In 2011 Libya cracked into a thousand pieces. With United Nations authorization, a broad coalition attacked Libya, a mob murdered Muammar Gaddafi, his bloodthirsty regime collapsed, and the country fragmented. Eventually, two governments were formed, one based in Tripoli and another in Tobruk. Each has its own leader, armed forces, government bureaucracy and even a Central Bank that prints its own money. Whats more, each government has powerful nations backing it. The one in Tripoli has the recognition of the UN, while the one in Tobruk is supported by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, among others.
Control over Libyas rich oil fields has set off fierce fighting but, so far, neither government has been able to defeat the other. To top it all off, an unknowable number of militias, tribes, and terrorist groups including Al Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS) operate freely within Libya, as well as criminal syndicates that traffic drugs, people, and, most dangerously, arms, freely available to the highest bidder.
As in Libya, Venezuela has two centers of power, neither of which seems quite able to do away with the other
The prolonged collapse of the country has become a problem for Europe. Tripoli is only 186 miles from Lampedusa, the tiny Italian island that has become an epicenter of the Mediterraneans migration crisis. Tens of thousands of African refugees from all over the continent fully aware of the chaos and corruption gripping in Libya are passing through the country on their way to Europe, creating a lucrative market in human cargo that the local authorities are unable, or unwilling, to stop.
None of this was anticipated by the foreign powers that intervened in 2011. Their priority was to end the Gaddafi regime and prevent the lunatic leader from perpetrating a genocide. The plan was that once Gaddafi was overthrown, a transitional government would call for elections and begin Libyas transition to democracy. The nations huge oil reserves would finance Libyas rebirth. Eight years on, this day after scenario seems entirely illusory.
Today, Venezuela is in danger of becoming the Libya of the Caribbean. Of course, the two are very different countries and their circumstances differ in all sorts of ways. But the similarities are surprising.
As in Libya, Venezuela has two centers of power, neither of which seems quite able to do away with the other. Juan Guaid is one president and his constitutional legitimacy is recognized by more than 60 countries, including the main democracies around the world. Nicols Maduro came to power via a fraudulent election and has usurped power with the support of the armed forces and paramilitary groups. He is backed by Cuba, Russia, China, Iran, Turkey, and Syria, among others.
In Libya there are large criminal syndicates that traffic people. In Venezuela there are powerful syndicates that traffic drugs and minerals such as gold and coltan
Both Libya and Venezuela are failed states whose governments are unable to perform basic governing functions. Neither government controls the entire national territory, and that void has been filled by a plethora of bad actors. Al Qaeda and ISIS operate in Libya, while the ELN and the FARC, Colombias leftist guerillas who are heavily involved in drug trafficking, operate in Venezuela. Regional strong men, militias, and criminal gangs also control large territories and cities, or pieces of them.
In Libya there are large criminal syndicates that traffic people. In Venezuela there are powerful syndicates that traffic drugs and minerals such as gold and coltan. Libya is a great arms bazaar. Venezuela too. Anarchy and criminality reign in both countries. And both have become the focus of serious regional crises. African immigrants arriving from Libya have destabilized Europes politics, while millions of Venezuelan refugees are destabilizing politics in Colombia and other countries. Another similarity is that both are major oil producers that are increasingly unable to produce, export and benefit from their vast oil reserves. Both nations are currently subject to international sanctions, and both are under the watchful eye of the Kremlin. Putin cleverly turned Russia into a major player in the Syrian conflict. Now he is trying to do the same with Libya and Venezuela.
International mediators have promoted dialogues and negotiations between the two governments. In both countries all these attempts have failed
International mediators have promoted dialogues and negotiations between the two governments. In both countries all these attempts have failed.
Another common feature of the crises in Libya and Venezuela is that compassion fatigue is increasingly evident. A long drawn-out crisis with few prospects for a simple solution ceases to be a priority for an international community that is already overwhelmed by other conflicts and humanitarian emergencies. Kurds, the Rohingya, and refugees from Yemen, Syria, Turkey, and Central America all compete for the attention and resources of the international community.
Unfortunately, governments, international organizations, and the news media are already tiring of the Venezuela crisis. If there are no changes in the status quo in the coming months, the inertia and the more-of-the-same mentality will prevail. This must be avoided at all costs.
