Jason Pack writes an opinion piece for Al-Monitor discussing the flow of oil, and more importantly oil revenues, in Libya since Haftar seized the oil crescent ports earlier this month. He argues that Haftar is allowing the revenues to flow as part of his 'long game' to gain legitimacy and leverage within Libya and to strengthen his external alliances with allies such as Egypt and Russia.
In short, Hifter's ambitions reach far beyond gaining access to specific amounts of Central Bank of Libya funding. He appears to be playing the long game; progressively building up legitimacy, leverage and influence. Since the start of the uprisings against Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi, Hifter has tried via various tactics and ruses to become Libya's strongman. It is in this light that we must interpret his current military maneuver in the oil crescent and generosity toward the GNA. He clearly hopes to finally acquire a strong enough position to seize the leadership of Libya for himself, whether through political negotiations or more likely through military force.
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