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

To: JohnM who wrote (83475)	3/18/2003 5:27:20 PM
From: paul_philp	Respond to of 281500

Ellul is a fascinating figure but his aversion for technology as a system Ellul's fear of technology drove him to develop the best analysis of the technological system as a system. Heidegger's analysis in 'The Question Concerning Technology' is quite similar. In fact, Heidegger might see 9-11 in terms of the technological system. but I think it's a likely to be a distinction without a difference Clearly, I disagree. To late for debate. TWT. And that former will require, at least in American eyes, top down control. And, once in place, it's almost impossible to start over. Yes, this is one of the real risks. Something like what you suggest is likely to happen and this will be the first test of the post-war American ability to think a problem through. I am convinced that Wolfowitz understands this problem and has thought it through. I am not convinced he will prevail in the debate. It will definitely strengthen Wahhabism in the short term and who knows about the long term. This is conventional wisdom but I don't think it's as certain as you suggest. Power and respect are tightly connected in Wahhabism. I am seeing the very early signs that respect for American power is causing some Arab governments to reduce their support for strong Wahhabism in their countries. "Look Mullah, I'd like to build you a new mosque but look at all those American aircraft carriers. Tell you what, if you tone down the rhetoric a bit, I will see what I can do." I would take care of the Palestinian-Israeli situation I think the Power/Respect issue plays an important role here too. I see a breakthrough happening (as it must) in the Palastine/Israel war soon. Now, everyone has a real stake in getting it done - post 9-11 US, Syria and Saudi Arabia looking at Saddam and Sharon not wanting to be seen as the cause of the next 9-11 in America. I see the stars aligning well but this issue is very unpredictable. Paul