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International
Jumblatt decries "tyrants, dictators" in Mid East
2001-12-23
  • The Arab world, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said in Lebanon, is in dire need of change as a region that "has been left at the mercy of tyrants, dictators, holy kings, outdated pseudo-revolutionaries, tribal chieftains and failed demagogues." He suggested demilitarizing Arab regimes and holding free and democratic elections, a step he said was needed to see economic and social development. He also advocated creating a common Arab market, reinforcing relations within the region, liberating the Iraqi people, and benefitting from Iranian strategic importance. Equally necessary, according to Jumblatt, is an Arab-Muslim cultural revolution that will allow the humanization, rationalization and secularization of its various ideologies.
    Hmmm. No mention of fighting jihad and standing up for "Arab Dignity." Perhaps the appeal of the fundos has peaked with the disappearance of Osama and the discrediting of rule by mullah. (The Druze are far outside the Wahhabi puritan strain, so probably that's wishful thinking.) But also no mention of instituting the concept of personal liberty, which would be necessary to make the rest of it happen. Still, not bad. Perhaps in time... No one in the Arab world will listen to him, of course, or if they do, someone will shoot him.
    • Posted by:Fred Pruitt

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