Mustafa Ben Halim

Former Prime Minister of Libya in the 1950s, Mustafa Ben Halim experienced at first hand the stormy political life of the newly independent monarchy.

As a former prime minister of Libya in the 1950s, Mustafa Ben Halim experienced at first hand the stormy political life of the newly independent monarchy. While working tirelessly to guard his country against the intrigues of Britain and France (their plotting confirmed in secret official documents from the day), Mr Ben Halim sought to build ties with neighbouring states. He established a close rapport with President Abdel Nasser of Egypt and tried to mediate between Cairo and London in the build-up to the Suez crisis.

With Libya back in the headlines, this frank autobiography provides a rare personal glimpse into a formative period of the country's history.