
A Sudden Spotlight in 2014
Picture this: a Libyan street‑corner office on the outskirts of Benghazi, where a man from the local news crew bumps into Khalifa Haftar—the senior rebel commander who was about to make headlines. It wasn’t until 2014 that Haftar stepped into the public eye, announcing an operation aimed at “rooting out extremist elements in the city.”
The Big Claim and Its Reception
Haftar played his hand on national TV, waving a large map and declaring, “Hey, you know, we’re going to take a stand against the bad Islamists.” But as Gazzini pointed out, many thought the display was pathetic—a flashy but hollow show of intent.
Yet Eaton has a different take. He tells Euronews there’s a clear distinction for Haftar: “There are always good Islamists and bad Islamists.” He even notes that his ranks include a fair amount of Salafists—those disciplined, order‑respecting extremists—who can be commanded when needed.
Operation Dignity: The Turning Point
The campaign, dubbed Operation Dignity, didn’t just serve a slogan; it cemented Haftar’s authority over Benghazi—the country’s second‑largest city—and much of eastern Libya. By drawing in local forces and coordinating militias, Haftar effectively sealed his dominance in the region.
Becoming the Commander‑in‑Chief
Fast forward to 2015: Haftar formally ascended as the supreme commander of the Libyan National Army. It wasn’t an overnight moonshot; each step from 2014’s big claim, the mixed reception, to the decisive Dignity operation paved the way for his leadership role.
Key Takeaway
Haftar’s rise illustrates how ambitious claims, grassroots support, and strategic operations can combine to elevate a rebel figure into national prominence—if you’re willing to make the move and keep the motto loud.
Family at home, friends abroad
Haftar’s Wild Ride in a Mirage‑filled Middle East
Why Libya’s General Became the Buzz‑Word of Cairo’s Revolution
For decades, Haftar built a buzzworthy network in Cairo. When the power shuffle in Libya threw him back home, Egypt found itself in a hotbed of revolutionary zeal—guided mainly by the ever‑hungry Muslim Brotherhood.
Gazzini’s White‑Space Explanation
“In Libya there’s a jihadist threat, and over there, Egypt feels pretty weak,” Gazzini said. “Before 2013, before President El‑Sisi, the fear was that Egypt might just implode. The Europeans? They were on a mission to keep that country from going belly‑first into chaos.”
Europe’s Silent “You Get It” Nod
When the heat of self‑styled IS groups began to pop up across North Africa, European leaders opted for a quiet green‑light to Haftar. His growing heft in the army felt like the perfect antidote to the “pure” democracy going everywhere faster than a streak of Sahara dust. “We needed a new Gaddafi—one who could stop democracy from spreading like a viral video,” one analyst scoffed. Haftar fit the bill: ruthless, ambitious, and willing to trade a slice of national sovereignty for backup.
Egypt’s Familiar Face of Chaos
“It was all about sovereign… but we wanted to back someone in the neighbourhood who understood the drama,” said El Gomati. Egypt looked no other way. It saw in Haftar someone who could orchestrate the next masterpiece of regional turmoil.
Universally (Not So) Supported
- From Moscow to Washington, hungry powers lapped up the opportunity to tip the scales in Haftar’s favour.
- Even though the UN gave him a grandmaster’s title but didn’t recognize him as a legitimate head of state, the silent placating list kept expanding.
The Grand Finale
Behind this steamy saga of political intrigue, Haftar’s story is one of soldier‑statesmanship improvisation, with a dash of humor, heartbreak, and the ever‑present fear‑fact. All A‑listers in this circus of the Middle East largely respecting the game’s rules, even if that means playing with personal and visual manipulations to achieve their daring political goals.
Libya’s Power Play: Haftar Eyes the Throne
Picture this: On May 10, 2025, a selfie‑style photo shows Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar shaking hands in the Kremlin. Meanwhile, a backdrop of political drama unfolds across the Mediterranean.
Who’s Backing Haftar?
While the world’s eye is on the United Nations and the UN Security Council, two country power couples are quietly tipping their hats:
- Abu Dhabi – The oil king’s vision of Libya’s vast petroleum wealth is a sweet deal for the Gulf.
- Paris – France and the wider European bloc grapple with waves of refugees hoping to hop on a try‑and‑fly journey through Libya.
So, the emirates and the French—who were secretly behind the scenes—gave Haftar the “air cover” he needed.
Haftar’s March for Leadership
Back in 2019, Haftar marched into the capital, belting out his plan to topple the international flag of the Government of National Accord—while the UN Secretary‑General, António Guterres, was on the scene. Even Egypt, with its eyes on stability, warned him about messing around.
