Muammar Qaddafi was a Pan-Arabist and Pan-Africanist leader of Libya from 1969 to 2011. His accomplishments were immense during his 42 year rule. Domestic policy changed Libya and the country developed a more proactive foreign policy. Qaddafi developed various ideas including Islamic Socialism and Third International Theory. He was never afraid to challenge imperialism or religious fundamentalism.
Through out his political career he supported and armed liberation movements all around the world. The ANC, PLO, SAWPO, IRA and the MPLA. His support for the struggle against white minority ruled regimes in Southern Africa was critical.Western countries did not challenge Apartheid South Africa. Qaddafi sought to overthrow it. Muammar Qaddafi was an active supporter for the freedom struggle of the Palestinian people. When Arab nations abandoned their cause, Qaddafi remain with them in the spirit of Pan-Arabism. His wish was to see Palestine free from Zionist occupation.
Libya under his leadership saw incredible improvements. Women were given equal political rights and could get divorced. The literacy rate increased, because of government investments in public education. The oil industry was nationalized and the profits from that went to infrastructure projects. The most famous one was the Great Man Made River. This massive water system provided water to towns in the interior of the country. The average life expectancy went up due to the fact there was an improved heath care system. The infant mortality rate lowered and Libya experienced a population boom. He accomplished great things for his people and around the world. When you do positive actions for the world and community, it makes you a target for death. NATO attacked Libya in 2011 inducing ethnic violence and lawlessness.
Further Reading
El-Khawas,Mohamed. Qaddafi His Ideology in Theory and Practice.Brattleboro:
Maple Leaf Press,1986.
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