Guide Note

Though he holds no official office, Moammar Gadhafi has been the de facto leader of Libya since 1969. He is the fourth longest serving head of state currently in office. After taking power he did not, as is common among military leaders, promote himself to general. Instead he accepted a smaller promotion to colonel, the rank he holds today. Gadhafi has stated that, because Libya is ruled by the people, he needs no higher title. Gadhafi has implemented a system of, what he calls, Islamic Socialism, but critics argue, pointing out the assassinations of Libyan dissidents living abroad, that his political philosophy is more idealistic than his practice. He is a strong proponent of Pan Arabism and has given support the PLO, Iran, and various terrorist groups in the past. However, in recent years Gadhafi has softened his stance, giving large amounts of humanitarian aid to sub-Saharan Africa and pledging to fight Al Qaeda, prompting the United States to resume diplomatic relations with Libya in 2004.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Colonel Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi
2. Alternate transliterations: Gadafy, Gaddafi, al-Gaddafi
3. Holds no official public office or title
4. Born: 1942 (exact date unknown)
5. September 1, 1969: Gaddafi led a coup against King Idris I
6. 2004: United States resumes formal diplomatic ties with Libya