In Libya, the American mirage of reunification

Will the American initiative in Libya result in anything more than carefully orchestrated announcements and handshakes? After years of slogging through the United Nations' mediation, Washington has decided to take control of the issue. The Trump administration is increasing efforts to bring closer the rival authorities of Tripoli and Benghazi. Despite some gestures of cooperation, the prospect of true reunification in post-Muammar Gaddafi Libya remains distant.The diplomatic effort is being led by Massad Boulos, special adviser to Donald Trump for African and Arab affairs and father of his son-in-law. On a tour between the east and west of Libya on July 7 and 8, Boulos pitched his idea to several Libyan political figures: to reunify the institutions split between the two centers of power. On one side is the Government of National...