The Spread of Democracy

The protestors in the Ukraine, some weeks ago, were not met with the fire hoses of pepper spray that were turned on American protestors during Inauguration 2005. They were met with a second election. The tens of thousands of protestors in Lebanon, unlike the hundreds of thousands that have protested the current US administration, received the resignation of the protested government. Those protestors have been outnumbered by the latest pro-Syria protests in Lebanon. I wonder if the administration is still for the majority's right to choose there. Saudi "elections", which of course excluded women, a practice that is currently being protested in Kuwait combine with what seems to be a growing will to change in Egypt, and last, but certainly not least, the ink fingered election in Iraq have all sent a signal to the world that people want to run (elect) their own government.

So the question is do the ends justify the means. It appears the boulder that this administration launched into the Persian Gulf has positive ripples forming from it, along with the negative. This is not to say that any one of these "movements" has a favorable view of the United States. It is most likely quite the opposite. We are having enough trouble keeping European allies let alone swaying "Arab" nations. After incidents like last week's killing of Italy's top intelligence officer in Iraq and BBC 4's new show, Guantanamo Guidebook, where willing participants are put through allowable "interrogation procedures" documentary style, we haven't been looking so hot. But can it be said that invading a nation to overthrow a leader whose methods we do not approve of, based on "intelligence" that others throughout the world may have agreed with, but certainly did not see as actionable, is the right course of action. Is the loss of life, culture, and economy there acceptable? Our current presence in Iraq, the largest US embassy in the world included (but not completed), has helped to bolster the strength of those that want their voices heard. They have found that their leaders are merely mortal. Our presence has also spread a fear of US Military invasion against any leader who is seen and/or portrayed as "against us". We have seen the power of the people rise (foreign more than domestic). What this new found power will bring to the table, aside from ahmed chalabi, has yet to be seen. Populations all over the world are against Us and Our current occupational forces in Iraq. Will we hear their call to leave? More Lebanese have now yelled for Syria to stay, should Our president continue with his ultimatum that Syria must leave. Will his ultimatum goad the Iranian-Syrian coalition into attacking our 150,000 troops sandwiched between them? Or does it simply mean... Syria, we don't care if you gave us saddam's brother in law and agreed to begin a pullout in Lebanon. You are next.


The end of the human race will be that it will eventually die of civilization. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson