jueves, 10 de octubre de 2013

Profile: Muammar Gaddafi por Fernanda Garza Díaz #VISIONINTERNACIONAL

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.

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