The moment I knew the Libyan revolution wasn't going quite to plan was while watching Gaddafi's tirade from the ruins of his enshrined mansion. I don't know if it was the video camera drifting aimlessly around during the mostly improvised presentation, or possibly the irate Side Show Bob impersonator ranting about colonial invasions and Fallujah.
But something struck me then, a characteristic that set Gaddafi apart from any other Arab despot that had faced a credible challenge to his leadership. That is, that this man had a way with words.
I suppose Gaddafi's theatrics and charisma had a lot to do with my enrapture, even if the subject matter composing his speeches was mostly contradictory, irrational and nonsensical. But all that strong gesticulating and shouting should surely count for something, right?
The Arab world is full of prominent strongmen. What sets Gaddafi apart? When Mubarak got in front of the mic during the Egyptian riots, he was every bit the model of a firm and resilient despot. But somehow his presentation lacked the fluent, shoot from the hip candour that characterises Gaddafi. And don't even get me started with the guy from Tunisia. That dude was like a limp fish in comparison. Saddam had the flailing sword (and the part in the Charlie Sheen movies) but did he ever say things like " I cannot recognise either the Palestinian state or the Israeli state. The Palestinians are idiots and the Israelis are idiots." I think not.
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/muammar_algaddafi.html#ixzz1HZQxYLty
The list of passionate misspeak is rivalled only by that ubiquitous former US president. But at least Gaddafi says it with panache. His loving rebuke of the "drug taking greasy rat " protesters, the minute long pauses as he collects his thoughts, even the "damnation" of those who resist him -- all seem to impart a self assured quality, not the least of which is lost on his son Saif.
Along with the low camera angle to emphasize the leaders stoicism -- the effect is second only to Leni Riefenstahl's portrayal of Hitler in Triumph of the Will.
Okay, maybe that's going a bit far. But any leader who can describe his own greatness in the third person has something definitely going for him. The best example of this has to be the line "If you would not follow Muammar Gaddafi, who would you follow? Someone with a beard?"
Watching Gaddafi is like watching a man bartering for a useless trinket in a open air market. With him, it's the principle. After all, how many leaders can get away with insulting an entire generation of young people, not to mention his wild romp bunga bunga parties and his all female virgin body guard.
Perhaps the only diatribes that come close to Gaddafi's are those poorly (and hilariously) translated statements that emanate from the junta of North Korea.
(I'll post some of these on an upcoming spot)
Words are powerful. And powerful people who use powerful words often get their way. Well, almost always. The problem with talking tough -- especially when defying an outraged international community -- is that eventually someone will call your bluff. After all, the US did make a convincing example out of Manuel Noriega and Saddam Hussein.
In his Sept 23rd 2009 speech Gadaffi criticized the five permanent UN security council members for its hypocrisy and complicity in the sixty five plus wars that have taken place since the founding of the UN in 1945. The irony of his argument however is not lost given the successful passing of Resolution 1973. I'm sure the Americans, Brits and the French made very certain they rubbed that one in his face.
And yet, at least for the mean time... he bellows on.
But something struck me then, a characteristic that set Gaddafi apart from any other Arab despot that had faced a credible challenge to his leadership. That is, that this man had a way with words.
I suppose Gaddafi's theatrics and charisma had a lot to do with my enrapture, even if the subject matter composing his speeches was mostly contradictory, irrational and nonsensical. But all that strong gesticulating and shouting should surely count for something, right?
The Arab world is full of prominent strongmen. What sets Gaddafi apart? When Mubarak got in front of the mic during the Egyptian riots, he was every bit the model of a firm and resilient despot. But somehow his presentation lacked the fluent, shoot from the hip candour that characterises Gaddafi. And don't even get me started with the guy from Tunisia. That dude was like a limp fish in comparison. Saddam had the flailing sword (and the part in the Charlie Sheen movies) but did he ever say things like " I cannot recognise either the Palestinian state or the Israeli state. The Palestinians are idiots and the Israelis are idiots." I think not.
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/muammar_algaddafi.html#ixzz1HZQxYLty
The list of passionate misspeak is rivalled only by that ubiquitous former US president. But at least Gaddafi says it with panache. His loving rebuke of the "drug taking greasy rat " protesters, the minute long pauses as he collects his thoughts, even the "damnation" of those who resist him -- all seem to impart a self assured quality, not the least of which is lost on his son Saif.
Along with the low camera angle to emphasize the leaders stoicism -- the effect is second only to Leni Riefenstahl's portrayal of Hitler in Triumph of the Will.
Okay, maybe that's going a bit far. But any leader who can describe his own greatness in the third person has something definitely going for him. The best example of this has to be the line "If you would not follow Muammar Gaddafi, who would you follow? Someone with a beard?"
Watching Gaddafi is like watching a man bartering for a useless trinket in a open air market. With him, it's the principle. After all, how many leaders can get away with insulting an entire generation of young people, not to mention his wild romp bunga bunga parties and his all female virgin body guard.
Perhaps the only diatribes that come close to Gaddafi's are those poorly (and hilariously) translated statements that emanate from the junta of North Korea.
(I'll post some of these on an upcoming spot)
Words are powerful. And powerful people who use powerful words often get their way. Well, almost always. The problem with talking tough -- especially when defying an outraged international community -- is that eventually someone will call your bluff. After all, the US did make a convincing example out of Manuel Noriega and Saddam Hussein.
In his Sept 23rd 2009 speech Gadaffi criticized the five permanent UN security council members for its hypocrisy and complicity in the sixty five plus wars that have taken place since the founding of the UN in 1945. The irony of his argument however is not lost given the successful passing of Resolution 1973. I'm sure the Americans, Brits and the French made very certain they rubbed that one in his face.
And yet, at least for the mean time... he bellows on.
I love the cover page, James. I love the rants too, keep it up. It'll be interesting to see how Gadaffi walks off this stage!
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