Libya: The Rise and Fall of QaddafiYale University Press, 2012 M07 31 - 304 pages For a reader unfamiliar with the history of Libya, Muammar Qaddafi might be mistaken for a character in fiction. His eccentric leadership as the nation's "Brother Leader," his repressive regime, sponsorship of terrorist violence, unique vision of the state, and relentless hold on power all seem implausibly extreme. This riveting book documents the extraordinary reality of Qaddafi's rise and 42-year reign. It also explores the tenacious popular uprising that finally defeated him and the possibilities for Libya as the future unfolds.Alison Pargeter, an author with deep understanding of Libya's history and people, explains what led up to Qaddafi's bloodless coup in 1969 and how he proceeded to translate his highly personalized vision into political, economic, and social policy. She discusses his tight-knit networks, the crises he overcame—including sanctions after the Lockerbie bombing in 1988—as well as his astounding maneuverings in the early 2000s to restore tattered relations with the West. Pargeter provides a thoroughly fascinating analysis of the 2011 revolt and uncovers the full details of Qaddafi's downfall. She concludes by introducing the new power brokers in post-Qaddafi Libya as well as the variety of knotty challenges that now confront them. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Africa Al-Houni Al-Megrahi Al-Mukhtar Alison Pargeter announced army attacks Bani Walid became Bedouin began Benghazi Blundy and Lycett bombing Britain British Brother Leader Carlos the Jackal centre challenge Colonel country's coup Cyrenaica decades declared desert Despite east economic Egypt Fathi February Fezzan fighters forces foreign FROLINAT Ghanem Gharyan going Green Book hands ibid ideas Idris Interview Iraq Islam Islamist Italian Jamahiriyah killed king Libyan Lockerbie London March militant military Misarata Mohamed movement Muammar Muammar Qaddafi Muslim Muslim Brotherhood Nasser nationalist officers Ottomans Palestinian People's Committee People's Congress political population President prisoners protest RCC members rebels reform regime regime's region revolution revolutionary committees Saif Al-Islam sanctions Sanussi Sanussiya Sebha sector Shalgam Shukri Ghanem Sirte struggle took tribal tribes Tripoli Tripolitania Tunisia uprising Vandewalle weapons Werfella West Western young Qaddafi Younis Zawara zawiya