Profile:
Muammar Gaddafi
Muammar
Gaddafi was one of the most influential leaders of the Arab World, having controlled
Libya since he overruled King Idris I in 1969. As a man he seemed surprisingly
philosophical and reflective in his temperament. However he was later judged at
international courts for crimes against humankind and his oppressive
dictatorship fueled the Arab Spring in 2011.
His strong remarks about
foreign policies and controversial strategies regarding the proliferation of
nuclear mass destruction weapons are worldwide acknowledged for being the main
reason for Libya’s diplomatic isolation.
It was known that the media
remained under strict government control and that there were laws forbidding group
activities favoring opposing political ideologies.
The regime imprisoned
hundreds of people for disrupting public order and sentenced some innocents to
death. Torture and disappearances were also reported during this period.
To understand the outcome
of his downfall, here is the story of how the Pan-African leader made his way
towards conquering power.
Background and ideology
Muammar Gaddafi was born in
the desert near Sirte, a nomadic Bedouin village, in 1942.
In his early youth, his
admiration for the Egyptian nationalist and head of state Gamal Abdel Nasser
enrolled him in anti-Israel protests during the Suez Channel crisis in 1956.
His attempts to strike the monarchy
took place during his military formation. He received further army training in the
United Kingdom before returning to the Libyan city of Benghazi and overruling
the king on 1 September 1969. After the uprising, he became Revolutionary
Chairman of the Libyan Arab Republic until
1977.
He implemented measures to reinforce
Libyan sovereignty and strengthened ties between Arab nationalist governments. Leading
Libya towards an "Islamic
socialism", he officially
introduced sharia as
the foundation of the existing legal system.
Gaddafi´s new economic
structure included the nationalization the oil industry, and the designation of
a more significant amount of domestic revenue to empower revolutionary
militants and implement social programs.
On behalf of the Libyan
government, he tried to extend his influence over neighbor countries. He sent
his army into Chad, where it occupied the Aozou Strip in 1973.
In 1977 he proclaimed
himself "Brother Leader" of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya. This system stood for a
state of the masses, in which power could be held by people and associations to
protect their interests.
International conflicts
He managed to retain
control as military commander-in-chief and head of the Revolutionary Committees,
having the faculty to suppress their political opponents, who were called
“pariahs”.
A hostile relationship was developed
with the United States and United Kingdom, resulting in several attacks. In 1986 The United States bombed Tripolli and Benghazi
in response to provoking statements made by Gaddafi. In 1988 Libya bombed the
PanAm Scottish jet Lockerbie and 270 civilians were killed. Consequently, the United
Nations imposed economic sanctions to pressure Libya into handing over
Lockerbie bombing suspects and accomplices.
From 1999, Gaddafi encouraged economic
privatization of the oil industry and Pan-African integration.
In 2003 the turnaround was
secured, and five years later Libya reached a final compensation agreement over
Lockerbie and other bombings, allowing diplomatic affairs with Washington to be
restored.
The uprising: world precedent of the Arab
Spring
However, in 2011, an
anti-Gaddafist uprising led by the National Transitional Council converted
into a civil outburst. The rebels were protected by NATO and the international
community, resulting in the government's dissolution, Gaddafi was later captured and murdered by
NTC militants.
Supporters glorified Gaddafi’s
anti-imperialist posture and his efforts to promote cohesion among African and
Arab nations.
Others accused of being
dictator whose administration violated the human rights of Libyan citizens and
financed international terrorism.
Nevertheless, he was a
highly divisive politic figure and his legacy or harm will never be neglected
neither forgotten.
Sources:
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