Forget the Hypocritical European Peace Rhetoric, East Africa Must Back Bush (Kenyan editorial)

The East African (Nairobi) ^ | February 24, 2003 | Martin Mbugua Kimani

[Migraine]

Kenya dig it?

[Constantine XIII]

Bump!

[dead]

Baby yes I can.

[Mr. Mojo]

To those willing to go America's way when the rest are headed in the opposite direction comes money - just ask Israel and Egypt

Bribery, blackmail, extortion, payoffs ......words the American taxpayer better get used to.

[dead]

We've been shelling out the big bucks for decades. It's high time we started demanding something in return.

[rudypoot]

"I am not suggesting that we are about to go to war with our neighbours, God forbid, but only by being strong can we ensure our peace."

Reaganite.

[Marines981]

Well after that crap with the al-qaidas firing at the Israeli airliners, they need to back us.

[dead]

Don't forget the 200 Kenyans killed in the US embassy bombing.

[Mr. Mojo]

I'm for dispensing with all foreign aid in the form of U.S. taxpayer dollars. We can aid friendly democracies (like Israel) in other ways.....like selling them high-grade weapons technology. Egypt, of course, should get squat.

[dead]

Agreed.

[Paraclete]

Interesting perspective from a region I know little about or feel able to understand. I've been wondering what reasons the African countries on the Security Council would have for supporting America.

I guess the encouraging thing is that several smaller countries in Eastern Europe and Africa still see the USA as their best chance for a better life. Maybe, we're not so ugly after all.

[happygrl]

It is America that has the will and momentum to meet this challenge, not the Europeans, who depend on the US to quiet a potentially nuclear Middle East or belligerent powers supporting terrorist networks.

Kenya comes out in support of the U.S.

[dead]

bttt

[demosthenes the elder]

nice and pragmatic. refreshingly blunt.

[spetznaz]

After perusing through this article i am reminded why i am darn proud of being a Kenyan! It is refreshing to know that back in Kenya people are not blinded by the asinine logic (and vitriolic diatribe .....and if you doubt me just read a European newspaper article about the US) coming from Europe (and most places in the world for that matter). Kenyans in essence can perceive how things truly are .....maybe it is because we are an intelligent bunch (LOL .....and not shy of saying so), or maybe it is because we have suffered greatly at the sordid hands of the enemies of America and Israel (for example the Norfolk hotel attack in the early eighties by Arabs to retaliate for the assistance Kenya gave Israel in rescuing Israeli hostages in Uganda; and so on ...including the obvious case of the Embassy bombings).

Anyways although many nations have cohered together against the US there are still some choice regions in the world that still see the US as probably the only reason why there is still peace in the globe. Such nations include Britain, Australia, Israel, and a few others .....like Kenya.

Anyways here are some exerpts from the article that i particularly liked:

It is this desire for a dramatic clarity between good and evil that both sides in the debate on Iraq seek to invoke. In the media, the question has been framed in a seemingly simple, logical fashion: Either you are with the Americans who are for war or with France and Germany who are for peace. Nothing could be farther from the truth. What we are seeing is a referendum on the doctrine of pre-emptive action; how to confront anti-Western states pursuing weapons that threaten a pro-Western status quo and, most importantly for Europe, how to contain US hyperpower.

To begin with, it is in our interest to limit the spread of chemical and biological weapons. They are cheap force multipliers and are of greatest effect when used against civilian centres. As the largest economy in the region, it is to our strategic advantage if potential foes have to go to the greater expense of building up a conventional arsenal since we can outspend them. This deters ambitions of challenging us militarily and gives us time to build our nations in peace. (I am not suggesting that we are about to go to war with our neighbours, God forbid, but only by being strong can we ensure our peace.)

Actually let me comment on that last part! After the Entebbe raid (where the Israeli special forces rescued the Israeli hostages) Uganda tried to attack Kenya, and even managed to get the help of Tanzania ......but the Kenyan military had been trained by both the Brits and the Israelis and beat both countries without breaking a sweat. Although today things have been smooth for decades Kenya is still surrounded by volatile nations .....for example Sudan acquired some Mig-29s some years ago, which was a questionable decision because the only nation one would need Fulcrums for is against Kenya! However we have a neat surprise for any Fulcrums flying anywhere near the border ....let me say Israelis are pretty cool chaps (LOL).

Now that their influence has been on the wane for a century, the old European powers have learned the benefits of multilateralism; it allows them a chance to roll back American power and remain relevant. In school, we used to call it being taken shiko - when some guy studied all night and yet lied to you, saying that he had been at the Carnivore instead. European support for international law is a cynical play for power in a moral guise, let's recognise it as such.

[Miss Marple]

Hey there! I forgot about you being from Kenya! Thank you for your comments. I also am woefully ignorant about the history and dynamics in East Africa, and really appreciate your explanation.

I am having to catch up on geography and history really quickly, lately. I just got done learning about Central Asia, and now it looks like I need to work on Africa.

Thanks again!

[Mr. Mojo]

Kenyans in essence can perceive how things truly are

If the views of the author of this article are representative of the views of the majority of Kenyans, I'd have to agree with you.

What's your surprise for the Fulcrums?

[wardaddy]

Well Done Spetz!

[spetznaz]

By the way to those who do not know the Carnivore is this huge night club in Nairobi.