<Kuwait liberalized somewhat under US pressure>
Somewhat = tiny, token, meaningless gestures. A very small fig leaf to hide behind.
Here's what just happened in Kuwait:
As in the Jordanian election two weeks earlier, Kuwaitis elected a parliament dominated by pro-regime centrist tribalists, with Islamists emerging as the leading opposition group. "Liberals" and pan-Arab nationalists who had been a fixture in the legislature, such as Ahmed Rubei and Abdulla Naibari, lost their seats. One Kuwaiti human rights activist said that some independent MPs would tacitly align with the few remaining liberals, but without adopting the liberal mantle, since "liberalism has become like a disease." 216.239.51.104
Not that is matters who got elected, because the Emir still holds all power.
You think they are on the road to a pro-American liberal democracy? The only way to preserve a pro-American regime, in Kuwait (or, for that matter, in any Muslim nation, Iraq included), is to not hold elections, or not give any power to the people who win elections. That's how badly we are losing the HeartsAndMinds campaign.
<We are moving quickly to give Iraqi civilians real authority in Iraq>
But those Iraqis are Quislings, chosen by foreign soldiers. And it isn't "real authority", because our soldiers have veto power over any decision they make (just in case our proxies don't stay loyal to us). No Iraqis chosen by Iraqis have any authority, and there is no timetable for when Iraqis will get to choose their own leaders. Apparently, their constitution is going to be written for them, by Iraqis picked by Americans.
<it is hardly a military government...>
I have a great urge here, to "do a Bilow". I'll restrain myself.
<Afghanistan is too soon to call>
Yes, and it's too soon to say there are no WMD in Iraq. And it's too soon to conclude that what we did after the 1898 conquest of the Philippines, wasn't "benevolent assimilation". Sorry, but you can't postpone all uncomfortable conclusions indefinitely. |
