Paul Harvey - Gaddafi's Torch - Harold's Old Time Radio

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Paul Harvey - Gaddafi's Torch"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Paul Harvey - Gaddafi's Torch
Release Date: April 6, 2025

Introduction to Gaddafi's Torch

In this episode, Harold delves into the intricate web of Libyan terrorism during the latter part of the 20th century, focusing on the enigmatic figure known as "Gaddafi's Torch." This moniker refers to Colonel Gaddafi's chief explosives expert, an individual whose actions had far-reaching impacts on global security.

The Villa in Tripoli

The narrative begins in Tripoli, Libya's capital, where a seemingly unremarkable villa serves as the hub for Colonel Gaddafi's explosive operations. Harold paints a vivid picture of the residence, emphasizing the owner's elusive identity:

"In Tripoli, the capital of Libya, there is a rambling villa, a residential complex, the owner of which you never knew. But you'll never forget him now, for he's Colonel Gaddafi's torch."
— Narrator, [01:15]

This setting becomes the backdrop for the clandestine activities that would soon ripple across continents.

Acts of Terrorism Linked to Gaddafi's Torch

Harold meticulously outlines two significant terrorist incidents linked to Gaddafi's explosives expert:

West German Nightclub Bombing (April 5, 1986):
- A West German nightclub was obliterated by an explosion caused by roughly five kilograms of C4 plastic explosive, resulting in over 150 injuries and one fatality.
- Authorities traced the blast to Gaddafi's specifications, highlighting the sophistication and lethality of his operations.
TWA Airliner Bombing over Greece:
- An explosion tore through a TWA passenger jet's fuselage, tragically ejecting four American passengers from the aircraft.
- Investigation revealed the use of C4 plastic explosive, concealed within an innocuous pocket-sized envelope placed beneath a seat, showcasing the covert nature of Gaddafi's materials.

“What makes plastic particularly sinister is that metal detectors can't identify it. The substance can even be molded into the shapes of various innocuous items, ashtrays or toys or anything.”
— Narrator, [02:45]

These incidents underscore the global threat posed by Gaddafi's procurement and distribution of advanced explosives.

The Supply Chain of Terror

Harold traces the origins of the plastic explosives used in the attacks back to 1977, noting that Gaddafi secured 20 tons of C4, which was almost a third of the world's total supply at the time. This vast accumulation enabled Libya to sustain prolonged terrorist activities without external aid.

“By accepting that which is in military possession, the man who made it all possible, the supplier was cut off his torch.”
— Narrator, [03:10]

This statement hints at the eventual targeting and neutralization of key figures within Gaddafi's network.

Profile of Gaddafi's Torch

The episode provides an in-depth look at the man behind the explosives, highlighting his significant role and eventual downfall:

Physical Description and Reputation:
- Standing at 6ft 5, Gaddafi's Torch was notorious for his brutal methods and unwavering loyalty to Gaddafi.

“He's 6ft 5 with what has been described euphemistically as a brutal streak.”
— Narrator, [03:50]

Real Estate Empire:
- The individual amassed substantial wealth, owning multiple properties, including a villa in Tripoli, a Swiss estate, a 2,000-acre property in Virginia, and a townhouse in Washington, D.C., alongside his personal airplane.
Role and Operations:
- He was instrumental in supplying Gaddafi with explosives and detonators, facilitating Libya's capacity to execute terror operations globally.

Arrest and Imprisonment

The climax of the narrative focuses on the dramatic arrest and subsequent imprisonment of Gaddafi's Torch:

“But now he's doing time for his crime. He was caught and tried and imprisoned in a United States federal pen in Marion, Illinois.”
— Narrator, [04:20]

Contrary to initial beliefs, the explosives expert was not Libyan but an American former CIA employee. His transformation from a beleaguered individual to a multimillionaire involved in international terrorism underscores the complex interplay between intelligence agencies and covert operations.

“He is an American and was while dealing with Gaddafi, while going from broke to multimillionaire, a former employee of the United States CIA.”
— Narrator, [04:35]

This revelation adds a layer of irony and critique regarding the involvement of national agencies in global terrorism dynamics.

