Former Diplomat Urges Stronger Libyan Response to US Travel Ban
Writing on Facebook, Issa argued that the Libyan government at the time failed to act in defense of its citizens or to respond through appropriate diplomatic channels. He noted that while Libya recognizes the global influence of the United States, that should not have prevented it from asserting its sovereign right to respond.
'America is the most powerful country on Earth after the will of God,' he wrote, 'but this power does not negate the right of other nations to respond when their sovereignty or the rights of their citizens are compromised.'
Issa outlined several diplomatic steps that could have been taken, such as summoning the US ambassador in Tripoli for clarification, issuing public statements, sending a special envoy to Washington, and seeking international dialogue to ease tensions or reverse the decision.
'These are common tools of diplomacy, especially in sensitive situations involving major powers,' he said. 'They are not only a means to protect national dignity, but also to maintain balanced relations based on mutual respect.'
He added that the lack of any such response was even more troubling given the public narrative that Libyan-American relations were 'at their best' in recent years. 'Ironically, we're supposedly enjoying good relations with the US, yet we remain on their travel blacklist without any explanation or effort to remove us.'
Issa's remarks point to a broader concern: that Libya's foreign policy has been reactive rather than proactive, and that the interests of Libyan citizens abroad, especially in matters of international mobility and diplomacy, have not been adequately protected. Tags: libyaTravel BanTrumpUkraine
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
35 minutes ago
- Libya Review
UN Envoy Warns of Cultural and Political Barriers Facing Libyan Women
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) marked International Youth Day with the graduation of 34 young women from the second class of the 'Raedat' leadership and advocacy training program. The ceremony, attended by UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh, brought together participants from across Libya to showcase their year-long work on youth empowerment initiatives. Over the past 12 months, the participants received intensive training in leadership, communication, and civic engagement, supported by mentoring from experienced professionals. The program concluded with seven group presentations outlining public campaigns designed to boost youth participation in Libya's social, economic, and political life. These final projects were presented to an audience of families, mentors, UN staff, and members of the diplomatic community. In her address, Tetteh highlighted the resilience and ambition of Libyan women but also spoke candidly about the significant challenges they face. She pointed to cultural norms, political obstacles, and family pressures that often hinder women from taking on leadership roles, and warned that, in some cases, women still encounter violence for trying to participate in public life. 'These barriers must be broken,' Tetteh said. 'Libya cannot achieve lasting stability or sustainable development without women's voices being heard in every sphere.' The 'Raedat' program, part of the UN's wider support for gender equality in Libya, is designed to equip young women with the skills and confidence to lead change in their communities. Organizers hope that by fostering a new generation of female leaders, the program will help shift societal attitudes, increase women's representation, and contribute to building a more inclusive and peaceful Libya. Tags: libyaLibyan WomenunsmilYouth Day
Libya Review
10 hours ago
- Libya Review
Ankara Seeks to Unify Libya's Strategic Space with Pakistan's Help
A recent analysis by Greek City Times has highlighted the formation of a new geopolitical axis involving Turkey, Pakistan, and both the Libyan Government of Stability in the east and the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba. The report warns that this evolving partnership poses a direct threat to Greek strategic and maritime interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. The report notes that the alliance is gaining both operational and strategic dimensions, citing the July visit of Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces of Libya's eastern-based General Command, to Pakistan. During the visit, Haftar signed an agreement to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation. This move is seen as significant given that eastern Libya, historically opposed to Turkey, is now engaging with Pakistan — one of Ankara's closest military allies. The Turkish–Pakistani partnership spans defense industries and joint naval exercises. The report warns that Pakistan's growing presence in the Mediterranean is concerning due to its lack of historical role in the region, its nuclear capabilities, and potential to transfer expertise in drones and missiles to Libya via Turkey. The article recalls the 2019 maritime boundary agreement signed between Turkey and Libya, which Athens rejects as it disregards Greek maritime rights. According to the report, Turkey has been seeking to reinforce the deal by holding informal talks with representatives from eastern Libya in a bid to gain partial acceptance. The analysis concludes that Ankara aims to create a unified strategic cooperation sphere in Libya, linking it to Pakistan and bolstering Turkey's influence in the Mediterranean. The report urges Athens to reassess its strategic posture, noting that Turkey is no longer acting alone but alongside a nuclear-armed ally. Tags: Al-Ahly TripoliFootballlibyaOsama Hammad
Libya Review
a day ago
- Libya Review
EU Pledges Stronger Support for Libya's Young Innovators
The European Union Mission to Libya has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering young Libyans, marking International Youth Day with praise for their resilience, creativity, and leadership. The mission described Libyan youth as 'the pulse of innovation and hope for a more inclusive and peaceful future.' In a statement on Tuesday, the mission highlighted the key role Libya's younger generation is playing in shaping progress across vital sectors — from technology and education to the arts and civic engagement. It expressed pride in their achievements and vowed to continue partnering with Libyan institutions to expand opportunities for young people in every part of the country. International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12 since its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, is a platform to spotlight youth contributions while addressing global challenges they face — including unemployment, access to education, mental health, and political participation. It also emphasizes the importance of engaging youth in policymaking and in driving sustainable development. The EU Mission stressed that even amid Libya's political and economic uncertainty, young Libyans are pushing boundaries, launching new initiatives, and finding innovative solutions to local and national challenges. By investing in education, entrepreneurship, and civic participation, the EU hopes to help channel their energy into projects that strengthen communities and the nation as a whole. 'Libya's young men and women are its greatest resource,' the statement read. 'Their creativity, determination, and vision are essential to building a stable, prosperous, and inclusive Libya. Supporting them is not only an investment in the present, but in the country's long-term peace and stability.' Tags: eulibyaStabilityYouth Day
