Moammar Gadhafi was an Army Colonel in 1969 when he lead a bloodless coup and overthrew Libya's king. For the past 42-years, Gadhafi has ruled the oil-rich North African country. While he had no official government function, he has ruled the country of 6.4 million people with an iron fist and is one of the world's longest-serving dictators. To the Western world, Gadhafi is known as a principal backer of international terror, using Libya's vast oil wealth to provide funds and training camps. The leader has been tied to high profile international terrorists' attacks in Berlin, Germany and Lockerbie, Scotland. Gadhafi has appeared on the PBS NewsHour twice, first in 1981 when he defend his actions and scolded Washington after President Reagan expelled Libyan diplomats from the United States. There are reports out of Libya that Gadhafi has been killed in a rebel takeover of his hometown, Sirte. Quotes "Moammar Gadhafi is the glory. If I had a position, if I were a president, I would have resigned. I would have thrown my resignation in your face. But I have no position, no post. I have nowhere to resign from. I have my gun. I have my rifle to fight for Libya." Moammar Gadhafi "A quarter-of-a-century later, with his people in full revolt, Gadhafi is warning he will fight to the last drop of blood." Jim Lehrer Warm Up Questions 1.Where is Libya? 2.What is happening in the Middle East right now? 3.What is a martyr? Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think Gadhafi ordered troops to fire on his own people? 2. Do you think the U.S. and NATO should have gotten involved in Libya? Why or why not? 3. What do you think will happen next, now that Gadhafi's hometown has fallen and he has been reported dead? Additional Resources Video transcript