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Iraqis are "some of the bravest people on earth"
Jay Nordlinger, National Reviewreporting from the Forum on the Middle East in Amman, Jordan The Forum on the Middle East has over 1,200 participants, from over 50 countries. About ten heads of state or government are here. One who is missing is Mahmoud Abbas, of the PA: He had to stay at home to deal with the latest fighting between Palestinians. As usual, I am impressed with the Iraqi officials Barham Salih, the deputy prime minister, is present. They are some of the bravest people on earth. And they are some of the most beleaguered. They face enormous, historic pressures, and they are subject to perpetual, lacerating criticism, from all quarters. In their offices and homes, they face constant death threats, and many of them have seen their loved ones killed. The burdens of other politicians are comparatively light. Salih is a particularly distinguished, elegant, and dignified man also an articulate one. I doubt there is a more effective spokesman for Iraqi democracy, and for Arab democracy at large. He has the air of someone who knows that a lot is at stake. Yes, yes, Iraqi politicians have made mistakes big ones. But, you know? They are engaged in a horribly difficult project that has huge consequences for us all. And it is only humane and logical to cut them a little slack. The Golden Rule, as always, applies here. Posted by: Mike 2007-05-21 |
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