Posted on 01/20/2005 7:26:31 AM PST by presidio9
The world is currently facing a number of very important challenges. Fighting terrorism and bringing democracy to the Middle East are priorities on the international agenda, whilst re-establishing strong and healthy relations between America and Europe -- and enhancing their ability to deter rogue regimes -- constitutes a no less urgent and essential task. It is evident that we must also support the forces of democracy against pre-dictatorial populism in Latin America. Finally, we must find an effective role for the United Nations, an organization that so far has proved itself incapable of reflecting upon its own actions and its own future.
* * * Today a new presidential term starts in the United States. It is the duty of President Bush and his administration to formulate and propose solutions. However, this cannot be the exclusive burden of the United States. The rest of the international community must also bear our share of responsibility. In other words, if we want problems to be solved, Mr. Bush will have to do his job, but the rest of world's major leaders must also play their part.
Let us consider the main arena for the war on terrorism: Iraq. We all agree that the terrorists have decided to turn the battle for this country into their own Verdun. On Jan. 30, free elections will take place throughout Iraq. We are all aware of the difficulties involved. However, we must all do everything in our power to ensure that they actually take place and that a freely elected government is established. Afghanistan sets a valuable example in this respect, inviting us to be optimistic regarding the possibility of introducing representative democracy and the rule of law to a region where they have never really existed.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Its too damn bad the Spanish people chose to repudiate its greatest statesman in the modern era (Aznar) and replace him with a stinking skunk (Zapatero)!
Must be their poxcimity to France.
Rest of article:
When the Iraqis go to the polls on Jan. 30 and see that the rest of the world supports them in their desire to secure peace and democracy, we will all have taken a significant step forward, one that could be definitive, both for them and for us.
Something similar could be said of Palestine. A considerable responsibility now rests on the shoulders of the new president of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. Ariel Sharon and George Bush must also play their part, but the Palestinian president has the leading role. Neither should we overlook the contribution that the European leaders have to make. Allowing terrorism to flourish is what has led the Palestinian people into the deadlock that exists today. Obstinate attempts to secure a future without Israel have led the Palestinians to throw away every opportunity they have had over the last 50 years. Consenting to an administration beset by corruption is the real cause for Palestinian impoverishment. Now we are faced with a new opportunity, one that neither Mr. Abbas nor Israel can afford to waste. Americans and Europeans must support the parties involved when they are moving in the right direction, but it is also their duty to withdraw that support when they observe that certain conditions persist that prevent Palestine from marching toward a serious, trustworthy and democratic state.
In five weeks' time, President Bush will travel to Europe. He will find a larger European Union, whose council now includes various heads of government whose countries suffered Communist tyranny for 40 years. Two years ago, certain European leaders decided to break ranks with Allied policies. I believe they would find it difficult to explain themselves to future generations if they did not direct all their efforts now into rebuilding the Atlantic relationship and raising NATO from the depths to which they have sunk it.
It is impossible to believe that Europe can provide a feasible alternative to the United States whilst it continues to be so economically and militarily vulnerable. The best policy Europe's leaders can pursue would be to make the most of President Bush's visit in order to strengthen the political and military alliance and begin to carry out all of the reforms that Europe needs so that it can really compete with the United States within a global free market. There is no sense in dwelling on the negative aspects of the Atlantic relationship in the past. Now we must face the future challenges to Western security together. Frustrating Iran's nuclear ambitions will be a good opportunity.
Every leader within the international community must respond to these challenges and this should mean promoting freedom and democracy, and not consist, once again, in pursuing a low-profile tactical game. The best thing about placing our faith in freedom is that it always shows us the right path to follow. That is why, as we stand on the threshold of a new term, I would not wish the United States to be the only country prepared to give freedom a chance.
Some people on this board want the US to cut and run now.
Some people are idiots.
ping
Too late. Far too many Americans have become completely disillusioned with Europe. Time for them to go their own way... come what may. Let them work out their troubles on their own next time.
ping for later
There never was a town called Palestine, a province or state called Palestine, Nor a government of Palestine, A currency of Palestine, or a race of people called Palestinians. The current people claiming to be "Palestinians" are Arabic, and came from other regions of the M.E. In fact many were expelled from Jordan and forced by Arafat into the region in order for Arafat to create the fictitious people now called "Palestinians".
They were then told to leave the area where they were squatting in order to make way for the Islamic nations to attack Israel and conquer it, but the attack by these 7 nations failed, as a result Egypt lost some territory, as did Jordan and Syria. To this day, none of these countries want their land back and to resume control and policing of it, it is now land which the "Palestians" claim Israel is occupying, but in reality Israel had annexed it when it was attacked. Most of this land is 'occupied' by these fake "Palestinians" except for some areas which remain under Israeli control for obvious security reasons.
The goal of the Islamists is to destroy Israel, and to rid the ME of all Jews, they don't really want an idependant state, which they don't really deserve anyways, because it's based on a LIE. Can peace ever be achieved in that region? I doubt it. How can you base a foundation of peace on a LIE?
"Let us consider the main arena for the war on terrorism: Iraq. We all agree that the terrorists have decided to turn the battle for this country into their own Verdun. On Jan. 30, free elections will take place throughout Iraq. We are all aware of the difficulties involved. However, we must all do everything in our power to ensure that they actually take place and that a freely elected government is established. Afghanistan sets a valuable example in this respect, inviting us to be optimistic regarding the possibility of introducing representative democracy and the rule of law to a region where they have never really existed."
Interesting parallel, with Verdun. Too bad Aznar blew the election by blaming the ETA for the Madrid bombing.
:') Yeah, there's no pleasing some people.
"Obstinate attempts to secure a future without Israel have led the Palestinians to throw away every opportunity they have had over the last 50 years."
The Arabs started that long, long ago, but most relevantly, in the years before WWII, accelerating during WWII, all before the foundation of the modern state of Israel.
I miss Aznar.
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