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GADDAFI A MONSTER, A MADMAN, OR A KING?

People who dont love me do not deserve to live. These are the

words of Libyan dictator and President Muammar Al Gaddafi. The

tyrant is also willing to kill those who do not love or agree with him.

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He calls himself the King of Kings of Africa and even almost assumed

leadership of the United States of Africa.

BUT WHEN REALLY DID HIS JOURNEY BEGIN?

It was in September 1969 when a group of soldiers then led by 27 year

old, Muammar Gaddafi, staged a coup dtat against King Idris

launching the Libyan Revolution. From then on up to date he has been

referred to as the Brother Leader and Guide of Revolution by

government statements and Official press.

Under him Libya faces a lot of changes; first he changed the national

flag from Pan Arab colors to a single green banner to represent the

Great Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. School vacations in

1973 were cancelled to teach school children his thoughts. He set up an

extensive surveillance system; these informants carried surveillance in

the government, factories and the education sector.

WHEN DID THE RAINS START BEATING LIBYANS?

Gaddafi began to execute dissidents publicly and executions are still

rebroadcast on state channels, it is like he was trying to send a message

to anyone who has different ideas and also to show that he meant

business and show his capability. He continued to suppress critics and

even recruited Diplomats to assassinate dozens of critical refugees

around the world. Amnesty International reported 25 assassinations

between 1980 and 1987.

He also poked his nose into his neighbors business; in 1977 Egyptsleader Anwar Sadat showed intent of signing a peace deal with Israel,

to show retaliation he launched an air strike against Egypt. This time he

had picked a fight that he couldnt handle, Sadats army triumph easily

leaving 400 Libyans dead and most of Gaddafis armored divisions in

ruin on a four day border fight. This was called the Libya-Egypt war.

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The following year followed the Chadian-Libyan conflict after Gaddafi

support to Chad rebels escalated into a Libyan Military invasion to its

Southern neighbors. In the Uganda-Tanzania conflict, he tried to save

his fellow dictator and friend Idi Amin, this led to hundreds of Libyans

losing their lives. He also financed several Anti-Nuclear movements to

Australian trade union.

Even after an air-strike in 1986 failed to kill him and sanctions by United

Nations after bombing a commercial air plane killing hundreds, the oil

rich country and once very prosperous has been literally bent to its

knees with most of its finances spent on arms purchases and

sponsoring paramilitary groups and terrorists around the world.

The eastern part of the country which was once the countrys food

basket has been left impoverished since Gaddafis reign.

The working conditions and environment does not encourage economic

growth, it provides for salaries and wages but prohibit independent

trade unions. The only legal workers union is the National Trade Union

Federation created by the government. It does not provide the right to

strike and collective bargaining for workers strike is not allowed sincethe government must approve all labor agreements.

The unemployment rate has increased greatly due to sanctions and

Gaddafis efforts of preventing the emergence of a viable and growing

private sector.

All these are the reasons that have led to the 2011 uprising as Libyans

cannot take it anymore and are willing to do anything not only to save

their country but take it back from the tyrant Gaddafi who has robbed

off the country from them, killed and destroyed them. His oldest son

Saif Al-islam Muammar Al-Gaggafi seems to be his fathers right hand

man and also play a big role in the countrys current crisis.

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He is always on the state television warning of multiple deaths and

endless war if the rebels do not cease their efforts of ousting his father.

His government blames the current revolution on Western countries

and Israel, the town of Benghazi seems to be taken by the rebels with

Tripoli with most of pro-Gaddafis. Thousands of protesters have been

killed by the army; an air strike was even launched on the town of

Benghazi.

Libyas ambassador to India resigned after the massacre of protesters,

two Libyan Air Force colonels flew their jets to Malta and defected after

they refused to kill the protesters. There are reports of people being

shot and beaten after leaving the mosque after prayers; the word is

that the mosque is being used to spread the word of overthrowing

Gaddafi. Bloggers report that snipers are being used to shoot at groups

of protesters with an estimated 1,000 people being killed so far.

Government buildings have been destroyed with word that Libya has

only about 5,000 devoted soldiers to protect Gaddafi.

Word has it that Gaddafis hold on the country may not last long as

peoples rebellions spread and it is only a matter of time before he is

ousted. Some are saying that even his vast wealth from oil may notprotect him; Gaddafi has vowed to die defending his dictatorship than

surrender.

By: Chiara.