Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi (1942-2011) was a Libyan revolutionary, politician and military officer who served as the Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution of Libya from 1969 to 2011.

*Early Life and Education*

1. *Born on June 7, 1942*, in Qasr Abu Hadi, Italian Libya, to a Bedouin family.
2. *Studied law* at the University of Libya.
3. *Graduated from the Libyan Military Academy* in 1965.

*Rise to Power*

1. *Led a bloodless coup* against King Idris in 1969.
2. *Established the Libyan Arab Republic*.
3. *Implemented Islamic socialism* and nationalized key industries.

*Domestic Policies*

1. *Economic reforms*: redistributed wealth, provided free education and healthcare.
2. *Social reforms*: promoted women\'s rights, banned alcohol and gambling.
3. *Infrastructure development*: invested in roads, housing and agriculture.

*Foreign Policy*

1. *Pan-Arabism*: advocated for Arab unity.
2. *Anti-colonialism*: opposed Western influence.
3. *Support for Palestine*: backed Palestinian liberation.
4. *African Union*: chaired the organization in 2009.

*Controversies and Criticisms*

1. *Human rights abuses*: suppressed opposition, restricted freedoms.
2. *Terrorism*: linked to bombings, assassinations and support for militant groups.
3. *International sanctions*: faced isolation due to Libya\'s nuclear program.

*Death and Legacy*

1. *Killed on October 20, 2011*, during the Libyan Civil War.
2. *Buried in a secret location*.
3. *Libya\'s post-Gaddafi transition*: ongoing struggles with instability and fragmentation.

*Writings*

1. \"The Green Book\" (1975) - outlines his political philosophy.
2. \"Escape to Hell and Other Stories\" (1998) - collection of short stories.

*Quotes*

1. \"The era of the masses has begun.\"
2. \"We will not be intimidated.\"
3. \"Libya is an African country.\"