Egyptian anti-government activists
It is astonishing that a wave of public demand for freedom is spreading across the Arabic world. First starting in Tunisia and spreading to Yemen and Egypt. There is talk on CNN that this public uprising could spread to many other Arabic nations. This is a situation that President George W. Bush publicly promoted.
One of President George W. Bush’s stated reasons for starting the war in Iraq was to bring democracy to that country. He stated in December 2006 that “[We] are committed to a strategic goal of a free Iraq that is democratic, that can govern itself, defend itself and sustain itself.” More broadly, the Bush Administration had viewed democracy promotion as an instrument for combating terrorism.
It was the United States that supported free elections in Gaza. The consequence is a government that has as its primary goal the destruction of Israel.
The United States has historically wanted to support democracy around the world but simultaneously has partnered with dictators that have given themselves the title of president. It’s a title that dictators believe gives them legitimacy and the prestige of public support.
What will America’s view of democracy in other nations be if Arabic nations overthrow their dictators and kings and replace them with Islamic governments that oppose our positions and views?
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