Colonel Moammar Kadhaffy is on his way out. There is no denying it (unless you’re him).
But before his body is discovered at the bottom of a bombed-out bunker, or cowering in the corner of a desert spider hole, it is worth remembering some of the dictator’s more inspirational qualities – some of the good things that may not be noted when writing this his soon-to-be-released obituary.
That “Gaga”-daffi Attitude
Say what you will about Colonel Gadhafffi’s decades-long tyrannical rule, he is – “hands down” – the best-dressed African dictator since Mobutu Sese Seko died in 1997.
From full military gear with Armani aviators to traditional Bedouin pajamas to goofy grab-bag garb, this man has sartorial savvy. Gaddddafi is to despots what Lady Gaga is to celebrity, reinforcing the message that it’s cool to “be yourself,” no matter what NATO and people in the West say about you.
Quaddafi Actively Promotes Female Empowerment
Q-Gaddafi brings female empowerment to life in a region where so many women are just hidden under cloaks. Thanks to him, girls have a group of strong role models, literally. Qadhafi has given the most prestigious posts imaginable to a group of 30 to 40 women who guard him day and night. The machinegun-toting Amazonians of his Elite Bodyguard Brigade are the kind of Super Vixens that have only ever been seen in Russ Meyer flicks.
“King of Kings”
You must admire Kaddhafi’s nerve. It takes grand gall to declare yourself “King of kings,” especially in a world that is moving away from monarchies (and extra especially since the Colonel overthrew a monarch). But Qhaddhafhi has done just that.
al-Gaddafi International Prize for Human Rights
Alfred Nobel was not the only person to recognize those who strive for the harmony of humanity. The Gaddafi International Prize for Human Rights may not be as chic as the Nobel Peace Prize but it is equally prestigious… at least to Kadhafi. Nelson Mandela was the first to receive this obscure award in 1989. But since then, the Colonel has chosen to praise a totally different breed of human rights advocates.
Fidel Castro, Louis Farrakhan and Hugo Chavez are among those to have impressed the dictator. Rumour has it Ghadhafhi is up for his own award this year.