Libya: Saïf Al-Islam Kadhafi, the Heir Apparent Without a Crown

Saïf al-Islam Kadhafi, the son of former Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi, was long seen as the man who might one day take over from his father. His killing at his home in northwestern Libya closes a story marked by early reformist ambition, a violent turning point in 2011 and years spent on the margins of Libyan politics.

The 53-year-old was shot dead on Tuesday at his residence in Zintan, a city in Libya’s northwest. According to those around him, four unidentified armed men broke into Kadhafi’s…