4 replies to this topic

[baltoga]

While the notion of introducing democracy to Iraq left Europeans speechless the
role of 'soft power' begins to take hold! The US not only believes and defends
democracy, but is willing to fight for it!

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We will free Middle East: Bush
By Roy Eccleston, Washington
February 28, 2003

Source: http://www.theaustra...1%5E601,00.html

REMOVING the "direct and growing threat" of Saddam Hussein could unleash a domino effect of democracy throughout the Middle East, George W. Bush has claimed in a speech that broadened his aims and justifications for war with Iraq.

The President depicted US and coalition troops as liberators who would sow the seeds of political reform in a region dominated by autocratic rule and set in motion progress towards a "truly democratic" Palestinian state.

"A new regime in Iraq would serve as a dramatic and inspiring example of freedom to other nations of the region," he told a meeting at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute in Washington yesterday.

"A liberated Iraq can show the power of freedom to transform that vital region by bringing hope and progress into the lives of millions."

But the Bush speech will send a chill through regional capitals, where even US allies such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt rule autocratically and suppress freedoms.

While acknowledging signs of regional political reform, Mr Bush said Arab intellectuals had called on their governments to address the "freedom gap".

"It is presumptuous and insulting to suggest that a whole region of the world, or the one-fifth of humanity that is Muslim, is somehow untouched by the most basic aspirations of life," he said.

...

Getting rid of Hussein, who fomented trouble and paid for suicide bombers, would send a "clear warning" to other terrorist supporters and allow Palestinians to choose new and true leaders, he said.

Mr Bush made clear he intended to disarm Iraq even if the UN Security Council failed to support a new US-British resolution finding Iraq had failed to take its final chance to disarm, opening the way for military action.

"If the council responds to Iraq's defiance with more excuses and delays, if all its authority proves to be empty, the UN will be severely weakened as a source of stability and order," he warned.

Transforming Iraq would be difficult because of its history of secret police, dictatorship and war. "Yet that is no excuse to leave Iraq's torture chambers and poison labs in operation," he said.

Leaving Hussein in power would be a disaster. "Retreat before a dictator guarantees even greater sacrifices in future," he said.

[TerrorPod]

Where are you now Baltoga?

[vigorous]

I just went out and bought the
album, Rushmore as it is
a great album. Trouble is, except
for one American tune and one French
one, it's all tunes from UK-based artists.

Speaking of Rushmore, do you think
Allawi will get his face planted there?

[Shilka]

Bush on Rushmore

PS, spare a tear for poor Baltoga because his EPROM is programmed with the FOX2005 Operating System.

[xoa]

If true democracy were breaking out, I'd support American efforts.

The problem is that every candidate presented before a 'liberated' nation, whether Iraq or Afganistan, is pre-screened by the United States and undergoes suitability vetting. Regadless of who wins the Iraqi election, the result will be a neoliberal US appointed stooge.

The equivalent would be China invading Mexico and Canada and giving them 'democracy' by selecting from a list of China friendly candidates. It's not democracy, it's a comedy.

While you Americans mortage your future to buy gizmos from Wal-mart, preparing to be surpassed by China within a generation, you might want to consider the long term implications of your style of 'democratisation'.