I love this quote from Michael Ledeen in Nation Review Online:
"Thus, the great force of the democratic revolution is now in collision with the firmly rooted tyrannical objects in Tehran, Damascus, and Riyadh. In one of history's fine little ironies, the "Arab street," long considered our mortal enemy, now threatens Muslim tyrants, and yearns for support from us. That is our immediate task."
America is on the right side of history in supporting freedom and democracy in countries currently oppressed by dictators or tyrannical oligarchies. Regardless if we're ultimately successful in helping form long-term democracies, the process of shaking up the middle east was alone worth it. How was it advantageous for us or the oppressed people to accept the status quo? They were tyrannized and we were terrorized. Something had to change. At least now, the Iraqi, Afghani, and (hopefully soon) the Iranian people have a chance at something different. As President Bush has said, freedom is not a western concept but is yearned for by all those under oppression. The desire for freedom is not culturally bound. However, they need to accept responsibility for the opportunity that has been presented to them. America cannot make the tough decisions for these people or force them to value the same things we do such as free speech, rule of law, open business practices and fiscal accountability etc. The new "Arab Street" must determine what they want their future to look like, and their vision will lead to a brighter more hopeful system of government, or it will lead to more of the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment