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

To: Sun Tzu who wrote (141260)	7/25/2004 1:54:27 PM
From: Hawkmoon	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 281500

I believe that like all natural systems, when left alone, social systems will balance themselves out for the best. Actually, I find that, when left alone, most social systems closely mimic the "law of the jungle", with the brutal subjugating the timid. But when folks are willing to assist in the empowerment of the timid (and intimidated), instilling them with a sense of political, social, and economic expectations and entitlements, it sets into motion a process that is only reversible through even greater violence and intimidation.. Iran is a good example of this. The reformists have suffered recent setbacks over the past year. But the level of repression and arbitrary mis-use of governmental power has only fed greater resentment that will eventually "blow-back" upon them.. But if you manage to establish a Shia government in Saudi, you manage to reign in the Wahhabis; you create competition for Iran in the Shia world; you will never have trouble from Saudi because a minority will not be able to rule without foreign help; etc, etc. Are you saying that Wahhabists represent a majority of the population in Saudi Arabia? I would say that, at least for the past 50 years, they have been the minority.. and remain so today.. But they are a powerful minority, controlling vast wealth, as well as receiving the symbiotic "blessing" of the Saudi Royal family.. (which they, in return, bestow upon the royals). Hawk