Yet, driven by a swagger fueled by the Emiratis’ hype and the French’s murmurs of approval, Haftar kept pushing.
Comparisons, Trumpets, and the Real Deal
Some analysts have compared Haftar’s ambition to Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. And just like that conflict, Haftar’s attempts have run into stiff resistance.
When the Triple‑Threat’s massive assault hit Tripoli, the city didn’t fall; history has shown that Libya simply slid back into a freeze‑frame stalemate.
Full Circle: What It Means for Libya
In the end, Haftar didn’t become the ruler—just another chapter in Libya’s ongoing saga. And as for those dreaming of a post‑Gaddafi throne? It’s still a long way to go.
Divided we stand
Haftar’s Family Empire: A Shadow State in Libya
In the tangled corridors of power in Libya, one family is quietly building an empire that would make any monarch blush. While the world watched Haftar scramble for control, his sons quietly moved like chess players, pulling the board in their favor before the king even saw the pieces.
Inside the Haftar Power Play
According to insiders, the Haftar clan’s reach is wide and largely hidden in plain sight:
- Saddam runs the ground forces, snatching battlefield command.
- Khaled man‑ages the personal guard, keeping the Hamilton Sea‑Dog’s rules intact.
- Belkacem has rubbed shoulders with Liberia’s reconstruction fund, turning a public coffeeboat into a private pig‑bank.
- Sedig is the mastermind behind reconciliation files, flexing his negotiating muscles like a seasoned diplomat.
The family’s net worth? A whopping billions in assets, according to analysts. The shoes they wear? One that’s both diplomatic and alchemistively transformed into a multi‑resourced bullion.
The Unofficial State of Eastern Libya
From the sandy dunes to the oil rigs, Haftar carries the reins like a one‑man state within a state. It’s a wild, unofficial kingdom that includes:
- All the oil fields that power engines of the world.
- Port and airport headquarters so slick, they’re the new “Seaport”.
- Military bases where the guns are as personal as family photos.
- Printing presses at the central bank—because nothing says ‘authority’ like printing your own money.
- A private air force that flaps around their own territory.
- Smuggling routes that cross borders with the grace of a dance.
Picture a kingdom where each kingdom object (oil, airports, banks) is not just a resource, but an extension of a personal wallet. That’s the Haftar family’s master plan.
Who Been Countering?
Euronews tried reaching out to Khalifa and the patriarch Khaled Haftar for their side of the story, but sound judays remain a library – often unheard, as if they’re still fossils in a museum.
Despite being in the battle for Libya’s control, Haftar’s sons have turned a military slog into a financial saga. They’re not just playing the game; they’re rewriting the rules from the inside.
Libya’s Field Marshal Haftar: The EU’s ‘Missing‑Link’ Fiasco
Picture the scene: Yellow vests, waving flags, and a chorus of slogans against Libya’s self‑appointed Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar—all in Tripoli on 19 April 2019. The crowd’s chant is louder than any EU briefing it could have earn. But the real drama? The EU’s shrug.
History of the EU’s ‘Red‑Handed’ Dance
Last week, the European Union’s inability to hit back at Haftar’s antics made headlines. Yet, the reaper who might have death‑traveled to Russia to meet Putin ends up living to talk talks again. Super‑miraculous.
Europe’s Skittish Allies
- “Who’s the real friend?”—the bureau wanted a proper handshake from Haftar, yet went sardonic when it realized the figure was far from diplomatic.
- Migration muddles. Analysts from Euronews dismissed concerns, citing powers’ internal squabbles over “irregular migrations.” Simple fact: Haftar would know every boat leaving the east coast.
- Gazzini’s play‑by‑rules angle. “Let’s say Italy—half a year-ago, migrants made a splash on the coast. Haftar got an official invitation to Rome. That’s how it played out.”
- El Gomati’s thin line. Feeding “Europeans keep volunteering as victims.” Haftar treats EU diplomats like “desperate suitors.” That’s survival for him.
Weighing the Balance
Eaton vouches for an honest deal: “There’s a real imbalance.” The EU finds itself riding on the back of any international rulebook while the reality? Gritty, impersonal, and often louder in dance than in text.
Must‑Know Compare‑Charts
- Russia vs. EU. “They’ve got MiGs and fighters at Haftar’s disposal.”
- US vs. UAE. “They keep pumping reinforcements and ammunition in spite of embargo constraints.”
In short, the EU is constantly stuck in a hit‑and‑miss routine—while Haftar’s heavy hand stays far too… in the spotlight. The question remains: is the world’s biggest cluster still acting in a vacuum or not? Whatever the answer, this is a show. And the lead actor, Haftar, definitely isn’t pulling a quiet exit.
