Libyan Former Foreign Fighters and Their Effects on the Libyan Revolution
Abstract
Libyan former foreign fighters, veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan against the former USSR, the US and its coalition partners, were instrumental in the success of the Libyan Revolution (1991-2011). While Libyan foreign fighters had dubious impacts on the insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan, these former foreign fighters have had a decisive effect on the Libyan revolt through all three phases from 1991-2011. In Phase I, Covert Organization, Libyan former foreign fighter combat experience gained against the former Soviet Union allowed them to clandestinely develop a resistance force, recruit from the local populace, and prepare for overt guerilla warfare. In Phase II, Overt Guerilla Warfare, Libyan former foreign fighters employed their tactical experience gained on foreign battlefields as well as the international connections with the western nations and Al Qaeda to conduct a guerilla war against the Qaddafi regime while supporting jihadist efforts against the US in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Phase III, General Uprising, Libyan former foreign fighters provided the tactical, operational and strategic acumen, planning, and command and control that allowed them to lead the Libyan masses in their combined defeat the Qaddafi regime. These same former foreign fighters will continue to play a pivotal role in the post-Qaddafi era through their political posturing, occupation of key governmental billets, access to substantial financing and their influence throughout the Middle East.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA601458
Entities
People
- Dallas E. Shaw
Organizations
- Marine Corps University