21st February 2011. Gaddafi's son claims that reports of unrest are exagerrated
Muammar al-Gaddafi's Biography
February 2011 has seen eccentric Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafimaking headlines again. He has not been in the news lately but, with Egypt’s President Mubarek ousted in recent weeks and the Tunisian people revolting also, unrest has now moved on to Libya and Gaddafi is once again headline news.
Gaddafi has responded to unrest and protests, held on 16th February 2011 in Libya, in a typical heavy handed style. If the Libyan people want change, they will have to fight hard. Gaddafi will not be a leader to go easily or quickly.
So just who is Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi?
Gaddafi was born on 7th June 1942. He was born of a Bedouin family who lived near Sirt. As a teenager, Gaddafi joined anti Israel protests during the Suez Crisis of 1956.
Even as a young man Gaddafi had hopes that he could overthrow the ruling monarchy. He joined the military and began to plot how to overthrow the Libyan leaders. He received further military training in the UK, as so many other despots before him ( Uganda's Idi Amin for one). His military knowledge helped him to lead a successful coup against King Idrisin1969. A new Libyan Arab Republic was declared with Gaddafi at its head. He has been the leader of Libya ever since.
Initially Gaddafi was Chairman of a Revolutionary Command Council. In 1970 he also took the title of Prime Minister. In 1972 he gave up the title of Prime Minster for a rather lengthy new one. Gaddafi is either the
"Guide of the First of September Great Revolution of the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya"
or
“Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution".
Gaddafi is the father or 8 children. Only one child is female. One son, Muhammad Gaddafi, owns all the telecommunication companies in Libya, which certainly helps his father keep a tight hold on communications with the outside world. Another son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, has critiscised his father's rule in the past but recently has been instrumental his father remaining in office. His other sons hold military related posts in a true neptic style.
Colonel Gaddafi has had more than his fair share of controversy over the years. These days most right minded individuals see him as a rather strange eccentric character. His idea that Libya is a democracy is flawed, as the people have no chance of changing the political direction of the country, at least for now.
Despite his advancing years, Gaddafi has showed no signs of stepping down from power. If the recent changes in this region of the world are anything to go by though he may soon have little say in the matter.
He has remained as a Colonel, rather than giving himself a more grandiose military title. Gaddafi claims that as “Libya is ruled by the people” this title will suffice. The current unrest in Libya will show if Libya is truly a people’s state. To date it would seem to be a long way from the truth.
Libya unrest from 16th February 2011
February 16th 2011 saw Libya and Gaddafi face the first real protests against Gaddafi's iron rule. By Sunday 20th February more than 200 had been killed and more than 900 injured in the protests.
News on the unrest has been few and far between as Gaddafi struggles to keep Libyan news from spreading. Internet closures have been part of his tactics. However utilising heavy military power against the protesters has become regular practice.
With one of Gaddafi's sons leading the hated Khmais Brigade, of militia, the army has pulled back in some areas.
Monday 21st February 2011 has seen more conflict on the streets of Libya. The unrest is reported to have reached Tripoli, usually a stronghold for Gaddaffi. More than 300 Libyan people are reported to have been killed. This figure includes an 18 month old boy who was shot in the head by a sniper.
Gaddafi's son has made an appearance on Libyan TV, in an attempt to regain control. His speech was at times, bullying, condescending and threatening. Stating that the Gaddafi regime were prepared to fight to the last bullet and man, surrender seems to be the last thing on his mind right now.
Late Monday 21st February 2011-Events have been continuing to develop. There have been reports, some unconfirmed that:-
Gaddafi has fled to Venezuela.
As many as 400 people have been killed
The city of Benghazi is now out of control.
Airplanes and helicopters have fired on the people in Tripoli. Reports say they fired randomly.
Libyan guards at the border control with Egypt have left their posts.
Tuesday 22nd February 2011, has seen foreign nationals attempting to evacuate Libya. Tens of thousands of foreign nationals, from around the world, live and work in Libya. They are mainly invloved with the production of oil.
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