The QueQue: Racist gun instructor proudly shame-free, After Willingham: Arson investigators get new rules, UTSA prof considers Libyan run for presidency

Now, after Qaddafi’s death, El-Kikhia is continuing to help steer the country, and is even considering a run for president of Libya once the nation holds its first democratic elections. “Everything’s on the table now as far as I’m concerned,” he said this week. “My major concern is to have someone there that can do the job right. If I feel I need to participate in a presidential bid, I’ll do that.”

On his trip back to Libya in September, his second since the crumbling of the Qaddafi regime, El-Kikhia was followed by an Australian Broadcasting Corporation film crew documenting his return home. The segment, which aired last week, shows El-Kikhia reuniting with friends and family in Libya, including his 26-year-old nephew, Salim, who was imprisoned and tortured for seven months in a squalid Tripoli prison, El-Kikhia said — rebel forces liberated the prison in August.

El-Kikhia said he hopes to guide Libya through the next eight months, the time he said it could take to set up a legitimate election. “I’ve told [the opposition] they need to put away the nepotism and cronyism they’ve grown up with. I’ve told them to think institutionally, that the idea that we worship individuals is a mistake and instead we should worship institutions that are durable, democratic, and free,” he said. “This only can be done through a bill of rights, something that guarantees freedom for all Libyans, regardless of gender, color, whatever it is.” •