Leaked 2011 Call Reveals Tony Blair's Failed Plea to Gaddafi Amid Libya Crisis

In 2011, a leaked phone call between former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi exposed Blair's unsuccessful attempt to persuade Gaddafi to step down peacefully. This conversation took place just before the Western military intervention that led to Gaddafi's downfall.

Why this matters: The leaked phone call between Tony Blair and Muammar Gaddafi highlights the complexities and challenges of international diplomacy and intervention, with significant implications for global politics and conflict resolution. The consequences of failed diplomatic efforts can lead to violent regime change, instability, and long-term chaos, as seen in Libya's ongoing turmoil.

The call revealed Blair's efforts to avoid further bloodshed and chaos in Libya by urging Gaddafi to relinquish power voluntarily. However, Gaddafi, a ruler known for his brutal grip on power, refused to comply. The Western military intervention that followed tipped the scales against Gaddafi, leading to his capture and killing by rebel forces in October 2011.

Muammar Gaddafi had ruled Libya for over four decades, maintaining a tight grip on the country through a combination of coercion and patronage. The Libyan revolution, part of the broader Arab Spring that began in 2010, saw widespread uprisings against his regime. Despite Blair's efforts, the situation escalated, and NATO's intervention played a vital role in Gaddafi's eventual downfall.

A new book by French former secret service agent Jean Francois Lhuillier, 'The Tripoli Man: Memoirs of a Secret Agent,' sheds light on the decisions made by Western leaders during this period. Lhuillier criticizes France's then-President Nicolas Sarkozy for backing rebel groups without fully considering the consequences. According to Lhuillier, Gaddafi was 'extending his hand to the West' but was rebuffed, leading to his demise.

Lhuillier stated, 'The military operation was brilliantly run, but there was trickery because Gaddafi was extending his hand to the West. Not only didn't we grasp the hand that was being extended to us, but we also cut the head off. I find that completely immoral to have done that.' He also highlighted the close links between members of the French and Libyan governments before Gaddafi's fall and Sarkozy's indictment for receiving campaign money from Gaddafi in 2007.

The involvement of Western intelligence agencies was significant. DGSE agents worked with Libyan rebel groups, and UK Special Air Service personnel were on the ground in Libya, contributing to the overthrow of Gaddafi. Lhuillier claimed that the DGSE was often out-maneuvered by their UK counterparts during the operation.

The intervention in Libya has faced criticism for its long-term consequences. Hugh Roberts, a Tufts University Professor, argued that NATO's mission was one of violent regime change from the outset. Former US President Barack Obama also expressed regret over his administration's policy towards Libya, acknowledging the failure to plan for the aftermath of Gaddafi's removal and the resulting chaos.

The Arab Spring, which began in 2010, led to revolutions across the Arab world, including Libya. While Tunisia successfully established a new form of government, Libya's National Transitional Council struggled with cohesion and relied heavily on external support. The intervention and its aftermath have left Libya in a state of ongoing instability.

The leaked phone call between Tony Blair and Muammar Gaddafi highlights the complexities and challenges of international diplomacy and intervention. Despite Blair's efforts, the situation in Libya escalated, leading to Gaddafi's violent end and ongoing turmoil in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Tony Blair tried to persuade Muammar Gaddafi to step down peacefully in 2011.
• Gaddafi refused, leading to Western military intervention and his eventual downfall.
• Failed diplomatic efforts can lead to violent regime change and long-term chaos.
• The Libyan intervention has faced criticism for its long-term consequences, including ongoing instability.
• The incident highlights the complexities and challenges of international diplomacy and intervention.