Note to Berlin: Make Libya a priority

Germany has a lot to lose if the situation in Libya turns sour, but a lot to gain if diplomacy is given the support to succeed.

Libya has rarely been so important to German foreign policy and German policy makers certainly have many other issues nearer the top of their agenda at the moment. Libya has fallen down the list of foreign policy priorities for Germany in the midst of the refugee crisis, but it might, in fact, be the place that Germany should be focusing its attention. Libya is the veritable conflagration in the ring of fire surrounding Europe. Not only does the ongoing unrest in Libya compound the effects of the refugee crisis, but it helps to provide a safe haven to the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). This is why the German minister of defence stated in February 2016 that Germany is ready to play its part in the fight against Islamic State in Libya.

ESO: Background information: Libyan Lessons for Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/libyan-lessons-for-europe/

---