Twitter @moisesnaim
Continue reading here:
Opinion: Is Venezuela becoming the Libya of the Caribbean? | In English - EL PAIS
- Cheap Caribbean [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Caribbean - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Caribbean Sea | sea, Atlantic Ocean | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2016]
- Caribbean travel guide - Wikitravel [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Caribbean Information Office [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Holidays to the Caribbean 2016 / 2017 | loveholidays.com [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Cruises | Caribbean Vacation Packages | Norwegian ... [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Actor Brenton Thwaites to Star in Thriller 'Ghosts of War' - Variety [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- New Kokomo bar has Caribbean theme - Kokomo Tribune [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Michael Perry: Caribbean work day | Recent columns by Michael ... - Madison.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Orlando Bloom Returns as Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean 5 First Look - MovieWeb [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Link-Caribbean Awards US$125000 To Five Caribbean Firms - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp Finally Appears In Dynamite 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Super Bowl Spot - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600 attracts Classics - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Caribbean dancer N'Jelle Gage-Thorne visits Allen Hall - Daily Illini [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Norwegian, Royal Caribbean expand Cuba sailings through end of the year - Orlando Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Why Disney's 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Had The Best Super Bowl Movie Ad - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The 'baseball island' is taking on water at the Caribbean Series - ESPN (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- World's Smallest Biennale Drops Anchor on Caribbean Islet - Hyperallergic [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Obama kiteboards in Caribbean with billionaire Richard Branson - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Crime Costing Caribbean Billions | Caribbean360 - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Classics Gather in Caribbean - Sailing World [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- CCGA enters partnership with Caribbean college - The News (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Charm Enjoying New Location - Hartford Courant [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- World Bank Appoints New Country Director for the Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - The San Luis Obispo Tribune [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Puerto Rico edges Mexico for Caribbean Series title - MLB.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- LGBTQI coalition gears up in eastern Caribbean - Erasing 76 Crimes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean Series artifacts to be displayed in Hall - MLB.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor Selections From Latin America, Caribbean ... - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - Beloit Daily News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and Caribbean Volume 30 | November December 2016 - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- All inclusive Caribbean trips with nonstop flights hit the vacation spot - The Tennessean [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- US, EU Food Standards Major Hurdle for Caribbean Exporters - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Cruises that cater to the Chinese on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas - Miami Herald [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- St. Croix Restaurants Named Among Top Ten In Caribbean By USA Today - VI Consortium (press release) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Caribbean Brothers Bar & Grill opens along Route 30 in Lancaster Family Resort - LancasterOnline [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- FATCA hurting Caribbean: Revoke it, Mr Trump - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Book review: 'Island People' brings Caribbean's humanity, color to life - Fredericksburg.com [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American leaders want strong stance against Trump's immigration policy - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- 10 Ways MSC Cruises is Elevating the Caribbean Cruise Experience - Cruise Fever [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers concerned over poaching - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean all-inclusive resorts: Top spots for families, foodies, more - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- This Unknown Caribbean Island Should Be Your #1 Vacation Destination In 2017 - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Belize among the Caribbean countries recording strongest tourism growth - Amandala [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- You can take a family vacation the Caribbean - AZCentral.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean-style lagoon coming to Houston-area development - Chron.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean CIO Sets Sail For Digital Innovation - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 2000 Royal Caribbean passengers stranded after ship fails life jacket inspection - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean's Carnivals Tip Their Hats to Trinidad - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- New shark of the Caribbean - Deutsche Welle [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean labour ministers to meet in Jamaica - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Record Fleet for RORC Caribbean 600 >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers predict positive tourism performance for 2017 - Amsterdam News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Venezuela promotes trade with Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Disney World announces expansion at Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach resorts - Orlando Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from Latin America, Caribbean - SFGate [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- UK weather to get hotter than Barcelona as Caribbean blast 'heatwave' keeps temperatures soaring into next week ... - The Sun [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Black Caribbean Immigrants In The US Today 10 Things You Should Know This Black History Month - News Americas Now Caribbean And Latin America Daily... [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- The 8 Most Memorable Island Cocktails To Try On Your Next Caribbean Adventure - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Caribbean air will send February temperatures soaring in Cornwall - Cornwall Live [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- New LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean sets revealed at New York Toy Fair 2017, coming in May [News] - The Brothers Brick [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American legislator dispels rumours about immigration sweep - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Lego's New Pirates of the Caribbean Ship Can Open Itself Up Like a Skeleton's Ribcage - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean cancels all cruise stops in Turkey in 2017 - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean trained attorneys are taking over the judiciary in the region - Stabroek News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean Nations Concerned President Trump's Immigration Policy Will Slow Tourism - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Woman suffering diabetic shock airlifted by Coast Guard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp is in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales', Apparently - Bloody Disgusting [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Dozens Starve to Death in Caribbean Prison - Newser [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Horses on the Caribbean Track - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- SXM Festival on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin announces 2017 edition - Mirror.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Curacao - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Jamaica Commended For Its Economic Initiatives At IDB - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600: It's Never Like This >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- More Caribbean illegals in line for deportation - Trinidad & Tobago Express [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- CHIEF and Taste Of The Caribbean To Be Held In Miami In June ... - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Caribbean islands offer Carnival travel choices: St. Lucia, Barbados and more - Newsday [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]