"Rogue Libyan General's 'Coup' Against Islamic Militants Unleashes Wave of Violence

The fruits of our last intervention are turning pretty rotten:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/terrorism-security/2014/0605/Rogue-Libyan-general-s-coup-against-Islamists-unleashes-wave-of-violence

A rogue Libyan ex-general's effort to eliminate the Islamist militias that have flourished in Libya since 2011 has unleashed a wave of violence and chaos. Reuters described the situation in Libya today as "anarchy," while The Washington Post warned of a "full-blown civil war."

On Wednesday, that former general, Khalifa Haftar, survived an assassination attempt outside Benghazi, Libya's second city. Meanwhile, in Sirte, a Red Cross worker was killed, and in Tripoli, a rocket-propelled grenade was fired at the prime minister's office. Ahmed Maiteeq has only been in office since last month, and is Libya's fifth prime minister since the removal of former dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. Mr. Maiteeq was elected during a chaotic parliamentary session. Today he lost a court ruling on the legality of that election, Reuters reports.

Libya's political instability has allowed armed groups to become as pivotal in the country's direction as its elected leaders. Mr. Haftar says his unsanctioned campaign against Islamist militias is needed because the government is too weak to bring them to heel, but the government has decried his actions – which including airstrikes – as a coup. Haftar's forces also stormed the parliament last week.

Yesterday a suicide bomber blew up a jeep outside his base outside Benghazi. Haftar vowed "a strong response."

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