This is the crux of the matter. The US is concentrating on terrorism which is the result of the absence of democracy, rather than engendering democratic movements in the Arab and Muslim worlds in general. This is like putting the cart in front of the horse. The sooner the Most Powerful Nation on Earth understands this simple fact, the sooner the world will rid itself of terrorism. And then there is the absence of distinction between terrorism and freedom fighters. In the post-9/11 world we increasingly see governments all over the world – and this is not restricted to Muslim governments – conveniently eliminating legitimate freedom fighters, democracy and human rights advocates and activists, corruption whistle blowers. All in the newly re-coined term of “terroristsâ€Â. It now seems to me that if anyone is against the (1) USA or (2) his own country legitimately then he’s branded as a terrorist. Does that make me one?It’s clear that people in the Middle East want democracy. Thousands of courageous people, Christians and Muslims alike, have paid dearly for speaking out against state oppression and religious fanaticism and for demanding political enfranchisement. These democrats hold the key to Arab world’s future and deserve America’s support. It’s also clear that Arab autocrats  even those who gratify the West with democratic language  won’t do anything unless they’re pushed. Shamefully, Bush and his senior aides spent most of their meetings last month with the leaders of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia pressing them to fight terrorism.
What they should have been talking about was the importance of promoting democracy and reform. Washington’s emphasis on terrorism sends the wrong message, reinforcing the widely held perception that the US uses democracy in the Arab world as a whip to punish its enemies, while conducting business as usual with its autocratic allies. If this indeed the US approach it is shortsighted. If the US wants to end terrorism, it needs to understand that democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law are the most effective ways of undermining extremism. Change will come about only when the US begins exerting pressure on its allies, not just its foes. Fawaz A. Gerges
Comments
Re: Fighting symptoms instead of the
I think to all intents and purposes we are back on witch-hunting. There is no rhyme or reason for this except to think of the worst or best depending on your perception of the events.
I don’t think that anyone is naive enough to think that this declared war on terrorim will wipe out the perpetrators, even for a short time as evidenced by the various violent events all around the world. Equally, it will not escape anyone’s sight that a lot of despotic governments are using the same battle-cry to subjugate their people, kill their opposition and further entrench the corrupt few in their laps of luxury at the expense of everyone else around them.
In my opinion I too agree with Gerges in his views on this subject and I think that the slogan and deeds should change from “fighting terrorism” to “promote democracy”.
But how is that to be done with the current US administration? If they did promote democracy, will they continue to enjoy favourable oil prices, control over the vaste swathes of this planet, ensure that their war criminals are exempt from any compitent court?
No, the US is looking for its interests. You can’t blame them. After all who in the world is going to oppose them? They are after all the main bully/benefactor of this very Earth – again, depending on how you interpret events.
Me? I tend to regard the US at the moment as the bully.
[Modified by: Mahmood Al-Yousif (mahmood) on July 25, 2003 08:42 AM]
Fighting symptoms instead of the “disease”
Amazing how your comment matches exactly what came to my mind when reading this quote of Fawaz A. Gerges.
Seems like finding the root cause of terrorism and removing that isnt the strength of this US administration. Or maybe that isnt even what they want, because the fear may help them in the next elections ?
Also the notion of calling anyone being an obstacle on your way to reach / keep the power a terrorist reminds me of those people calling others a witch back in the dark ages. Are we back there again?
Re: Fighting symptoms instead of the
doh. forgot to leave my name in that comment.
tis me, [url=http://www.besler.net]besfred[/url]
Infallible bully, actually…
Agree totally. I never cease to be amazed that the Americans, in the recent 2 conflicts have never made a mistake, in spite of all the innocent civilians killed.
Sent hundreds to death in prisons, yet GW Bush is on record as assuring the US citizens that they’ve never made a mistake, never killed an innocent man, ignoring the facts of dozens of freed death-row inmates, freed on DNA evidence.
This 225-year old country will be truly the most powerful nation on earth when it learns what centuries of history have taught most of the other 95.3% of the planet’s population – that it’s a true man who admits and corrects his wrongs. Until that day, they’re a large country who spends quite a lot of money on guns, bombs and other toys.
-Cheers
-Andy (Oulu, Finland)