Little noticed by a world transfixed by the advance of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the surreptitious Russian invasion of Ukraine, and China's assertive behavior in the East and South China Seas has been the escalation of fighting in Libya. In recent weeks, battles have become more pitched and regional governments have secretly intervened to counter gains by Islamic militias in Tripoli. Libya's implosion is exposing and deepening fault lines throughout the region.
Since Moammar Gadhafi was deposed as leader of Libya in 2011, Libya has slid slowly but inexorably toward civil war and anarchy. A coalition of forces found sufficient common cause to work together to oust the long-serving dictator, but whatever unity existed rapidly disintegrated once he fell from power.
Various militias, loyal to tribes, religions, regions and leaders sparred for power. A parliament, known as the General National Congress (GNC), was formed by national elections held in 2012. Its authority has been limited, however, by the determination of local groups, backed by those militias, to hold on to power.