Idris I (1889-1983)

Libyan head of the Sanusiya order and king 1951-69. He played a major role in both the struggle for independence from the Italians and the preservation of his country's unity and integrity. His pro-Western attitude, especially towards the presence of US and British military bases, was a source of friction between him and President Nasser of Egypt.

Idris came to be criticized for his lack of enthusiasm regarding the Arab cause and his reign was to be challenged particularly by young educated Libyans, most of them devotees of Nasser ideals. He was overthrown in a bloodless military coup in 1969 and died in Egypt.