Dictator Watch: the downfall of Gaddafi. The Great Survivor is gone at last. Bedouin-born Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was the Middle East’s longest-lasting despot, and one of the most absurd, crowning himself “King of Kings” and “Leader of the Arab leaders”. Yet he survived for more than four decades, after seizing power in 1969 in a bloodless coup against Libya’s King Idris.

Gaddafi imprisoned, tortured and killed his political opponents, squandered the nation’s oil wealth, exposed Libya to US bombs and economic sanctions, and finally waged war on his fellow countrymen in a desperate bid to stay in power. All along he claimed—and perhaps believed—that Libyans loved him. — Paul Barry (read the full story here)

Doctor Who? Mary Foley insists. Is it acceptable to call yourself a doctor even if your only claim to the title is holding an honorary doctorate? Mary Foley, one of the most powerful bureaucrats in Australia, thinks so — even though university guidelines suggest otherwise.

Foley, director-general of the NSW Health Department, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Western Sydney in April last year and has since taken on the title of Dr Foley. It’s an unusual decision. — Matthew Knott (read the full story here)

The 20 most powerful people in sport. Who are the operatives influencing Australia’s multi-billion dollar sporting landscape? Next week, we start counting down the Top 10 Most Powerful People in Sport.

Today, The Power Index presents a shortlist featuring athletes, administrators, agents, marketing gurus and journalists. — Tom Cowie (read the full story here)