TEHRAN – British writer Alison Pargeter’s book “Libya: The Rise and Fall of Qaddafi”, which recounts the story of the Libyan dictator, his repressive regime and the details of its downfall, has been published in Persian.

Published by Saless, the book has been translated by Bijan Ashtari.

For a reader unfamiliar with the history of Libya, Muammar Qaddafi might be mistaken for a character in fiction. His eccentric leadership as the nation’s “Brother Leader,” his repressive regime, sponsorship of terrorist violence, unique vision of the state, and relentless hold on power all seem implausibly extreme. 

This riveting book documents the extraordinary reality of Qaddafi’s rise and 42-year reign. It also explores the tenacious popular uprising that finally defeated him and the possibilities for Libya as the future unfolds.

Pargeter, an author with a deep understanding of Libya’s history and people, explains what led up to Qaddafi’s bloodless coup in 1969 and how he proceeded to translate his highly personalized vision into political, economic, and social policy. 

She discusses his tight-knit networks, the crises he overcame—including sanctions after the Lockerbie bombing in 1988—as well as his astounding maneuverings in the early 2000s to restore tattered relations with the West. 

Pargeter provides a thoroughly fascinating analysis of the 2011 revolt and uncovers the full details of Qaddafi’s downfall. 

She concludes by introducing the new power brokers in post-Qaddafi Libya as well as the variety of knotty challenges that now confront them.

Pargeter is a senior research fellow at the School of Security Studies, King’s College London and a senior visiting fellow at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies.

Her primary research focus is political and security issues in North Africa and West Asia, with a particular emphasis on Libya and Iraq. 

She is currently undertaking a major study titled, “Tribes as Political and Security Actors in Libya and Iraq” that is being funded by the Smith Richardson Foundation and carried out in conjunction with Professor Jonathan Hill.

Photo: Front cover of the Persian edition of Alison Pargeter’s book “Libya: The Rise and Fall of Qaddafi”.

MMS/YAW