Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: tekboy who wrote (14105)	12/18/2001 10:42:17 PM
From: JohnM	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

another serious piece by Fareed Zakaria, on how to promote reform in the Arab world. worth a read. Another nice article. I think it's Whitehead who says, somewhere, that getting the questions right is often more important than getting the answers right. This article strikes me as asking the right questions. I just wish it would help generate a truckload of answers. John

To: tekboy who wrote (14105)	12/19/2001 6:53:00 AM
From: SirRealist	Respond to of 281500

Zakaria's piece was excellent. And I agree that Egypt, Iran and possibly Palestine, should be the focus of economic incentive. Considering the domestic civil rights policies of conservatives (economic enterprise zones vs. affirmative action), it should not be a difficult argument to make that pressure for economic opportunity initiatives is the best way. Thanks for posting that.

To: tekboy who wrote (14105)	12/20/2001 10:56:17 AM
From: Hawkmoon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

I can see the reason for Mubarak's fear of political inclusiveness. Personally speaking, I would rather the government focus more on the "Pinochet" approach of economic development and creating a culture of economic inclusiveness and diversity, which will create a social dynamic that can compete with the already established religious fundamentalist groups who are attempting to form a shadow goverment and social welfare network. Giving these guys political recognition would be equivalent to Mubarak surrendering secular power to the Muslim Brotherhood, something he cannot do, and still remain in political power. Economic opportunity, the adherence to secular law that tolerates various cultural and religious beliefs, and the creation of an entrepreneurial middle class are what seem necessary for Egypt to enjoy political openenss. A middle class is more attuned to worldly matters (like raising a family and retiring in peace), than becoming a tool for the spread of Islam, is what is required in the middle east. Open up political power to the fundamentalists now, and you'll only provide political legitimacy to their movement, which will force Mubarak either out of power, or over into their camp. And opening up political power to a group that does not share the values of political openess and tolerance necessary to the creation of a secular democracy/republic is comparable to what happened in Weimar Germany and led to the rise of Adolf Hitler. Hawk