History has always fascinated me. Often, it manifests itself as a struggle between the good and the bad. But it is said that there is some good even in the worst of villains. A few of the most brutish leaders come to mind.
Let’s consider Joseph Stalin, the erstwhile Russian dictator of the 20th century. He is considered as the person behind the massacre of at least 20 million of his own people. However, he was also behind some of the most progressive economic reforms in the country. The 5-year long plans he brought forward increased industrial productivity by 40%, with annual growth rate rising to 18%, and employment opportunities getting doubled. What’s more, free health care and education was assured to everyone.
More recently, another person comes to mind – Colonel Muammar Gadhafi, who can rightly be considered as one of the most brutal dictator of modern times. He too, killed tens of thousands of his own people. However, he was also behind some of the most flamboyant social policies of his times, especially considering the Arab world. Under his rulership, free & compulsory education as well as medical treatment was granted to both men and women in Libya. Going even a step further, he tried incorporating free housing to all, though that couldn’t become a reality. Women, especially gained new social accord, rising to prominence in all industries, government and military included.
It is most unfortunate that these two dictators’ dark sides tended to overshadow their good deeds so much so that all the world remembers of them is their image as two of the most ghoulish men of all times!