From today's Krauthammer article on support of democracy in the Ukraine:
That is why this comity between the United States and Europe is only temporary. The Europeans essentially believe, to paraphrase Stalin, in democracy on one continent. As for democracy elsewhere, they really could not care less.
They pretend, however, that this opposition to America's odd belief in spreading democracy universally is based not on indifference but on superior wisdom -- the world-weary sagacity of a more ancient and experienced civilization that knows that one cannot bring liberty to barbarians. Meaning, Arabs. And Muslims. And Iraqis.
Hence the Bush-Blair doctrine of bringing some modicum of democracy to the Middle East by establishing one country as a beachhead is ridiculed as naive and messianic. And not just by Europeans but by their "realist" allies here in the United States.
I hear this often. Still, I think there's a need in people to have their voice heard. Don't people want to be free? Or is there an exception for Arabs, who'd rather be oppressed? Most of the people in Iraq are excited about the election and have high hopes for the future. I have to support these people's aspirations.
People are standing with the Ukrainians- I wish they'd do the same with the Iraqis.
Posted by floridacracker at December 3, 2004 10:17 AMPeople are standing with the Ukrainians- I wish they'd do the same with the Iraqis.
Hear, hear! However, I fear that too many people are emotionally and politically cemented in their desire for George Bush to fail in Iraq for they to hope for an Iraqi success.
Since the president had nothing to do with the popular, democratic uprising in the Ukraine, then it's safe to support it; up and until the time George Bush comes out strongly in their favor, and then I suspect we'll see cavailing.
Posted by: Pious Agnostic at December 3, 2004 07:54 PM