To: Hawkmoon who wrote (202347 ) 9/10/2006 4:20:19 PM From: SARMAN Read Replies (2) | Respond to We did? Neither Bin Ladin, nor the Arab contingent of the Mujahidin, did much fighting against the Soviets. As I recall, OBL predominantly funneled money and logistical support via his group, the MAK, to the Mujahidin fighters. I also recall that he offered the benefits of his experience in construction to build bunkers and roads in the region. Neither you, nor I, have any proof that US funds were being funneled via Bin Ladin's group, although it's pretty certain that Saudi intelligence was doing so. We just provide the ISI with $$$$ and weapons and they did almost all the training). What's the difference between Lebanon's form of goverment and that of what we're assisting the Iraqi's to develop? They are BOTH "Confessional" forms of democracy and do not resemble any forme of Western model of democracy that I'm aware of. Hell, my only vision is accountable government, free press, and some kind of rule of law that prevents the religious intolerance from becoming militant and violent. How they evolve their democracy after that, and how long it ultimately takes to reach the CURRENT stage of Western Democracy doesn't matter to me. All I care about is that the process starts and is not defeated by an Islamo-Fascist alternative.
