Gadhafi's Son: Libya Will Soon Look Like Iran

Moammar Gadhafi's son Seif thinks Islamists are "terrorists," are "bloody men," and are generally "not nice" people. But he also thinks they'll make fine partners with his family for a new Libya, he tells the New York Times. The new plan: Forge an alliance with the Islamists and drive out the more liberal members of the anti-Gadhafi rebels. "Libya will look like Saudi Arabia, like Iran. So what?" he asks the Times' David D. Kirkpatrick.

Seif is looking a little different himself, notes Kirkpatrick: He now has a beard and Islamic prayer beads. The leader of the main Islamist group in Libya confirms that he has spoken with Seif but says they have no deal to unite. What's behind the new Gadahfi push, which marks a complete reversal in attitude toward Islamists? The family may be trying to exploit apparent divisions within the rebel camp, notes the Times. (More Libya stories.)