Streaming platform pulls Libyan series over Haftar narrative claims

A Libyan Ramadan television drama titled “The Decision” (Al-Qarar) has sparked widespread controversy across the country, with critics accusing the production of promoting a political narrative that seeks to rehabilitate the image of the Haftar family.

The series dramatises the events surrounding “Operation Dignity”, the military campaign launched in Benghazi in 2014 by forces led by eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar. In the drama, Haftar is portrayed as a national hero who rescued the city from extremist groups, while opposing factions are broadly depicted as terrorist organisations.

According to critics and commentators, the storyline presents a simplified account of a complex conflict. One scene in particular has drawn significant attention: a married woman from Benghazi is forcibly taken from her father by an ISIS militant, a narrative device that portrays the city as lawless territory vulnerable to extremist violence until Haftar and his forces arrive to restore order.

Observers say the production closely resembles the Egyptian drama “Al-Ikhtiyar” (The Choice), which portrayed Egypt’s military operations from a pro-state perspective. Several analysts have described “The Decision” as a near “copy-paste” adaptation of the Egyptian series, modified to reflect the political narrative surrounding Haftar and his allies.

The controversy has quickly spread across social media and public debate in Libya. Critics argue that the reportedly high-budget production exaggerates the role of Haftar family members and their associates while overlooking the contributions of other armed groups and local forces involved in the fighting in Benghazi.

Amid the growing backlash, Shahid, the largest streaming platform in the Middle East and North Africa and owned by MBC Group, removed the series from its catalogue shortly after releasing promotional trailers.

The platform has not issued a detailed public statement, but the decision came after significant criticism online and concerns that the series could be perceived as political propaganda intended to reshape the narrative surrounding the conflict in Benghazi and the role of the Haftar family.

The debate surrounding “The Decision” reflects broader tensions in Libya over how recent history is portrayed in media and popular culture, particularly regarding the country’s years of conflict following the 2011 uprising.