Libya: From Kingdom to International Pariah

His Majesty King Idriss I, Al-Sanussi.

Libya wasn't always an international pariah. One time things were very different, and Libyans were envied accross north africa. Libya, an Italian protectorate during the 1930's until 1945, became a British mandate. Thus British ideals were imposed, as well as a military formed and instructed by British Generals. The British soon appointed the head of the Al-Sanussi branch to lead the country. Thus the Kingdom of Libya became independent in 1952, led by H.M. King Idriss I (Al-Sanussi). When the U.N and Britain granted independence to Libya, it was one of the poorest nations in the world. This was due in part to its geographic location, being mostly dessert. It was ruled by a political elite, the aristocracy in power with the King making decitions. There was a parliament, but most people being poor and ignorant were akin to what was going on in Tripoli. However, by 1955, big oil deposits were found in the dessert, and Tripoli, the capital, grew in affluence, and the country was flush in money. This helped Libya build roads, infrastructure, to develop sea ports, and a wealthy merchant class developed. Many Italian residents still resided in Tripoli at this time. The middle classes also started growing and becoming more politically aware. Many americans were working in the oil fields, and Tripoli became an urban metropoli. Libyans were much closer to Europe, particularly to Italy. They had political and family ties to Europe. by 1965, Libya was growing 5% or more a year. The U.N development agencies left quick once they realized that Libya was no longer a nation in need. However, many among the masses resented the British influence in the country, and some wrongly supposed the monarchy was getting corrupt. Many in the officer corps resented British trainers, among them the young Colonel Muammar Qadhafi. Libya, been a pluralistic constitutional monarchy, gave opportunities to people who previously had none. Qadhafi was enroled at the University of Libya, and took lessons in Marxism, among others. He rejected marxism only because it did not follow Islamic traditions and ideas. Although he was a troublemaker at the university and was known as a leader, in 1956 he was accepted in the Military Academy in Benghazi where he graduated in 1965. While at Military Academy, he was instructed by British officers, and was known for being insubordinate, and talking in arabic behind the officer's backs. He was recognized for his zeal to excel and to do whatever was in his reach to achive his goals. Like in many other Arab nations, these officers were inspired by Gamal Abdel Nasser, and the ideals of pan-arabism. Qadhafi helped foment subversion while serving in the King's Army being a member of the "Free Unionist Officers". These officers believed that socialism would solve the country's problems.

Young Colonel Mu'ammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi, 27 yrs old, Sept. 1, 1969.

Thus, Col. Qadhafi overthrew H.M. King Idriss I in 1969, and he declared Libya a "republic" by national radio broadcast. This coup d'etat was known as the "Al-Fateh" Revolution. This was an opportunistic time for such a thing, because H.M. King Idriss I was getting treatment in Europe (probably in Switzerland). This coup brought the Kingdom to an end, and H.M. King Idriss I Al-Sanussi went on to exile. Thus a long period of failed socialism made Libya a third world country again. The traitor, Col. Qadhafi did not rule alone, but was a member of the "Revolutionary Council". Once he became the leader of the council, he quickly consolidated his power, and purged any officers that could be a threat to him. All these traitors in the military, all former friends of Col. Qadhafi, were killed, exiled, or persecuted by the state. Thus he became a dictator, who seeked absolute power, and seeked what was best for himself, not the nation. Parliament was closed, and replaced by an assembly, packed with cronies. He abolished private property for the most part, the merchant class and the Italian community quickly left. No private investment was encouraged. Qadaffi promoted a form of Islamic Socialism, and like the old Soviet Union, encouraged children read and memorize "The little Green Book" which he wrote, expressing his ideas for Libya and the world, and his strange brand of ideology. A fanatic cult personality has evolved around him, where his cronies praise him for nearly everything. Qadhafi (until recently) promoted state terrorism in other countries like Egypt, and his secret service was heavily involved in the bombing of the Pan-Am flight that blew up over Lockerbie, Scotland. He was widely condemned, and Libya suffered the brunt of American bombings in 1985, where even Qadhafi's daughter of 5yrs died. His fanatism led his nation to be bombed and isolated.

Col. Qadhafi and other Free Unionist Officers on 3 September 1969, many of who he later had killed, purged, or exiled.

Col. Qadhafi also changed with power. At the begining he had credible aims, but soon led to impossible aims of making all of Libya a pure socialist state. From uniforms, he went on to wear colorful robes, and he showed favors on his tribal group. He first tried to unite the arab nations into one, led by Libya, into an arab union. Even this failed, and after promoting hard core pan-arabism, and identifying Libyans as "arabs", he turned around and started promoting african integration. He then claimed that Libyans were "africans". Many in Tripoli were insulted, but there was little they could do. Every type of opposition exists abroad as Qadhafi does not accept dissent. The traitor Qadhafi even let the oil industry fall in desrepair, and although he is trying to woe technicians after kicking them out initially, and Europeans and Americans are wary of doing business with him. Many want to beause of the large profits involved. The U.S. also believes that Libya is trying to produce nuclear weapons, but hasn't been proven entirely. This is of course dangerous, as Qadhafi is a socialist maniac. It would have been acceptable if Libya was on the road to prosperity and was guided by a constitutional monarchy like before. Qadhafi is fond of living like tribesmen, as he is fond of setting up large tents in the dessert. The traitor Colonel Qadhafi also changed Libya's name to "Socialist Republic of Equals". He is also responsible for changing Libya's national flag for a dull green with no symbols. Thus Qadhafi led to Libya's great downfall from the prosperous times of the 50's and 60's under the Al-Sanussi Royals. Libya today is considered a pariah state, few or no foreigners visit, it has become a complete police state, under an ineffective selfish self-serving dictator. It is time an international force went into Libya and helped the opposition gain the upper hand! The corrupt Colonel needs to be kicked out, and the Al-Sanussi royals, King Idriss I's grandson, the heir, returned to the Libyan throne. Long Live King Idriss I!!! Long Live the Libyan Monarchy!!!

Article by
Cristian Subiabre, April 20th, 2002.