Gaddafi is yet another victim of people's perceptions based on media misinformation. Maybe. Certainly from what I saw in the months I spent in Libya following the RCC takeover, the efforts were all aimed at dismantling the sytematic corruption that held Libya back under King Idris, and giving Libya back to the people. The nationalisation of BP (which happened while I was there) was only a part of that - and a positive part to boot. The burning of our flag at the British Embassy to celebrate the fact was a less positive aspect.

The essential thing is that a Gaddafi was needed. The good thing is that, of the RCC members, he was the best choice to be leader. What is less appreciated is that Gaddafi brought prosperity to a people who had previously been denied a share in the country's wealth, brought a new sense of pride and, lets face it, a stability since 1969 which could not possibly be foreseen by outsiders.

Maybe Libya had some (as yet unproven) dodgy contacts with terror groups. There is probably more evidence to connect the ANC and its much vaunted erstwhile leader to such activities.