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Blog of Adam Daifallah -- author, journalist, law student. Lover of politics, writing, golf, curling, fitness, fashion, bacon and maple products -- not necessarily (but probably) in that order. Partisan of the Anglosphere. Contact me via email at adam@daifallah.com.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Illiberal Democracy and the Middle East
This here, in my opinion, is pathetic. Again, I'm sort of the in the minority on this issue in the conservative camp.
But here's what I can't understand--and maybe some of you could help me with this:
- Western governments neglected engagement with the Palestinians on the basis of their authoritarian, anti-democratic bent (read: Fatah is a corrupt organization and only democracy will solve these ills);
- Then, when the Palestinians finally came to their senses and voted in free and fair elections, we outright rejected their votes and denied them foreign aid (read: we encourage your right to political expression, but not this time);
- Meanwhile, we illegally bolster the opposition as the government of choice (read: Fatah, despite your not being elected, we don't mind engaging with you after all).
- Lastly, we read that Hamas, the government of choice, has resorted to violence (read: they are a terrorist organization).
Now, far be it from me to ever justify a Hamas government's actions...but as the self-appointed bearers of democracy, why is it that we periodically find ourselves in the awkward situation of having to trample the very democratic values we cherish and claim to promote?
Sure, politics is never this simple. But, just for a second, consider the negative effects that such policy has on the broader War on Terror.
When President Bush decides to engage exclusively with Abbas and Fatah, thereby subverting the democratic will of the Palestinians, he sends two messages:
- All that sweet talk of democracy, liberty, and freedom was all for naught; and,
- We will engage with who we want, when we want, and for reasons of our choosing.
If the politics of the Middle East is "irrational" (as Reagan once put it), it must surely be related to the incongruity of our own values and principles with our actions and motives.
Folks, I remember a speech, delivered not so long ago, in which (at least for the optimists among us) there was time to reflect on the good that could have come from an activist foreign policy:
Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world: All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country. The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it." The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.
President Bush's second term is nearly done. A missed opportunity is what this represents...
# posted by Omar Soliman : 10:37 AM
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