Gadhafi's Son: Bush Plan Should Be Backed

AP via Yahoo! ^ | March 24, 2004 | MAAMOUN YOUSSEF

[Land_of_Lincoln_John]

By MAAMOUN YOUSSEF, Associated Press Writer

CAIRO, Egypt - The son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi said Wednesday Arab countries should support President Bush's campaign to promote democracy in the Middle East.

Numerous Arab governments have rejected Bush's democracy initiative, notably Egypt's and Saudi Arabia's, as an imposition unsuited to Arab culture and traditions.

"Instead of shouting and criticizing the American initiative, you have to bring democracy to your countries, and then there will be no need to fear America or your people," said Seif al-Islam Gadhafi. "The Arabs should either change or change will be imposed on them from outside."

Seif denied reports that he is a candidate to succeed his father, who rules Libya with little tolerance of opposition.

"Many Arab countries are now following the policy of inheriting the leadership, but there are hundreds of Libyans who are better (suited) than I," Seif said.

Seif even praised Israel, saying that unlike Arab countries, sons do not tend to succeed their fathers in power there.

"We don't put the appropriate person in the right place, but Israel is a democratic country," told the Al-Jazeera television station.

In Syria, Bashar Assad became president on the death of his father in 2000, and in Egypt, the son of President Hosni Mubarak is playing an increasing important role in affairs of state and the ruling party.

Seif said Libya has its own version of democracy. He said it was a formula based on "human rights, democracy, protecting the individual and the society."

Seif heads the Gadhafi International Association for Charitable Organizations, which has played a major role in trying to soften the image of Libya and return it to the international mainstream.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Are we any less of an infidel than the jews?

Nope. But we are infidels who have shown themselves ready willing and able to kill those who threaten us.

Hamas backtracked so fast on what he said yesterday that there were skidmarks.

The policy of, "If you threaten to kill us, we will believe you and we will kill you first" works very well if applied consistently. With Iraq they saw that it was going to be applied consistently. Suddenly nobody wants to threaten the US.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Too bad about Seif, he has so much to live for.

[July 4th]

Gadhafi's kid is actually a big time European playboy. I think he spends most of his time there, and the Libyans actually own a stake in the Italian soccer club Juventus. It wouldn't surprise me if he was more open to Western ideals than your average Arab. I wouldn't bet on anything though.

[blam]

Blair To Shake Gaddafi's Hand As Libya Is Welcomed Into The Fold

[Southack]

Afghanistan now has a Constitution and a functioning Democracy. Pakistan is even now sending its all Islamic military into tribal lands smashing Al Qaeda and Taliban radicals. Iraq has elections and a peaceful transfer of power scheduled in June. Yemen has arrested dozens of terrorists in its wildlands. Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE support U.S. bases and logistics.

...And Libya is now disarming as well as actively *promoting* Democracy in the Arab world.

You see what happens when the world's police officer draws his gun!

[nuconvert]

Thanks for the double post notice. They have different titles, so it wasn't found.

Good article, though.

[Monty22]

There's no doubt if these enemies are playing nice now, we'll have a lot of mushroom clouds and vomiting radiation sick to come.

And they'll try to act innocent. Afterall, it's just a 'network of people' doing it.

[TXBSAFH]

Translation,"There is a new sheriff in Dodge, and he brought rope."

[Monty22]

Nope. They are up to no good. Don't for a second think that Lybia is an ally.

Yeah they're playing nice.

Beware that more than anything.

[DoughtyOne]

Thanks Blam. Actually, if we want nations to turn away from terrorism, we need for them to be able to see how a nation is treated that does. As apprehensive as we are about this, it may just prove to be an excellent object lesson.

I must say that Egypt and Saudia Arabia do give cause for concern with regard to nations who have supposedly been our allies.

Now that a number of nations are beginning to take on terrorist entities themselves, perhaps it's more appealing ot guys like Khadaffy to move to the west. Let's hope so, but keep that big stick handy.

[DoughtyOne]

No problem. Take care. Thanks for the post anyway. It was an interesting article.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Seif even praised Israel, saying that unlike Arab countries, sons do not tend to succeed their fathers in power there.

"There is no way... NO WAY you could have come from my loins. 'Soon as I get you home, I'm gonna PUNCH YOUR MOMMA IN THE MOUTH!"

With all due respects to The Great One.

[demkicker]

Interesting indeed. I wonder how long he will continue breathing

My thoughts exactly.

[doug9732]

"There's no doubt if these enemies are playing nice now, we'll have a lot of mushroom clouds ..."

That's possible, but on balance I think not. If Al Qaeda had a nuke they would never talk about having one as they have just done. They're just substituting verbal terror for the real thing.

[Robert_Paulson2]

curiouser and curiouser.
all I can say.

[Azzurri]

Sounds like he might be a decent guy -- where's the catch?

Here's the catch:

Libya is one of 5 African bidders for the 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament, which is to be the first ever held in Africa. The decision comes in May 2004. We'll see how Libya reacts after they are not awarded the games and the billions of dollars in revenue that come with it.

FIFA inspects Libya's 2010 World Cup bid

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) - A six-member team from FIFA has ended its inspection tour to evaluate Libya's bid to host the 2010 World Cup.

"We have visited all the towns that are supposed to host the 2010 World Cup and inspected the sites of the stadiums which will be built for this event," Jan Peeters, the team's leader told reporters. Libya has allocated $8 billion US for the construction of eight new stadiums in six towns, and for other infrastructure works of renovation.

Peeters, also president of Belgium's soccer federation, said senior Libyan financial officials have expressed readiness to submit guaranteed bonds for the allocated money.

Libya is one of five African candidates - along with front-runner South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt - hoping to host soccer's showcase event. FIFA has reserved the 2010 World Cup for an African country. The continent has never before hosted the event.

[Valin]

Now here's something interesting.

[Cap Huff]

Thanks for the ping. Curious!

[Mr. Mojo]

Numerous Arab governments have rejected Bush's democracy initiative, notably Egypt's and Saudi Arabia's, as an imposition unsuited to Arab culture and traditions.

Democracy itself won't be much of a help in these countries, especially if the democratic (voting) masses still hold insane world-views. Iow, their political system isn't the problem .....they are the problem -- their religion, their (lack of) culture, etc.