What does all this mean? Iraqi’s beg us to topple Hussein. Iranians demonstrate in the streets. Egypt overthrows their dictator. Libyans want dictator out and are willing to lose their lives over it. Syrian demonstrations. Yemeni commanders defecting. And on and on. I mean, is it Muslims are fed up with being “led” by extremist minorities? Are Muslims becoming more moderate and wanting more democracy in their lives? Is there a western influence that is breaking down some of their views on things like women’s rights…? Some have played the “Zionist card” and no one is listening to them. Why not? Is this the tip of the ice berg? Will nuclear weapons be unleashed by some of the extremist? Is the Muslim religion being tempered via revolution that may set the Arabic countries ablaze? Curious times, to be sure.
I said it at the time the US was invading Iraq. Although it would take quite a while, westernization and the concept of democracy and freedom will spread throughout the region. They see Hussain and his sons killed or captured and they want that same thing.
The middle east used to be part of the British empire. In the 1920s and 30s, the Brits left (for the most part), but drew arbitrary lines in the desert sands to create nations and installed monarchies to govern. Consider that Iraq is not even 100 years old, as a nation. The evolution of the nation of Turkey is a good predictor, IMO, of what could come of the people rebelling and installing self-rule.
The middle east has been a quagmire for years and years. One of the big reasons I didn't want to go into Iraq was because we wouldn't just be able to leave Iraq, the moment we set our forces in there it started an obligation factor. If we helped Iraq why don't we help serbia/Iran/egypt. It won't end until there is something that has never been in the middle east, peace.
Really interesting point. On the other hand, what might the benefits be to us? Let's say most of these countries install somewhat democratic governments and even install some basic human rights. Could we see help with destabilization of the area. Maybe less terrorism, or help chasing cells? And what about oil?
So the best we can hope for is a barbaric puppet government that pretends to be there "for the people", while torturing and killing them on a massive scale. wiki: Human rights in Turkey have been the subject of much controversy and international condemnation. Between 1998 and 2008 the European Court of Human Rights made more than 1,600 judgements against Turkey for human rights violations, particularly the right to life and freedom from torture. Other issues such as Kurdish rights, women's rights and press freedom have also attracted controversy. Turkey's human rights record continues to be a significant obstacle to future membership of the EU.
So you agree with both my view of Turkey's corrupt puppet government, and of our own corrupt puppet government?
Since you brought up Turkey, shouldn't we be bombing their repressive, racist government and helping the civil revolt that has been happening there for decades? Why aren't we? Not enough oil there? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdistan_Workers'_Party
This is absolutely right. I don't see how you can ignore the overthrow of Saddam Hussein as the real beginning of this domino effect.
