David Kirkpatrick on Qadhdhafi

This article in the New York Times by Kirkpatrick is very odd. It alleges that not only is Qadhdhafi popular with many Libyans but that his writings have been effective in obtaining support for the dictator.  He gives no evidence for that whatsoever.  Here he is sequestered in a hotel run by the security gangs of the regime, and permitted to talk only to those who are chosen by the regime.  Bizarre indeed.