The Rule of Libya's Colonel Gaddafi

The Quixotic Rise of Libya's Colonel Muammar Gaddafi
Thomas Hartwell / Time & Life Pictures / Getty

Retaliation
Angered by Gaddafi's alleged complicity in the West Berlin bombing, President Reagan labeled him the "mad dog of the Middle East" and authorized U.S. warplanes to bomb numerous targets within Libya, including Gaddafi's residence in Tripoli, above. The U.S. strikes claimed the life of Hanna Gaddafi, a baby girl whom the leader said he had adopted.

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.