Saif al-Islam Gaddafi awaits his fate

TEHRAN, Nov. 29 (MNA) -- Muammar Gaddafi’s controversial decision to dismantle his nuclear program and to restore full diplomatic relations with the West in 2003 was regarded as a turning point in Libya’s history. The move also marked the rise of Col. Gaddafi’s second son, Saif al-Islam, as an influential figure in the Libyan government. While he was studying in Britain, he made a good contribution to normalizing Libya’s relations with Western countries. This provided a good opportunity for Saif al-Islam to cement his position in Libya’s ruling family and to present himself as Gaddafi’s successor. Saif al-Islam was different than Gaddafi’s other sons, and it was always said that his views were similar to the colonel’s views, albeit with more moderate political and diplomatic attitudes. It was also said that he would be the most reliable source of power after Gaddafi’s death. Saif al-Islam was the last member of Gaddafi’s family to be captured by the freedom fighters, who caught him in the country’s southern desert. Libyan officials promised he would receive a fair trial, and everyone hopes he will reveal secrets that were believed to have been buried with his father when he was captured and killed in October. But people are wondering why he did not escape from Libya like his other brothers. He had many influential friends in Algeria, South Africa, and other countries, but he decided to stay in Libya. Many believe that, like his father, he was delusional and was looking for an opportunity to present himself as the new Libyan leader. In other words, he was trying to turn the clock back and reestablish his family’s government with the help of his imaginary followers and friends. However, almost no one was ready to help him realize these objectives. Saif al-Islam will surely face the death penalty if he is tried in Libya. However, some believe he will be killed by the freedom fighters or elements inside the Libyan National Transitional Council before he is actually tried. The International Criminal Court has asked the NTC to hand him over for a trial outside Libya. But the ICC, which is prohibited from issuing death sentences, would give him a lighter sentence like life in prison. Some political analysts say that there is an outside possibility that Saif al-Islam will be rescued due to his connections with the West. However, officials in Western governments are expected to act pragmatically and drop him completely because he is no longer useful to them.