Muammar Gaddafi – Revolutionary Leader of Libya

Muammar Gaddafi came to power in Libya in 1969 and has ruled the country as a dictator ever since. He is the longest ruling leader in the Middle East and Northern Africa. At 27 he overthrewthe Libyan king when he was in Turkey for medical treatment. During the last few years Gaddafi has tried to gain international recognition and become a statesman.

Gaddafi was born in the desert town of Sirte. He came from a Bedouin family who led a nomadiclife style. After he had gone to a military college he went to Britain for army training. On September 1, 1969 he overthrew the monarch and became what he called the revolutionary leader of Libya.

Although Gaddafi officially set up peoples’ committees he gave them virtually no power. People who thought otherwise were sent to prison or killed. Many of them were tortured or simplydisappeared. The media was under the control of the colonel.

Gaddafi’s ideology is presented in his Green Book, in which he creates a mixture of capitalismand socialism combined with Islamic ideas. Gaddafi is well-known for his 40 female body guards who he chooses himself. Instead of wearing a suit he often wears stylish clothes with sunglasses. Political guests are welcomed in heavily guarded tents instead of state palaces.