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Opening the panel, Ambassador Charles O. Cecil encouraged all participants to consider the implications of the topic of “Libya’s Relations with Africa and the West.” His remarks were basically three fold. First, he discussed Libya’s deep historical roots in Africa. He noted that Libya had long ties with sub-Saharan Africa, which even predated the arrival of Arabs in North Africa.

Second, he described the two institutions that Libya principally relies on for dialogue with the sub-Saharan region: the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (SIN-SAD) and the World Islamic Call Society. SIN-SAD was created in February of 1998 by Libya, Burkina Paso, Chad, Mali, Niger, and the Sudan to create a framework for integration and promote peace, security, and stability in the region. Economic benefits are key, he noted, in maintaining the interest of the 25 members. Libya mainly uses this institution to support its positions before the African Union. The World Islamic Call Society was founded in 1972, aiming to spread moderate Islam in the world, and in turn, to combat Wahhabi Islam that Libya regards as detrimental to its national interest. The World Islamic Call Society promotes both free education abroad and its own universities. The organization also holds inter-faith dialogue with the Vatican and the World Council of Churches to promote tolerant forms of Islam.

Finally, Ambassador Cecil explored the relationship between Libya and the United States. He asserted that Libya seems to be ambivalent towards cooperation with the US. Despite Libya’s favoritism towards US petroleum and communications technology, he argued that it has not made significant effort to expedite the visa process for US citizens. He closed his remarks by stressing that the desire of both Libya and the United States to deter Islamic fundamentalists should pave the way for greater cooperation between the two countries.

Dr. Ibrahim Aboukhazam, discussed Libya’s world vision. He stated that the ability of Libya and the United States to enter into a constructive dialogue is a prerequisite for any progress in their bilateral relationship. Libya, though a small country, has a clear vision to achieve stability and promote development in Africa, which it sees as also being in the interest of Europe and of the rest of the world. In negotiations or dialogue with other regional entities, Africa should be considered as a single unified body, not a fragmented group of countries. Colonial history, he suggested, still greatly affects relations between African and European countries. European countries approach Africa according to their different national interests — focusing on relations with ex-colonies — and not as a united European entity. Fragmented relations hurt the bargaining power and influence of the African continent and should be remedied. Libya is in constant dialogue with Latin America, China, and Europe, and the country wants to revitalize stalled dialogue with the United States and will cooperate with countries who share its vision for stability and economic development in Africa.

Dr. Ronald Bruce St John briefly traced Libya’s ideological revolution since 1969 and how the country has evolved into its current geopolitical landscape. He also explored the common interest of Libya and the US. Arab nationalism and unity were the two initial focuses of Mu‘amar Qadhafi’s revolution. Qadhafi’s drive for positive neutrality and socialism was misunderstood at a time when geopolitics of the world, and the only superpower, was moving towards liberal democratic ideals. Considerable transformations have occurred since, reaching the current Libyan ideological position. While there is noticeable change in Libya’s shift towards a free-market-economy, there has been no progress in the political sector in moving towards democratic values. This is in large part due to Qadhafi’s apathy for any systematic political transformation.

Second, Dr. St John explored the six core areas of bilateral relations between Libya and the United States. The first is hydrocarbons. On the one hand, Libya has abundant oil deposits in excess of 39 billion barrels, and gas reserves of over 51 billion cubic feet total. On the other hand, the United States is the first consumer of energy in the world. Thus, there is ample room for energy trade between the two countries. Second, Libya and the US have common goals in terms of regional politics, namely for AFRICOM, the Trans-Sahara Counter-Terrorism Partnership and others. US interest in engaging with Libya and solving long-lasting disputes will eventually reap benefits for both parties. Third, dismantlement of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is at the heart of US interest in Libya, both to eradicate current weapons and to reduce the possibility of obtaining more. Fourth, maintaining strategic military balance between Libya and the region is crucial for peace and stability on the continent as a whole. Libya has a strong interest in Saharan and Sahelian affairs, and the US should encourage a positive role for Libya in the region. Fifth, the United States should increase dialogue in the area of democracy and human rights. Finally, the United States should work on the peaceful resolution of legal cases against Libya pending in US courts.

However, the main reason why bilateral relations between Libya and the US have not improved is due to US unwillingness to treat Libya as a fair and equal partner. In contrast with European leaders who visited Libya multiple times, the US has not made real effort to bridge differences with Libya by sending senior representative to the country. More effort on the part of the United States is required to revive ties with Libya.

Dr. Bashir al-Kut discussed the efficacy of Libya’s role in resolving disputes in Africa. Despite the 40 years of determined effort by the African Union to settle disputes, most of African countries are reluctant to domestically solve problems. Instead, they usually depend on international organizations such as the United Nations (UN). The main reason is that Africa lacks the financial means to resolve conflicts. Libya’s role as a mediator in those situation is subject to doubt considering that it is a small, developing country. Also, Libya is falling short of utilizing diplomacy and logistical support it can gather from the region as a moderator. Moreover, the African states’ tendency to rely on organizations such as International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other non-local mediator plays an important role in their ability to deal with issues domestically. Only through mutual cooperation with the world’s major powers can there be sustained and long lasting independent peace and stability in Africa.

Dr. Daniel Yergin discussed the oil and gas industry. Recent changes in oil and gas prices have come from unfolding geopolitical issues in Basra, as well as the latest upsurge in the costs of developing the oil and gas industry, which doubled over the last three years. The shortage of people, equipment, and skills, and tensions among the states and companies are undeniable realities that both Libya, and the world at large, face today. Recent downturn in the US economy further suggests the need for diversification in moderating these prices in Europe, Asia, and North America. Furthermore, considering its location and abundant resources, Libya has tremendous potential for exporting, particularly to European markets. Libya’s ambition to use its oil and gas resources to transform its economy critically depends on facilitating decision-making and on timing. It is thus essential for Libya to foster more dialogue with existing and potential trading partners, whether through bilateral, regional, or multilateral negotiations. If Libya recognizes these factors, it will achieve both economic and social development in the future.