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| Africa North |
| History sweeps across North Africa and the Middle East |
| 2011-02-26 |
| [Asharq al-Aswat] I've lost count of the times in recent years when I've heard the commonplace assertion that in the Arab world the choice is between dictatorship or rule by krazed killers. Until recently the only credible prospects for an end to Ben-Ali, Mubarak, or Qadaffy rule was a smooth handover of power to their offspring and more of the same. The violence that engulfed Iraq in the years after the 2003 invasion prompted many to say that such states were perhaps in need of a ruthless strongman; an 'orientalist' like Bernard Lewis and an Islamist Ideologue like Sayyid Qutb could at times sound very similar in their assertion that so-called Western values like freedom, equality and democracy were alien to the Mohammedan world. But in recent days we have seen ordinary Libyans proving everyone wrong; behaving with a bravery and clarity of purpose almost incomprehensible to us in Europe -- braving machine gun fire, murderous thugs and indiscriminate bombing from a crazed regime threatening to fight them down to the last bullet. But what has also made the West sit up and take notice is that demonstrators in Tahrir Square, Pearl Roundabout, Tunis and Benghazi haven't been chanting "Death to America™", burning British flags or calling for the creation of an Islamic state (much as Saif al-Qadaffy would like us to believe), they have mostly peacefully been calling for freedom, citizenship, human rights ... which are not the same thing as individual rights, mind you... and reform. Britain for many years has insistently lobbied such regimes on the need for such freedoms; respect for civil society, freedom of the media and political rights. Yet one of the distinguishing features of these revolutions is that they have come in spite of efforts from the West, spontaneous movements from ordinary people with legitimate grievances, who are suddenly finding how powerful they can be when they act together in the interests of the whole nation. I have also heard many conspiracy theorists beginning to emerge. Surely these events couldn't have happened without the collusion of the mighty US pulling strings behind the strings -- or perhaps Israel decided that Mubarak no longer served their purposes? In truth, the US is running to catch up with events like the rest of us. In reality, it is the case that the people of North Africa and beyond are only just discovering their own strength and inner resources. This is no longer a region under the thumb of colonialism or outside domination. Suddenly it is obvious to the world that there is a Tunisian nation that will not submit to injustice and oppression, and an Egyptian nation, and.... It is inspirational talking to Tunisians and Libyans here in London, feeling that giddy sensation of freedom for the first time -- able to speak their minds without looking over one shoulder and without fearing the consequences. For us in Britain, these decisive moves towards reform and freedoms are something we will wholeheartedly support -- comparable to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the euphoria felt by those in Eastern Europe, who for the first time could participate in saying how their countries should be run. Although it would of course be infinitely preferable to see transition happening peacefully, through political structures with sufficient flexibility to accommodate reform. PM David Cameron -- the first major figure to visit post-revolutionary Egypt made clear that Britain would stand by Egypt and the region in their efforts towards reform, but that Egypt's transitional leadership must continue to give effect to the will of the people in a manner which brought about genuine democratic change. We will continue to hold the Tunisian and Egyptian authorities to account, but will be providing real assistance through our Arab Partnership Programme. David Cameron in the Kuwaiti parliament asserted that freedom is sweeping across the region, at the same time making the important acknowledgement that the West was wrong in its support for undemocratic regimes; "denying people their basic rights does not preserve stability, rather the reverse". That is why Britain has been one of the most outspoken countries in its condemnation of the Libyan regime's murder of its own citizens. Banning the media, blocking communications and lying about the real situation has fooled no-one. The whole world is watching the situation in Libya and those responsible must one way or another face justice. We all hope that the suffering of the Libyan people does not continue and that very soon they will be enjoying the sweet taste of freedom currently sweeping through the streets of Cairo and Tunis. We salute your courage and determination and hope that your efforts bring about the freedoms and reform that you seek. We are also discussing with our partners what future steps can be taken, including sanctions such as a travel ban and an arms embargo. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #9 China couldn't care less. Russia doesn't seem to have any interest from what I have heard. China got its money from the missile development contracts. It'll wait to see who the new rulers are before going in again. As far as Russia is concerned, it'll be competing against China in kissing up to whoever takes over. |
| Posted by: Pappy 2011-02-26 20:13 |
| #8 Because Obama believes the claptrap about America being to blame for the woes of the world, as president, he stays silent. He presents no real American policy, thinking that by making no decision at all, he will be absolved of blame, and begin a new chapter of world history where for once Americans are the good guys. Unfortunately, he must never have learned a very basic concept--that refusing to decide is in itself a decision. His delusion that America is something to be ashamed of will have toxic consequences long into the future. |
| Posted by: Jules187 2011-02-26 19:43 |
| #7 I believe Libyans are going to need help to pull this off. O is out to lunch. China couldn't care less. Russia doesn't seem to have any interest from what I have heard. So we have a void to fill. Perfect opportunity for bad guys to offer support. I say a void because look how many people from other countries work everything for them. This will run its course with many idealistic Libyans purged. Then if Qadaffy is removed the head of a new serpent will emerge"in the Arab world the choice is between dictatorship or rule by krazed killers". This will be done the Arab way. |
| Posted by: Dale 2011-02-26 17:24 |
| #6 John QC - I fear the poor, bufuddled Zero is flabbergasted that these peons didn't wait for his call to rise up. He must be terribly confused! |
| Posted by: Bobby 2011-02-26 11:03 |
| #5 And yet Barack Hussein Obama will not have a historic moment w/regard to the history being made in North Africa. Hell, he can't even bring himself to support Israel, a staunch ally for sixty years--the only free country in the Mideast. I guess he spent too much time getting an islamic education as a kid and 20 years "present" listening to hatred in Rev. Wright's anti-semitic church in Chicago. |
| Posted by: JohnQC 2011-02-26 10:09 |
| #4 It's Asharq al-Aswat, published in London, Anguper Hupomosing9418. they've been known to get drunk on words. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2011-02-26 09:33 |
| #3 ordinary Libyans proving everyone wrong; behaving with a bravery and clarity of purpose almost incomprehensible to us in Europe -- braving machine gun fire, murderous thugs and indiscriminate bombing from a crazed regime threatening to fight them down to the last bullet. No one has been proved 'wrong.' If the Euros find Libyan bravery and clarity of purpose 'incomprehensible' that is due to the lack of the same qualities in Europe, drained of them after 2 world wars and dissolution of humane values in a sea of rhetoric. Libyans attacking machine guns with bricks and forming voluntary human shields around bulldozer operators trying to punch holes in Qadaffy strongpoints are mujahideen. Who publishes this foolish stuff? |
| Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2011-02-26 07:11 |
| #2 Not yet, but it will. |
| Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2011-02-26 05:31 |
| #1 See also TOPIX > {American IslaMic Congress] OLD ORDER SHATTERED IN MIDDLE EAST. versus * SAME > ISRAEL'S DAYS ARE NUMBERED: IRANIAN GENERAL. Irael's + Zionism's destruction has started, Resistance is "STAR TREK" BORG-futile agz Islamic Awakening + Muslims' Movements. D *** NG IT, ISRAEL, "YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED"! * SAME > [FoxNews] NEXT WAVE OF AL-QAEDA COMING FROM INSIDE THE US. Son? |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2011-02-26 00:28 |