Muammar al-Qaddafi: A Ghanaian Perspective

Just last year, Muammar al-Qaddafi came to France on a visit. As customary, he met with Sarkozy, the French President. Talks were exchanged on how the ties between the two nations could be strengthened. The outcome of their meeting ended on a positive note! It's reported that Libya signed $1bn worth of arms deal with France. In addition, the Libyan government pledged to finance Sarkozy's presidential campaign. It was meant as a gesture of goodwill! All in all, Muammar al-Qaddafi's visit was considered a success. Both countries profited immensely! There was no mention of dictatorship, nor was there any accusation of oppression by the Libyan leader whatsoever. In the spirit of friendship, Sarkozy extended his hand for a handshake. Both leaders were all smiles for a business well executed. Sarkozy called Muammar al-Qaddafi a friend. The Libyan leader was charmed, to say the least.

In Sept 23, 2009, Muammar al-Qaddafi came to New York to address the United Nations. The speech was memorable! Perhaps, the longest speech ever made by anyone. The Libyan leader criticized the UN institution for not living up to its aim and purpose. He also touched on Africa's exclusion from the UN Security Council, amongst others. Qaddafi was of view that Africa was being discriminated against. He wasn't alone in this conviction! In that regard, Robert Mugabe went before him. He too called for Africa's inclusion in the Security Council in his 2008 speech to the UN. As yet, no plans have been made or put in motion, which would warrant Africa a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. Evidently, their collectively call seems to have fallen on death ears. Anyway, to keep a long story short, Muammar al-Qaddafi met with Barack Obama after the speech. It wasn't their first meeting!

In July 10, 2009, the two men had their very first encounter. It was during the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, UN Secretary-General Ban ki-moon, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Russian President Dimitri Medvedev and Muammar al-Qaddafi were all present. Again, there was no mention of dictatorship, nor was there any accusation of oppression by the Libyan leader. The G8 members spoke highly of Qaddafi! They called him an exemplary leader. Upon their request, Qaddafi dismantled all his biological and other weapons in exchange for their friendship. He trusted them wholeheartedly, not knowing that they were scheming his overthrow, except they didn't know how to bring to fruition. Then came the people’s uprising in Tunisia. This uprising gave a renewed impetus to their scheme. At last, they saw a chance to oust Muammar al-Qaddafi, their old enemy.

The people of Benghazi have a long held vendetta against Qaddafi. This is not a secret! In fact, they don’t take him that much to heart. They hate him! Mind you, Muammar al-Qaddafi was the one who ousted king Idris in a bloodless coup in 1969. The ousted king and the people of Benghazi are from the same tribe. Their wound wasn’t yet healed! So, most naturally, when the western powers decided to come after Muammar al-Qaddafi, they came to Benghazi. The people of Benghazi were encouraged to stage a revolt against their old enemy. Of course, under the auspices of freedom. But, freedom from what? Is Muammar al-Qaddafi a cruel ruler? Those who have been to Libya would tell you that he isn’t. He isn't cruel, nor is he corrupt! Remember, the absence of western democracy doesn’t mean the presence of dictatorship, or lack of freedom. Our ancestors didn’t practice Western democracy, yet they were free! At least, to my knowledge. So, let’s be careful how we define freedom, shall we?

In Libya, there’s a circulation of wealth. Those in need of employment have employment. Those in need of education have access to free education. There’s a welfare system set up for the temporary unemployed. As a result, the crime rate in Libya is close to zero. Qaddafi has built affordable houses for everybody. Nobody starves in Libya, and Libyans don’t travel in search of greener pastures! In short, Qaddafi has been using the oil money wisely. So, what are the rebels rebelling against? And, what’s Qaddafi guilty of that Obama, Sarkozy and Cameron should hunt him down, like a criminal? Perhaps, it’s about the longevity of Qaddafi’s selfless service to his country. But, when did selfless service to one’s country become a crime? This is the question! A little short of a year ago, members of the G8 were dining and wining with Qaddafi. They called him a friend! Today, they are using NATO, the terrorist organization, to destroy what it took the Libyans many decades to build. The NATO war machine continues to kill Libyan civilians under the false pretext of saving lives. To further insult our intelligence, NATO blames these deaths on accidental system failure. What a tasteless joke! For we Africans, this is a great lesson to be learned. The lesson that we should never trust the West, no matter what. Period!

PS: Go here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoMqX4jzGvc&feature=related

Welcome 2 the New age of Consciousness! Source: The Emperor