Historic Day
Iraq the Model: "Take a look today to meet the model of courage and human desire to achieve freedom; people walking across the fire to cast their votes."
Pictures from the polls
CNN: Iraqis vote amid violence
Amazing. I hope this day is a turning point. A day that finds Iraqis proud to begin taking over their country, and a day that finds terrorists increasingly isolated. I also hope this day won't provide fuel for the Bush Doctrine to expand into Iran.
Wishful thinking?
posted by Chuck Olsen @ 10:34 PM |
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7 Comments:
Let's try replacing "Iran" with "China" to see how stupid that question is.
So, what's wrong with a democratic China?
You'd still be able to read your dog-eared copy of the little red book, no worries.
I don't think that a democratic Iran or China is a bad thing, however the notion of the US invading Iran in order to set up a democracy just doesn't strike me as a wise idea. Doing the same thing in China would be insane.
A democratic China would be great. Imposing democracy on China by force? Not so great. (Or, "You and what army?")
China and Iran both have moved more towards a free and open society in recent years. I'd rather let that grow organically than try to impose our system of government on them.
I do believe democracy is destiny. But each country needs to find its own way.
Right - it's not that a democratic Iran or China is a bad thing (obviously). The question is, how? And at what human/monetary/karmic cost?
I suggested envisioning China to exaggerate those costs. Attempting to invade China and impose democracy would be absolutely insane. You asked the question without seeming to even consider the consequences, much like this Administration.
Now, look at a map of the middle east. Note the location of Afghanistan and the location of Iraq. What's between them? The only real question is when. Again, I fear the Admnistration thinks in equally simplistic terms.
Iran does have a pro-democracy movement. They have lots of young people. Students, even bloggers! I would think we'd want them on our side, and to do what we can to steer Iran toward democracy.
The map is not the territory.
Iran also has a much stronger military than Iraq did.
There is a pro-democracy movement in Iran. I don't think there'll be one if the US invades.
Besides, we don't even have enough troops to provide security in Iraq. Where are we supposed to get enough to invade and occupy two countries?
Okay, you convinced me. Let's do it!
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