Saif al Islam, son of Gaddafi. Photocredit: | B.R.Q http://www.flickr.com/photos/brqnetwork/5510824784/sizes/m/in/photostream/
The current situation in Libya remains tense, as rebels control most of the capital, Tripoli. The whereabouts of Colonel Muammar Gadaffi remain unknown. But one of his sons, Saif al-Islam, stays defiant.
Saif al-Islam has claimed that his father is well, and that victory for the remaining loyalist troops is near. He warned rebels that there are 20,000 armed men waiting in the town of Sirte (Gaddafi’s birthplace) to defend it against rebels.
This is in direct contrast to his brother, Saadi Gaddafi, who in another message claimed that he’s been authorised to negotiate with rebels. Jeremy Bowen, on the BBC news website, says that the brothers “were always quite different”, while Kevin Connolly on the same site says that Saif al-Islam’s messages have a “delusional” quality.
It must be tough being the son or daughter of a despot. Just look at Scott, Dr Evil’s son. So how have these Gadaffi offspring disported themselves over the years? With the dignity and honour worthy of a man who proclaimed he was running a classless, socialist state? Well, not so much. In terms of bloodshed and excess, this lot could give the House of Atreus a run for their money.
- 1. He didn’t have to go that way. According to Eliza Griswold on The Daily Beast’s Newsweek, Saif al-Islam didn’t have to end up as a tyrant. At one point, Saif sent a piece to American newspapers hoping for a more open Libya. The piece was rejected; and when it came down to it, Saif chose to stand by his father, abandoning any pretence at principles.
- 2. A history of violence. Then there’s Hannibal Gaddafi, who received a suspended sentence in France for beating up his pregnant girlfriend; he was also charged with grievous bodily harm against hotel staff in Switzerland, but charges were dropped.
- 3. Brothers in arms. Another member of the brood was Saif al-Arab Gaddafi, who was a student in Munich. Unlike most students, however, he didn’t spend his time watching Countdown or falling over drunk: he was alleged to have smuggled weapons from Munich to Paris using diplomatic licence plates. He also got into a brawl with a nightclub bouncer, and reportedly planned an acid attack in revenge.
- 4. Battle clothing. Aisha Gaddafi – who is known as the Claudia Schiffer of North Africa – appeared outside her family home after it had been bombed by American planes in 1986. Fair enough: but she was wearinga mink coat. “I am as steadfast as this house I stand in front of and this shows to the Libyans the extent of the lies by the international media,” she said. She also gave a speech in support of the IRA in 2000, and was on the legal defence team for Saddam Hussein.
- 5. Playboy lifestyle. Socialist principles don’t seem to go very far with Mutassim Gaddafi, who on New Year’s Eve 2009 threw a party in the Caribbean – only the entertainment was provided by Mariah Carey and Beyonce, whilst Jon Bon Jovi and Lindsay Lohan were in attendance.
- 6. Taking rejection badly. Al-Saadi is a football freak, whose house was recently looted. Rebels found four cars, including a Lamborghini, a catalogue for 30metre long yachts costing 7 million euros, and a gay porn DVD called Boyz Tracks. He also, according to The Mirror, threw his male best friend into prison for rejecting his tender advances.
More on the Libyan uprising
- New Libya – worse than the old?
- West wading into Libya would be foolhardy
- New beginning for Arab Spring?
- Gaddafi regime on brink of collapse as rebels surge into Tripoli
- Fall of Gaddafi is great news for PM David Cameron
- France may be in contact with Gaddafi
- ICC issues arrest warrant for Gaddafi
- Gaddafi ordered Viagra to help troops commit mass rape
- Nato air strikes kill Libyan civilians
