Killing Time

The Middle East is South America

....in the '50s and '60s. The whole region is run by the United States (a 'sphere of influence') who took over from the British. The current situation there cannot be understood unless it is seen that the Americans talk of democracy is a sham and a lie.

'The recent support of the US government for the death and destruction in Lebanon does not come as a surprise. Nor is it a surprise to see the silence of the European governments (especially UK). What is surprising, however, is the belief that the Arab streets still do not matter...Where does the US think the Al Qaeda fighters and supporters come from? From the country of Al Qaeda-istan? It is also a folly to rely on Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan to keep the people under control. These countries’ rulers are part of the problem rather than the solution. In Saudi Arabia, the House of Saud rules like an old feudal lord. In Egypt, the President-for-Life Husni Mubarak crushes all dissent and is planning to install his son in power. In Jordan, King Abdollah II appoints and dismisses prime ministers and ministers. ...The people in these countries are fed-up with totalitarian and corrupt regimes. It is no wonder that Al Qaeda’s money, leadership and top lieutenants come mainly from these three countries. The people, rightly or wrongly, see the US support of these regimes as the source of their problems and constant humiliation....The Arabs should know that they can not rely on US for democratic change. The constant talk about democracy coming out of Washington is for US public consumption and not the Arab people. The Arabs have to rely on themselves and not wait for external help otherwise they will wait for another 50 years. Perhaps Arabs should listen to what Malcolm X said in 1965: “Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it.”'

posted by Brendan @ 4:12 PM