A recent article by US author Michael Rubin, published on October 6, 2026, has highlighted the growing threat of extremism in Libya. Rubin, a former diplomat and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum, expressed concerns over comments made by Libyan cleric Sadiq al-Ghariyani. Al-Ghariyani had called on Muslim pilots to follow the example of an Omani pilot who attempted to hijack a FlyDubai flight on September 30, 2026.
The incident in question involved a FlyDubai flight that was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the Omani pilot, Hammam al-Hammadi, attempted to take control of the aircraft. Authorities are still investigating the motives behind the attack, with some sources suggesting that al-Hammadi intended to crash the plane into Israeli territory. Rubin's article argues that al-Ghariyani's comments are part of a broader trend that warrants international attention.
Rubin has criticized the Libyan government, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeiba, for providing a safe haven for al-Ghariyani. He argues that al-Dbeiba's government lacks a direct electoral mandate and that continued international recognition of the Tripoli-based government may overlook the risks posed by militias and extremist groups. Rubin also questions the international efforts to unify Libyan institutions, arguing that any political arrangements must include clear measures to address armed groups and hate speech.
Rubin outlines several conditions that he believes should be demanded of the al-Dbeiba government, including the removal of al-Ghariyani, the extradition of suspects in terrorist attacks to the US, and the disarmament and dissolution of militias. He also calls for the holding of elections and the formation of a unified Libyan government, arguing that stability in the country requires addressing the issues of weapons and armed groups, alongside the political process.
The article also touches on the controversy surrounding the future of power in Libya. Rubin criticizes what he sees as a US focus on recognizing Tripoli as the sole center of power and suggests that the US should engage with other Libyan forces that he believes can guarantee security and combat terrorism. He concludes that the FlyDubai incident and al-Ghariyani's comments should prompt the US to re-examine its policy towards Libya.
Rubin's article was shared on social media by Faraj Zarouq, a retired diplomat, on October 6, 2026. The article reflects Rubin's broader concerns about the security situation in Libya and the potential risks posed by extremist groups. The investigation into the FlyDubai incident is ongoing, and the incident has raised concerns about the safety of civil aviation.
The issue of extremism in Libya remains a pressing concern, with many questioning the ability of the current government to address the threat. The international community is closely watching developments in Libya, and Rubin's article is part of a broader debate about the country's future and the role of the international community in supporting stability and security.
Key points
- - The US author Michael Rubin has warned of growing extremism in Libya following a FlyDubai incident and comments by Libyan cleric Sadiq al-Ghariyani. - Rubin criticizes the Libyan government for providing a safe haven for al-Ghariyani and argues that the international community should demand clear measures to address armed groups and hate speech. - The article calls for the holding of elections, the formation of a unified Libyan government, and the disarmament and dissolution of militias to address the country's security challenges.
