Political Irony

4 Comments

1. PatriotSGT wrote:

   I am aware of the conditions in many middle eastern nations and the corruption which exists. IMO. We have been guilty of allowing these conditions to continue and breed the level of dissent and disgust seen in the general population. Many have perhaps said too hastily that mid east Muslim nations are not ready for demmocracy and must be ruled via hardline autocracy. I think we were more concerned about our interests (oil) and accepted these strongmen who kept the peace. In hindsight, if we were given the choice of 30 years of relative stability between Arabs and Israelis or an unknown probably chaotic environment that could threaten our economy, which would we take? I think we’d still probably take the strongman version.

   The real concern is while the voice of the people wanting a choice and say in their government is undeniable, this movement is in danger of being hijacked by elements intent on mayhem. They will capitalize on these movements to further their ideological goals. The radical, extreme or hardline elements want a return to pure Islam and full implementation af sharia law. Next they want to establish Islam as the one religion for all the peoples on earth. They have elements in virtually every country on earth allready. If they gain power in the middle east by establishing themselves as the leaders of Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen and begin to topple of nations one by one they will increase their power tenfold. It would not be inconceivable then that european nations would begin to be vulnerable as their muslim populations have increased dramatically over the last 20 years. It is not by accident. The extreme elements have long looked at our democracies and longing for freedom and equality and the single greatest weakness we possess. They know our weak spot. America would be the last target, the great prize, but the middle east is the easiest starting point.

   Friday, February 4, 2011 at 6:52 am | Permalink
2. Iron Knee wrote:

   PSGT, not that I completely disagree with you, but I can’t help but notice that if you take your argument, and simply replace Muslim terms with Christian, the same thing is true.

   For example: “The radical, extreme or hardline elements want a return to pure fundamentalist Christianity and full implementation of Christian law. Next they want to establish Christianity as the one religion for all the peoples on earth. They have elements in virtually every country on earth allready [sic].”

   On the Christian side we have missionaries, crusades, and fundamentalists. Do you think this would give an Islamic nation the right to install a dictator/strongman in our country in order to protect themselves from our religious nut jobs? If not, then why do you think we have that right in their countries?

   Friday, February 4, 2011 at 7:20 am | Permalink
3. PatriotSGT wrote:

   I fully agree, the crusades were just that IK, and Christian proselytizers are always trying to convert non-believers in the Muslim nations. Christians started the whole thing and gave rise to the prophet Mohammad because of their actions.

   I don’t believe installing strongmen is the long-term answer either, but I also don’t think we are prepared for the alternative. It may take 100 years of factional fighting between rival groups to bring about an enduring peace that’s real and supported by the population. Hundreds of thousands or millions could be killed and instability throughout the world running rampant. Followers of Islam represent 1/5 of the world’s population, how will those outside the mid-east react? That’s why we need a lot of careful thinkers to engage all elements to determine our response or reaction. Will we intervene, stand back and watch, or apply behind the scenes pressure, which is how we ended up like this in the first place. I don’t know the answers, but I’d like to at least begin the open, honest discussion.

   Friday, February 4, 2011 at 8:49 am | Permalink
4. Iron Knee wrote:

   Agree strongly.

   Friday, February 4, 2011 at 12:42 pm | Permalink