NEW YORK — Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi said Thursday, in a rare appearance before a U.S. audience, that he evolved from a firebrand revolutionary into a seasoned ruler over four decades in power, contributing to his decision six years ago to dismantle his country’s weapons of mass destruction.

Gadhafi, one of the world’s most enigmatic leaders, struck an almost professorial tone, in contrast to his rambling, antics-filled speech to the U.N. General Assembly the day before. Clad in a black suit and a transparent black robe, he fielded questions for an hour Thursday at the Council on Foreign Relations, a prestigious think tank.

The Libyan leader’s first ever visit to the U.S. has drawn curiosity as well as condemnation and derision after Wednesday’s theatrical appearance at the General Assembly in which he denounced the U.N. Security Council a “terror council” — even though Libya is a member… (cont.)

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