Colonel Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi, who Reagan proclaimed the ‘mad dog of the Middle East’, is one of the most controversial and divisive figures in modern history. The self-proclaimed ideological leader of Arab nationalism and proponent of Islamic Socialism, Gaddafi has, for four decades, been absolute ruler of Libya, a country where basic civil liberties are virtually non-existent and opposition is not tolerated. Seemingly erratic and entirely unpredictable, Gaddafi has been at loggerheads with the Western world for much of his reign, implicated in subversion and terrorist activities throughout the Arab world and beyond, and regarded as a patron and financier of international terrorism.
In the unedifying history of Anglo-Libyan relations, the 1984 killing of police constable Yvonne Fletcher outside the Libyan Embassy in London and the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie have certainly not helped matters.
Of late, however, Gaddafi has sought a more open relationship with the countries of the West, admitting responsibility for Lockerbie and touring Europe with his troop of female bodyguards, receiving world leaders in his famous tent and apparently seeking easier trade and diplomatic relations.
In this candid, fascinating book Daniel Kawczynski reflects on the personality and career of one of the world’s most controversial leaders. He uses his experience as an adviser to William Hague’s foreign affairs team to gain unique access to political insiders and people whose lives have been affected by Libyan aggression and asks how we can balance human rights and the crimes of the past against opportunities to engage with a regime that is reaching out to the West.
