National Council on U.S. Libya Relations

10/07/2026

Remembering Ambassador David Mack (1940–2026)

The National Council on U.S.–Libya Relations honors the memory of Ambassador David Mack, who passed away on July 15, 2026. A distinguished American diplomat and longtime scholar of Libya, he brought decades of firsthand experience and historical understanding to our two countries' relationship.

His connection to Libya began in July 1969, when he arrived in Tripoli as a young diplomat and Arabic interpreter, just weeks before the overthrow of King Idris. He later served as the principal U.S. officer in Benghazi, deepening his knowledge of eastern Libya and its people. His distinguished career included service as U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.

We were honored to welcome Ambassador Mack to our 8th Annual Conference, where he recalled his diplomatic service in Libya spanning the final weeks of King Idris’s monarchy and the early years of Gaddafi’s rule.

He described conversations with younger Libyans who expressed dissatisfaction with the monarchy and the lingering Italian colonial presence, followed by his encounters with the young officers of the Revolutionary Command Council, including Abd al-Salam Jalloud. As an Arabic interpreter for Ambassador Joseph Palmer, Mack participated in meetings with Libya’s new leadership during this pivotal transition. He later served as the principal U.S. officer in Benghazi. Reflecting on the eventual withdrawal of the American diplomatic presence from eastern Libya, he recalled his lasting determination that Washington not forget the region.

His reflections reminded us what diplomacy requires: knowledge of a country’s history, attention to its people, and a willingness to reconsider familiar assumptions. We remain grateful that he shared those lessons with our community.

As we remember his life and service, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His contributions to understanding Libya and the history of U.S.–Libyan relations will remain an important part of his legacy.

Farewell, Ambassador Mack. Thank you for your service, your insight, and the memories you shared with us. May you rest in peace.

10/05/2026

A seat at the table, but who would it represent? As Libya seeks a UN Security Council seat for 2028–2029, NCUSLR Founding President Hani Shennib argues that national unity, accountable institutions, and transparent governance must come first.

Read his take in Libya Herald.

Libya is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028–2029, raising concerns about the nation's internal political fragmentation and instability.

09/12/2026

The National Council on U.S.-Libya Relations extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mahmoud Alftise on his official appointment as the Chargé d'affaires of the Libyan embassy in the United States.
Dr. Alftise who completed his graduate studies at Tulane University in the 80s, returns to the US with a wealth of experience as an economy strategist.
The Council wishes Ambassador Dr. Alftise every success in his new mission and looks forward to working with him and his team in promoting stronger US- Libya Relations.

The National Council on U.S.-Libya Relations is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering stronger political, economic, healthcare, educational, and cultural links between the United States and Libya.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from the National Council on U.S.-Libya Relations!

As Americans celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on more than two centuries of U.S.-Libya relations, shaped by diplomacy, dialogue, exchange, and shared hopes for stability and peace.

This year’s 8th Annual NCUSLR Conference, celebrating 230 years of U.S.-Libya relations, reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement, mutual understanding, and partnership between the American and Libyan people.

Happy Independence Day.

07/01/2026

“Libya is Moscow’s gateway to Africa.”
In an interview with Militär Aktuell, Wolfgang Pusztai, Security and Policy Analyst, and NCULSR Advisory Board Chair, unpacks how Russian forces, mercenaries, and military logistics shape Libya’s future—and why their presence won’t disappear anytime soon.
Read the full conversation for the bigger picture:

Five Questions for Wolfgang Pusztai: We spoke with the expert on security and political analysis about the current situation in Libya.

06/29/2026

The National Council on US Libya Relations welcomes the significant engagement of the US in efforts to reunify and stabilize Libya. Libyans have all the strategic geographic and natural resource ingredients to become a prosperous state. Libyans need to espouse the recent advances in US initiatives, led by US special representative Massad Boulos and move away from past non-constructive speculations and differences. The National Council on US Libya Relations stands ready to support all public diplomacy efforts to facilitate a better understanding of elements of the US initiative.

