Posted on 02/22/2005 9:19:52 PM PST by edwin hubble
"Feb. 22, 2005 — Malcolm Gladwell, author of "The Tipping Point," and Tom Friedman, New York Times columnist and author, join us tonight to discuss the direction of Iraq."
Recap: Ted Koppel moderated a discussion in which Tom Friedman (NYTimes) and Malcolm Gladwell assert:
1. We have reached an historic "tipping point" in the Middle East with the Iraqi elections. The insurgency is now seen as a small, disruptive Baathist minority in a nation that is quickly moving toward a functional national structure.
2. The positive atmosphere coming from Iraq has led the nearby Lebanese to assert a democratic national will in their determination to throw off the Syrian occupation. A similar halo effect is bringing some renewed hope for common ground in Gaza and the West Bank.
On the other hand, I am not surprised that they didn't find it necessary to credit President Bush for any of it.
Well--this is at least a step in the right direction for ABC--guess we can't expect miracles though. Maybe in a few years, they will give some credit to the President.
If they didn't credit President Bush, who did they credit? Richard Clarke? Nancy Pelosi? Providence?
Don't hold your breath. The MSM still doesn't give Ron credit for bringing Communism to its knees--instead, they whine that the CIA overestimated the strength of the Communist countries.
Allah, of course.
"I am not surprised that they didn't find it necessary to credit President Bush for any of it."
Wait six months. If things continue to look good there, the Left will not only say it's a good thing, but take credit for it.
"If they didn't credit President Bush, who did they credit? Richard Clarke? Nancy Pelosi? Providence?"
No. No one. Apparently, it was something that just sort of happened.
Seriously, Friedman is a smart guy. He did imply that the positive results were due to United States' efforts, just didn't mention Bush by name in the 30 minute discussion.
Let's see... we have troops (or some open military presence) in:
- Saudi Arabia
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Qatar
- Persian Gulf
- Pakistan
- Egypt
- Kuwait
- Yeoman
- Turkey
- did I miss any?
Not to mention the Israeli army, which is generally considered an ally.
In other words, we've got more troops in the Middle East now than we every had in Europe during the Cold War?
Damn straight Syria and Iraq are starting to get nervous, and Libya suddenly got religion! If the terrorists of the region want a fight with Americans then they don't have far to go.
It's Bush's fault
"Don't hold your breath. The MSM still doesn't give Ron credit for bringing Communism to its knees--instead, they whine that the CIA overestimated the strength of the Communist countries."
Actually, this discussion tonight was the most positive reflection on US foreign policy or international events that I have seen in the Mainstream Media in a long time.
You are right. I almost tipped over when I heard Friedman's ponts. Makes things sound so much better. No wonder he was dressed in black.
I second that! :)
I'm still confused over the Left's support of it then, denunciation of acting on it 5 years later, and almost applauding the results of it now.
"Damn straight Syria and Iraq are starting to get nervous..."
Yes, but the theme of the discussion was really the power that comes from a collective will - the voters who risked their lives in Iraq.
And the protesters in Lebanon, in the presence of the Syrian troops.
"A Tipping Point in the Middle East - Iraqi Elections"
Hey Lefties: how does it feel to LOSE?
They told us Bush lied about WMDs....he was reelected with 63 million votes.
They told us Iraq was a quagmire, the citizens recently took part in a historic vote. Afghanistan was a success as well.
No. No one. Apparently, it was something that just sort of happened.
Seriously, Friedman is a smart guy. He did imply that the positive results were due to United States' efforts, just didn't mention Bush by name in the 30 minute discussion.
Old Europe hated Reagan much like they do GWB today, once again they will be proven wrong.
GWB is holding all the cards and he knows it :-), They will find out soon enough :-)
"I'm still confused over the Left's support of it then, denunciation of acting on it 5 years later, and almost applauding the results of it now."
Well, most of the MSM have little sense of historical context (meaning a timeframe longer than 6 months).
Friedman was always strongly against Saddam, and tonight he seemed almost jubilant (thought still cautious) about the course of events.
I am not surprised that they didn't find it necessary to credit President Bush for any of it.
======
They are such a bunch of child-level, sore losers...
And I will be buying popcorn and enjoying our front row seat here at FR. :)
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