What is it about the vision of democracy that makes the mind go ga-ga? The AP reports that, having arrived in Jersualem, "President Bush said Wednesday that 60 years of Israel's existence is cause for optimism for democratic change throughout the Middle East. 'What happened here is possible everywhere.'"
So the existence of a democracy with strong Western ties that sprang to life as a democracy with strong Western ties is cause for optimism that the hundreds of millions of Muslims surrounding it — many of whom openly seek its destruction when not brazenly calling for its destruction — will democratize notwithstanding the utter absence of a democratic tradition and a belief system that is resistant (indeed, hostile) to Western democracy in several particulars.
Sure as hell will do so more than the collapse, or the non-existence, of a democracy with strong western ties in the area would.
2 comments:
Well, the minute we give up all hope that they might change is the minute we should push the button and end their existence. A bit harsh, but not as much as one might think.
The only free Arab press in the Middle East is in Israel. That doesn't appear to count for anything among the loudest worshippers of a free press, but I mention it.
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