06/22/2026

At NCUSLR’s 8th Annual Conference, Sarah Shennib, Managing Director of Libyan Heritage House shared how the organization uses education, digital storytelling, and preservation to bring Libya’s remarkable history closer to Libyans and the wider world.

At the heart of her message was a forward-looking idea: preserving heritage is central to state-building. By protecting the places, stories, and memories that connect Libyans across generations, Libya can strengthen a shared sense of belonging, support education and tourism, and build a more connected future.

Sarah invited Libyan and American institutions, scholars, and preservation professionals to collaborate in protecting this heritage for future generations.

06/16/2026

Here is a very interesting interview by Aya Burweila with Dr. Hassan Sassi, co-founder of the National Council on U.S. Libya Relations and Vice Chairman of the Board, featuring several forward-looking statements!
https://libyaeconomicreview.com/fuel-rich-energy-insecure-an-interview-with-hassan-sassi-on-libyas-path-from-fuel-crisis-to-solar-power/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSepudleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeGGKB3lQLG7RCc0Yd-xwhUVsfv5av9qzU9WCOZp_fyv01BQfM8tPcqGhGc0E_aem_m1oAGS7Rtu0k7QfJLU4tRg

Explore how Libya's fuel crisis emphasizes the need for renewable energy. Discover the future of Libya's energy security.

06/09/2026

A closer look at the program pamphlet for the International Symposium for Libyan Women Cardiologist in Interventional Cardiology, held in Cairo, Egypt, on June 7–8, 2026.

نظرة أقرب على كتيّب برنامج الندوة الدولية للطبيبات الليبيات في قسطرة القلب التداخلية، التي عُقدت في القاهرة، مصر، خلال يومي 7 و8 يونيو 2026

06/08/2026

The National Council on U.S.–Libya Relations is proud to announce the launch of its one-year advanced interventional cardiology training program for 15 Libyan women cardiologist in Cairo, Egypt.

This week, NCUSLR hosted intensive orientation and training workshops at Misr University for Science & Technology Hospitals, in partnership with the university and under the leadership of MUST President Prof. Hala Salem Elmenoufy, Secretary General Dr. Eman Abdulazez, and Dean of Medicine Prof. Nader.

The program is carried out in collaboration with cardiologists from Kettering Health, Ohio, Loma Linda, California, and MENA Seventh-day Adventists, with program direction by Prof. Ahmed Tamarah, Dr. Ghada Salem, and Prof. Hazem Elghendi.

This initiative responds to the need to expand advanced training opportunities for Libyan women cardiologist and strengthen access to specialized cardiovascular care across Libya.

We are proud to support Libyan women cardiologist as they advance their expertise, leadership, and service to Libyan patients.

يفخر المجلس الوطني للعلاقات الأمريكية الليبية بالإعلان عن إطلاق برنامجه التدريبي لمدة عام في مجال قسطرة القلب التداخلية المتقدمة لـ 15 طبيبة قلب ليبية في القاهرة، مصر.

في هذا الاسبوع، استضاف المجلس الوطني للعلاقات الأمريكية الليبية ورش عمل مكثفة للتعريف بالبرنامج وبدء التدريب في مستشفيات جامعة مصر للعلوم والتكنولوجيا، بالشراكة مع الجامعة وتحت قيادة رئيسة الجامعة الدكتورة هالة سالم المنوفي، والأمينة العامة الدكتورة إيمان عبدالعزيز، وعميد كلية الطب الدكتور نادر.

يُنفَّذ البرنامج بالتعاون مع أطباء قلب من Kettering Health في أوهايو، وLoma Linda في كاليفورنيا، وMENA Seventh-day Adventists، وبتوجيه من مديري البرنامج: الدكتور أحمد تمارة، والدكتورة غادة سالم، و الدكتور حازم الجندي.

تأتي هذه المبادرة استجابةً للحاجة إلى توسيع فرص التدريب المتقدم لطبيبات القلب الليبيات، وتعزيز الوصول إلى الرعاية القلبية التخصصية في مختلف أنحاء ليبيا.

نفخر بدعم طبيبات القلب الليبيات في تطوير خبراتهن وقيادتهن وخدمتهن للمرضى في ليبيا.