Three Cheers for the Bush Doctrine

Jon Stewart, the sage of Comedy Central, is one of the few to be honest about it. "What if Bush ... has been right about this all along? I feel like my world view will not sustain itself and I may ... implode." Daniel Schorr, another critic of the Bush foreign policy, ventured, a bit more grudgingly, that Bush "may have had it right."

Right on what? That America, using power harnessed to democratic ideals, could begin a transformation of the Arab world from endless tyranny and intolerance to decent governance and democratization. Two years ago, shortly before the invasion of Iraq, I argued in these pages that forcefully deposing Saddam Hussein was, more than anything, about America "coming ashore" to effect a "pan-Arab reformation"--a dangerous, "risky and, yes, arrogant" but necessary attempt to change the very culture of the Middle East, to open its doors to democracy and modernity.

The Administration went ahead with this great project knowing it would be hostage to history. History has begun to speak. Elections in Afghanistan, a historic first. Elections in Iraq, a historic first. Free Palestinian elections producing a moderate leadership, [emphasis mine] two historic firsts. Municipal elections in Saudi Arabia, men only, but still a first. In Egypt, demonstrations for democracy--unheard of in decades--prompting the dictator to announce free contested presidential elections, a historic first.

This is kind of long but I hope you'll read on.......and it's a factor that needs to be considered when discussing what just happened in these elections. There's no doubt that we will all be holding our breath while we watch but here's a view that hasn't really been discussed yet.

The Palestinians and much of the middle east have become accustomed to a system of pay for loyalty which I like to call "palm face up" Saudi Arabia wouldn't exist today if it weren't for that part......And there is a fine Hollywood example of that fact illustrated in Laurence of Arabia in the scene right after he crossed the desert with Omar Shariff.....Anthony Quinn plays a a Bedouin who is "A river to his people" ....translation.... his people will follow him as long as they continue to receive payment in booty from their raiding parties on the Turkish trains etc., etc.

The Corruption of the Palestinian process by Arafat follows that exact tradition.....and it was exposed when he died and new leadership discovered the Billion Dollars Yasser squirreled away in a Bank account outside of beloved Palestine. How do you think his lovely wife was able to live in Paris in the High Style to which she had become accustomed and thank god she didn't produce a Male Heir.

Hamas didn't expect to win but I'm Glad they did because now they can't hide behind Fattah and claim innocence. We now have full transparency so long as Fattah refuses to join the coalition.......Hamas is in charge and the West is about to pull their Billion dollar welfare check because of the Freedom Fighters who now represent the Palestinian people....

I say good.......Now we'll get to see how long the honeymoon will last between them when Hamas fails to follow through with all their promises and you can bet there have been many made......The people are restless and their patients is growing short.......

Now we'll see just how benevolent the rest of Islam really is about their beloved Palestinian brothers!........will the handouts be forthcoming?.......or will they do what they have always done with the Palestinians since their exodus into the various Arab countries........which is to throw just enough scrapes from their tables to keep from getting bitten by the dog.

When all of this washes out Fattah and/or more reasonable Palestinians will be in charge because Hamas will hang themselves with their own rope and their armor won't be as shiny as it first appeared.

And your reason for 7 month old article is ...????

The first elections *last year* in Palestine *did* produce a result of more accomodating leadership. It also was corrupt.

The Gaza pullout and Fatah corruption and other factors helped Hamas politically. This doesnt make CK's main point less valid, which is that democracy is an agent of change for the better in the Arab world. What we see in Palestine is a fanaticism that is absent in other places. Obviously the Islamist agenda has won there. For Now. But it's a flawed and failed ideology that will implode on itself now that it is given the responsibility of governing instead of merely the change to wreak havoc.

An 'elected' terrorist leadership of palestine only gives us more clarity and honesty about what Palestinians really want and how realistic peace really is. Even better, the Government is on the hook to deliver for their people. If it retains terrorism as its mode of operation, it will fail. We lived with the farce of the PA 'trying' to stop terrorism. Hamas was bad cop, PA 'good cop' - we were suckers.

On balance, Arab democracy is a very good thing for us and for the world. The governments can no longer hide behind the excuses about the 'arab street' and the people can no longer claim they are powerless to make change.

If palestinians want war, then war it shall be.

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