Libyan author Hisham Matar is well-known for his moving stories and profound understanding of the history and culture of his native country. He was born in 1970 and witnessed firsthand the political unrest in Libya during the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. Matar was allowed to briefly return to Libya in 2009 after years of exile because his family opposed Gaddafi. He traveled to Sirt and Tripoli during this time, where he found inspiration for a lot of his works.

One of Matar's key remarks considers Libya's possible development into a global and cosmopolitan nation. This idea is based on Libya's historical significance as a thriving hub for intellectual, cultural, and commercial exchange in the Mediterranean. Matar sees Libya regaining its position as a major actor in the international community in this regard.

Think of Libya as a large, ancient tree that once towered over other magnificent trees in a verdant forest. This tree was well-known for its extensive roots that connected it to a wide variety of plants and animals throughout the area. But over time, this tree became isolated from its surroundings as a result of outside forces causing it to lose some of its branches and leaves.

According to Matar, this tree will return to its former splendor, with new growth emerging from each branch, reestablishing its ties to nearby trees, and revitalizing the once-thriving ecosystem. By characterizing Libya as a "internationalist Mediterranean country," Matar highlights the significance of reestablishing ties between Libya and its neighbors as well as with the global community in terms of mutual understanding, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Hisham Matar, who reflects on the rich history of his country and looks forward to a time when it will once again play a significant role in regional affairs, continues to promote a Libya that values diversity and international cooperation through his writings and public remarks.