Monday, January 01, 2007

An outrageous tyrant for all seasons

Just as an impeding train wreck holds one attention so have I been long fascinated by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Only the Lord knows what he will say or do next – and even then the Lord probably has room for doubts. Usually, when a military coup is successful the leader of the coup appoints himself General and Leader, but not Gaddafi. He only aspired to only a ceremonial Colonel-hood and holds no “official” other titles.

A few years ago when than German Chancellor Schroeder came looking for business and political deals with Libya, the Colonel left no hospitality stone unturned. But then Gaddafi demanded compensation must be paid to the Libyan government before the two countries could go forward in any future negotiations or dealings. The Schroeder administration was flabbergasted as Gaddafi’s claim for compensation was based on the mining of Libyan sands by Rommel during WW2 which are apparently still maiming and killing Libyans today.

He was my personal choice for the next Secretary General of the United Nations. I couldn’t think of a world body that deserved his attention more than the UN. Besides think how impressive the photo-ops would be with Gaddafi framed with his all Amazonia body guards behind him or just traveling through the halls. As Secretary General, it would give him untold opportunities to press his claims for war reparations. Besides, it could also give him an opportunity to act as a mediator between his son (and rumored successor) and Canada.

So what has Gaddafi said now? Ynet News reports:
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi called to “allow Jews and Christians to visit Mecca and circle the Kaaba (cubical building surrounded by the Sacred Mosque).” These days Muslims all around the world are marking Eid al-Adha, the most important Islamic holiday. Some three million people have made the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Gaddafi believes the holiday offers a great opportunity to bring the three main monotheistic religions closer together. “Everyone has the right to stand atop Mount Arafat and circle the Kaaba,” he told the media.
Jews in Mecca! Bet that went over well with the House of Saud.

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