From the archive: Gaddafi and the Guardian

September 1969

Libya's monarch King Idris was ousted in a coup on 1 September 1969 while away in Turkey. 27-year-old Muammar Gaddafi, the chairman of the Revolutionary Command Centre, soon emerged as a key leader. David Hirst, Middle East correspondent for the paper, reported from Beirut.

Libya Coup while King is away, published in the Guardian on 2 September 1969. Click to read the article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk

1970s

Gaddafi became prime minister and minister of defence in 1970. Campbell Page (Guardian journalist since 1963 and later executive editor of the paper), investigating Libya in the five months since the success of the coup, delivered this report on the country's new military government:

The way to bring back life to Libya, published in the Guardian on 27 January 1970. Click on the image to read the full article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Throughout the 1970s Gaddafi focused on ties with the Arab world rather than the west, nationalising oil companies and shutting down British and American military bases. He also alienated the diplomatic community with his support of groups such as the IRA.

In April 1973 Gaddafi launched a programme of popular and cultural revolution. Later that year, he gave a rare interview with the western press. Anthony McDermott, a leading journalist on the Middle East for the Guardian in the 1970s, reported on exchanges ranging from socialism to drink-driving with a man he describes as being "arresting in any company'".

The Colonel and the Koran, published in the Guardian 19 May 1973. Click on the image to read the full article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk

In 1975, Gaddafi published the first instalment of his Green Book, outlining political philosophy behind the Libyan revolution. In April 1976, the Guardian published a special report by Anthony McDermott, exploring the ramifications of Gaddafi's rule since 1969.

Revolution blessed with oil and identity, published in the Guardian 15 April 1976. Click to read the full article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk

In 1977 Libya was renamed the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (state of the masses), as Gaddafi declared a "people's revolution" with power invested in a network of people's committees.

1980's

In April 1984, British policewoman Yvonne Fletcher was killed by shots fired from the Libyan embassy in London during an anti-Gaddafi protest, leading to Britain's breaking off relations with Libya.

Brittan orders 'wait and talk' tactics over seige, published in the Guardian 18 April 1984. Click on the image to read the full article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk

It was in 1986 that US president Ronald Reagan labelled Gaddafi a "mad dog". After a US soldier died in a bomb attack at a Berlin disco, Reagan ordered an air raid on the Libyan capital in retaliation. 101 people were killed, including Gaddafi's adopted daughter.

The front page of the Guardian on 15 April had this report from Michael White, accompanied by a cartoon by Les Gibbard (cartoonist for the Guardian since 1969).

US jets bomb Tripoli, published in the Guardian on 15 April 1986. Click on the image to read the full article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk

On 21 December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was blown up over Lockerbie in Scotland with the loss of 270 lives (including 11 on the ground). This would lead to years of legal wrangling over the chief suspects, and UN sanctions over air travel and arms supply.

259 killed in jet crash, published in the Guardian on 22 December 1999. Click on the image to read the full article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk

1990s

In 1998 it was agreed that the trial of the men suspected of the Lockerbie bombings would take place in the Hague, and the chief suspects, Abdel Baset Ali Mohamed al-Megrahi and Al-Amin Khalifa Fhimah, were handed over in 1999. Ian Black reported from the Netherlands.

Lockerbie suspects in court, 11 years on, published in the Guardian 8 December 1999. Click on the image to read the full article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk

1999 also marked 30 years since Gaddafi came to power. On the anniversary of the 1969 coup, David Sharrock examined and assessed his rule.

Gadafy emerges older - and wiser, published in the Guardian 4 September 1999. Click on the image to read the full article. Photograph: guardian.co.uk