The Perpetual Ghost of Benghazi
1. THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? The Suspect: The arrested Libyan man, named as part of a belated US prosecution. His identity and alleged role are presented as definitive closure to a complex geopolitical event. US Law Enforcement/Intelligence: Those responsible for the 'discovery' and rendition of the suspect. This action signals their continued operational reach and commitment to
specific outcomes. US Political Factions: Various political groups, particularly Republicans, have historically leveraged Benghazi as a cudgel against Democratic administrations, notably Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential run. The timing of this arrest, years later, serves to resuscitate a convenient talking point. Lybian Factions & Militias: The myriad armed groups, some backed by
foreign powers, that have vied for control since the 2011 ousting of Gaddafi. Their ongoing conflicts are often framed simplistically as 'terrorism.' 2. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? The 'War on Terror' Budget: The pursuit of alleged terrorists, even years after the fact, justifies significant expenditure in intelligence gathering, paramilitary operations, and international
renditions. In 2023, the US military budget hovered around $886 billion (SIPRI, 2023). A fraction of this funds such long-tail operations. Lobbying Dollars: Pro-interventionist think tanks and defense contractors continue to benefit from prolonged instability in regions like Libya. Their advocacy influences policy and funding decisions that sustain such operations. For instance, the 'Project for