| I don't think Bush was talking about imposing democracy, but facilitating via the UN. I agree that US security interests should be primary, and am pessimistic about any elections in, say, Iraq, over the short term, given their lack of experience with democracy and their tribalistic history. A big part of the problem is the lack of anyone's true identity with the artificial construct called Iraq. (same with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, etc.) When push comes to shove people will identify themselves with their old tribe or clan, and seek to impose their will on the others, not negotiate a "win-win" solution, or compromise so that everyone gets something. Same thing happened in the old Yugoslavia after Tito's death - all the old submerged conflicts came to the fore - did anyone really think of themselves as Yugoslavian? - no, you were a Serb, a Croat, whatever. I have been thinking of doing some research into the origins of the post-WWI redrawing of borders in Central Europe and the Middle East. Whoever did that has a lot to answer for - only the Czech Republic and Slovakia managed to separate in a civilized fashion. |
