WAGING PEACE

In addition to the standard physical death and destruction caused by war, the invasion revived deep divisions between the country's Sunni and Shi'a populations, sparking a civil war and a battle for control over the state. Washington, DCs Middle East Institute (MEI) hosted a March 2 virtual panel discussion on the latest developments in Libya, specifically the appointment of Ab-doulaye Bathily to head the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to focus on moving forward with elections in 2023. Taher el-Sonni, Libya's ambassador to the United Nations, stressed the need for comprehensive and legitimate representation in Bathily's new committee, with civil society members, tribal leaders and exregime officials all taking part. Elections, which are supported by most Libyans, will bring change, but could also cause a backlash from those who benefit from the status quo.