Conclusion

Harold wraps up the episode by emphasizing the lasting impact of Gaddafi's Torch on international terrorism and the importance of addressing such threats through comprehensive intelligence and security measures.

“And now you know the rest of the story.”
— Narrator, [04:50]

This closing remark serves as a reminder of the intricate and often hidden connections that shape global security landscapes.

Key Takeaways

Gaddafi's Torch was a pivotal figure in Libya's terrorist activities, providing the necessary expertise and materials for high-impact explosive attacks.
The use of C4 plastic explosives allowed for undetectable and versatile terrorism, posing significant challenges for international security.
The individual's transition from a CIA employee to a terrorism facilitator highlights potential vulnerabilities within intelligence operations.
Global awareness and intelligence sharing are crucial in mitigating such threats and preventing future attacks.

Notable Quotes

“In Tripoli, the capital of Libya, there is a rambling villa, a residential complex, the owner of which you never knew. But you'll never forget him now, for he's Colonel Gaddafi's torch.” — Narrator, [01:15]
“What makes plastic particularly sinister is that metal detectors can't identify it. The substance can even be molded into the shapes of various innocuous items, ashtrays or toys or anything.” — Narrator, [02:45]
“He is an American and was while dealing with Gaddafi, while going from broke to multimillionaire, a former employee of the United States CIA.” — Narrator, [04:35]

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" offers a gripping exploration of the shadows of international terrorism, shedding light on the individual stories that fuel global conflicts. Through detailed narration and insightful analysis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind such operations and the individuals who drive them.

Transcript

A (0:00)

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B (1:01)

The Story In Tripoli, capital of Libya, there is a rambling villa, a residential complex, the owner of which you never knew. But you'll never forget him now, for he's Colonel Gaddafi's torch. He's Gaddafi's explosives expert, his supplier of explosives, also perhaps Libya's richest property owner, whose total assets were recently appraised at roughly $15 million. Conceivably, no one man has dealt the world a more crushing blow through Libyan sponsored terrorism than this man. And this is the rest of the story. April 5, 1986. A West German nightclub blew up. More than 150 people were injured in the blast and one man was killed. West German authorities rushed to investigate and they promptly determined the cause of the explosion. Approximately five kilograms of a lightweight, malleable, ductile, non metallic material known to demolitions experts as C4 terrorists. Call it simply plastique or plastic explosive, the most effective plastic explosive available anywhere. Shortly after the West German incident, the findings of another investigation were being reported. The week previous an explosion had ripped through the fuselage of a TWA passenger jet over Greece. Four American passengers were killed that time were actually sucked out of the cabin through the hole. Unquestionably that hole had been made by C4 Plastic. Demonstrating for reporters, an investigator produced a slender pocket size envelope. It was an inobtrusive container such as that, he explained, which had been placed in the cabin beneath seat 10F. That's all the plastic it took. A tiny detonator could have been set hours or days or even weeks in advance. What makes plastic particularly sinister is that metal detectors can't identify it. The substance can even be molded into the shapes of various innocuous items, ashtrays or toys or anything. Regarding these recent explosions, the one in West Germany and the one aboard the airliner, little doubt remains Libyan terrorists were behind them both. The plastic used in both instances was procured in 1977. The stuff stays fresh for 20 years. At the time, Colonel Gaddafi obtained 20 tons of it. By the way, that's all but six tons of the world's total supply. Accepting that which is in military possession, the man who made it all possible, the supplier was cut off his torch. Authorities on international terrorism are quite familiar with what I'm about to tell you, because Gaddafi's torch is a big man. He's 6ft 5 with what has been described euphemistically as a brutal streak. You've learned of his villa in Tripoli. At one time, not so very long ago, he also owned a home in Switzerland, a large estate southwest of London, another of 2,000 acres in Virginia, a $300,000 townhouse in Washington, D.C. his own airplane. To get from one residence to another was he who supplied Gadafi with the explosives and their detonators, which have had the whole world cowering. But now he's doing time for his crime. He was caught and tried and imprisoned in a United States federal pen in Marion, Illinois. Marion, Illinois. That's right. Cut off his torch is not a Libyan. He is an American and was while dealing with Gaddafi, while going from broke to multimillionaire, a former employee of the United States CIA. And now you know the rest of the story.