The Arab Spring was not the product of grassroots and representative movements, yet it thrived on the psychology of dissent made up of myriad layers. The “revolt” that started in North Africa could have spread to the entire Arabian Peninsula. The process that was kickstarted in Tunisia deeply shook a number of countries, and the chaotic aftermath engendered a major crisis. As no powerful political and intellectual faction had formed in these countries, it was impossible to direct events. Forces fighting for sovereignty over the Muslim geography did not want countries, especially like Egypt, to achieve political stability, because then they would have the potential to impact the region. France’s military intervention, which would drag Libya into chaos, was extremely significant in terms of driving the Muslim region towards instability. This intervention could have led to devastating outcomes in terms of the continuation and expansion of France’s colonial empire in Africa.
Libya’s influence, which spread across Africa in the postcolonial era, turned anti-imperialism into a reality. It was thus discerned that long-term approaches could lead to real results in terms of colonial societies. Imperialist countries perceived the development of relations between Turkey and Libya as a threat to their own interests. During Nicolas Sarkozy’s term in office, France’s anti-Turkey policy signaled a sharp change in relations among the two countries, between whom no love was lost in the past anyway. France had been endorsing organizations such as the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terror group in a bid to confine Turkey within the boundaries of Anatolia. However, Turkey’s launch of the Africa initiative despite all pressures perturbed certain countries that focused on the “beggar’s imperialism” policy. The rapport Turkey developed with Libya would go on to bear fruit. Libya’s increasing influence across Africa was a sign of this. And then all of a sudden, Italy approached imperialist states to have a share in the colonization of Africa like it did in the past.
The events that unfolded after Muammar Gaddafi’s rule were posing a threat to Libya’s presence. It comes as no shock that those who derive immense pleasure from mentioning the “old-fashioned” practices of the Turkish and Muslim world by praising the West in the event of any problem whatsoever haven’t a clue regarding factors such as colonialism and imperialism, which dragged the whole world into deep chaos. Yet, in order to really understand our age, it is necessary to be aware of and analyze the problems caused by these factors. But they derive extreme pleasure in accusing the defeated. Perhaps they believe that in doing this they will take their place among the victorious. The most innocent explanation for this is that they have internalized the Euro-centric perception. Otherwise, if they are regulating the Turkish and Muslim region by “fulfilling the non-Muslims’ instructions,” this would indicate a much dirtier web of relations. Thus, dependent structures such as the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) did not hesitate to fulfill the instructions of the infidels as the junta government came to power in Egypt. There was only one step left: for a new putschist to take over Libya. Turkey had objected, saying, “Libya belongs to Libyans.” This statement has the same significance as “Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan.” Hence, it points to a new concept.
Rumor had it that Libya would be divided into three parts. The maps drawn up were the aftermath of the colonial period. The country that had been divided in the past among the U.K., France, and Italy was doomed to face the same future. Yet upon Turkey’s intervention, everything started to change radically. Warlord Khalifa Haftar’s advance was stopped. Insurgent units were shortly repelled. Libya belonged to the Libyans once more.
The similarity of the slogans “Libya belongs to Libyans” and “Karabakh is Azerbaijan’s” is interesting. But the likeness does not stop there. We saw during the pandemic period that both events were directly related to one another. The Armenians were mobilized to hinder Turkey’s success in Libya. Expectations went down the drain. The destinies of South Caucasus and North Africa were thus connected via Turkey. These events will have repercussions in Africa, the East Mediterranean, as well as in Turkestan.
Now, about a year after Turkey’s intervention in Libya, Libyans were virtually deployed to Turkey. A crowded delegation, including the prime minister and top-level ministers, making an appearance in Turkey is, without a doubt, a victory celebration. It is clear from the multilateral deals that Libya will be rebuilt and prepared for the future. This period will also witness the rise of political and intellectual representatives in Libya. Libya will belong to the Libyans.
