Krauthammer: Peace Through Democracy

Washington Post ^ | 06/28/2002 | Charles Krauthammer

[Pokey78]

The president's speech on the Middle East this week unveiled a radically new idea that goes far beyond the "Arafat has to go" headlines. Of course Arafat has to go. He has spent his eight years in control of Palestinian society encouraging and glorifying violence. "Asking Arafat to give up terrorism," explains Bernard Lewis, the dean of Middle East scholars, "would be like asking Tiger Woods to give up golf." As long as Arafat is in control, the blood is guaranteed to flow. Of course he has to go.

[Pokey78]

Ping to the CKPL.

[Miss Marple]

Pokey, down in the middle of that colummn is the first time I have seen a statement that the leaks came from people in the middle levels at State wishing to push their own agenda.

Powell sure has his hands full!

[jwfiv]

No matter the outcome in the immediate present and future, Bush's initiative is a classic example of doing the right thing, no matter the odds. He is head and shoulders taller, and light years ahead, of his predecessor in the vision and leadership department, not to mention the all-important cojones of steel .

No way could x42dirtbag ever have conceived of such a bold stroke...no way.

[Pythagoras]

I did not know it was America's duty to spread democracy throughout the world. America is a pretty big place. I think we should be content to stay within our own borders (assuming we have any which at the moment does not seem to be the case thanks Dubya)rather than trying to reform the world in our image. I think that invites terrorism and I think Buchanan has a point on that. Of course the Neo-Con imperialists see it differently.

[philman_36]

He dared to apply the fundamental principle of American foreign policy -- the promotion of democracy -- to the one area where it has always been considered verboten: the Middle East.
See what I mean? Peace Through Democracy
Lip service to the PoA and Article 4 Section 4. Krauthammer doesn't "get it" either and IMO "American foreign policy", in this instance, is wrong.
Maybe he should've said "the fundamental principle of the American government's foreign policy".
And this from the WP, a newspaper with one of the largest in national distributions!

[philman_36]

And this from the WP, a newspaper with one of the largest circulations in national distributions!
So PO'ed at this...

[jwfiv]

Well, I didn't know I was a neo-con imperialist, as I cannot agree with your statementt, but I shall accept that appelation. Cool.

The islamo-nazis seek to reform the world in their own image. if we retreat to our borders, as you suggest, people and nations they consider infedels will be butchered as we sit by and watch.

Naw, that can't be a good idea. Sorry.

[palmer]

if we retreat to our borders, as you suggest, people and nations they consider infedels will be butchered as we sit by and watch.

LOL! I think India and Israel (for example) would defend themselves handily if attacked.

[summer]

bttt

[jwfiv]

Yes, I agree with your hunch that Israel and India would defend themselves, and well enough, I reckon. But there are many islamo-nazi fires burning in different places, and not all tribes of infidels are so well-equipped for self-defense as the Jews and Hindis. I was actually thinking of other targets of islamo-murder, defenseless, numerous, easy-pickin's for the al-queda/wahhabi demons if no one stands up for them.

Our intervention may invite terror, but our isolation will ensure a world war the western powers may not have the will to win, were it not for America.

Hmm, where have I seen that story before?

[onedoug]

I agree with your #4.

I still have my doubts as to whether Islam is up to the true revolution that the challenge of democratization would bring to it. But Krauthammer has greatly helped me to see that this is a principle weapon to wield in this war against Islamism, which must be vanquished.

I'm with you, Mr President. Onward into the Light!

[onedoug]

I respectfully think you're wrong. Islamism has already deeply infected our society and our institutions, seemingly even parts of our government. If we don't fight in within and without, it will destroy us.

[onedoug]

I had to ping you to this. This really gives me hope.

[LoneGreenEyeshade]

So what can we do?

Might I suggest, get an education and understanding of our foreign policy, government, and perhaps even the Middle East!