The Son of a Libyan Exile Reflect on his Childhood

February 27, 2011 9:39 AM

As Libya's Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi fights to keep power, author Hisham Matar remembers some very emotional childhood experiences.
posted by beisny (9 comments total)

Ziad had read in some science magazine about a new poison that needed six months to take effect. If I were poisoned, no one would be able to trace the source.

"Only go to the toilet before you order or when you are done eating," I was told.

wow, amazing read.
posted by clavdivs at 9:43 AM on February 27, 2011

Yeah, that was really interesting and well written. Thanks!
posted by Nelson at 10:00 AM on February 27, 2011

Indeed, amazing story. Somehow framing the consequences of political dissidence with a spy story really helped press home the value of my um, american 'freedoms', if you will.
posted by armisme at 10:02 AM on February 27, 2011

Just fyi, the links are still flowing in the Libyan revolution thread, many from the the guardian. A few interesting ones are :

Soundtrack to the Arab revolutions
What Libya's Troubles Mean for Its Italian Allies
Al-Qaida's Embarrassment
Saudi intellectuals call for sweeping reforms
Zimbabwe Prof Arrested, Tortured for Watching Viral Vids
posted by jeffburdges at 10:46 AM on February 27, 2011 [2 favorites]

Powerful.
posted by gallois at 10:59 AM on February 27, 2011

This is a lot like with Russian dissidents. The whole 'get your kids out' thing. I at one time knew a few Libyans. I sometimes wonder what became of them. It's so long ago that I only remember first names.
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 11:14 AM on February 27, 2011

Wow, that unexpectedly made me cry.
posted by peacheater at 11:39 AM on February 27, 2011

Makes you feel real beauty can be in such places, it's sad we know nothing of it due to the despots who rule there. Thanks.
posted by skepticallypleased at 12:04 PM on February 27, 2011

Beautiful and well written.
posted by Dragonness at 11:08 AM on March 2, 2011