Onward neocon soldiers.
We have been noting the impossible-not-to-note rise in President Bush's stock of late — domestically and even more dramatically in the international arena — due to felicitous democratic movement in Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Egypt, Qatar and even Saudi Arabia, as well as unprecedented unanimity in condemnation of Syria for its occupation and manipulation of Lebanon.
But is it Bush himself, or the Bush Doctrine of fostering democracy abroad that is really on the rise? And if it is the latter (as I think it is), then we are really talking about the rehabilitation of the so-called neocons and in particular Paul Wolfowitz. David Brooks thinks so too:
- Let us now praise Paul Wolfowitz. Let us now take another look at the man who has pursued - longer and more forcefully than almost anyone else - the supposedly utopian notion that people across the Muslim world might actually hunger for freedom.
....with political earthquakes now shaking the Arab world, it's time to step back and observe that over the course of his long career - in the Philippines, in Indonesia, in Central and Eastern Europe, and now in the Middle East - Wolfowitz has always been an ardent champion of freedom.
...."It's fascinating how many echoes this is going to have," [Wolfowitz] said. "The Iraqi election is an inspiration. It's going to be a real challenge to all absolute rulers."
He went on to suggest that American democracy-promotion could now get back onto its preferred course. Iraq, he said, was the outlier. "Iraq is exceptional because of the use of the U.S. military," he observed.
Normally, the U.S. plays the supporting role. For example, Americans can usefully raise the profile of dissidents so dictators feel less inclined to kill them. Wolfowitz was the first U.S. official to meet with Corazón Aquino. The U.S. can use its access to dictators to pressure and annoy them. [NY Times]
Exactly, and that is just what the administration is doing now - RIGHT now, in fact (see below).
Iraq was the jolt to the system of the Middle East, the enema it needed to get things flowing. We must help keep up the pressure, we must keep front-loading the system so to speak; but having done so once, we hopefully will not have to do the explosive obstruction-removal on the back-end of the system again in the near-to-medium future. Once the digestive system starts really flowing of its own accord, there's no stopping it.
Bush kept hammering away at the Syrian occupation of Lebanon yet again today in a rousing speech at the National Defense University:
- Across the Middle East, a critical mass of events is taking that region in a hopeful new direction. Historic changes have many causes, yet these changes have one factor in common. A businessman in Beirut recently said, "We have removed the mask of fear. We're not afraid anymore." Pervasive fear is the foundation of every dictatorial regime — the prop that holds up all power not based on consent. And when the regime of fear is broken, and the people find their courage and find their voice, democracy is their goal, and tyrants, themselves, have reason to fear.
Article comments
1 - Richard Porter
Eric
I love the article and believe it is a combination of both as I am probably more quick to praise the President and his dream for freedom everywhere.
As for the reluctancy in alot of media circles to completly praise the President, I believe that they are not so much waiting to see the conclusion materialize, rather they are waiting to see Bush stumble.
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks Richard and Im sure that is part of it, but the best part of all this is that there ARE two sides to the equation and therefore those who are so inclined can still speak favorably of the events and urge them on -- which is the most important thing, history can assign the "credit" -- without having root for Bush. And because no one feels compelled to give Bush credit, they seem more inclined to do so.
Bush's speech was a quite brilliant blend of providing context and sharing credit all the way around. Maybe he really has learned a few things.
3 - Eric Berlin
Very nice post, Eric -- and I like that you included a variety of views.
I'm definitely on the "hope & caution" side of things. I'm certainly more hopeful now than six months or so ago, but I'm still concerned about the situation on the ground in Iraq, and particularly Shiite-Sunni tensions, which have been flaring up of late.
As you've said, we're still near the beginning of things. Those of us who didn't vote for Bush are stuck with him for another term, so all we can do is be hopeful that things will improve.
4 - Eric Berlin
As for Wolfowitz: isn't Bush trying to get him appointed as head of the World Bank?
Or am I hearing voices in my head (again)?
5 - Eric Olsen
I give Bush credit for buying into the Bush Doctrine (which was created by others, like Wolfowitz) and sticking with it despite very tough going in Iraq, but ironically, although I think Iraq was the catalyst for the region, I think democratic movement elsewhere in the region will help Iraq keep moving in the right direction as well.
6 - RJ
Wait a sec...
BU$H isn't Hitler?
I'm shocked, SHOCKED by these accusations!
7 - Eric Olsen
reportedly, they have both been kind to their secretaries, but remember this: Kennedy had a secretary named Lincoln and Lincoln had a secretary named Kennedy - coincidence? Hardly
8 - alienboy
Why can't every American politician and political pundit take a vow to put up or shut up?
Until the job is done in any of these other countries, the usa hasn't achieved anything.
the delusional thinking in this post is most disturbing. frankly i'm disappointed.
puts on flak jacket in anticipation of taking fire...lol
9 - Eric Olsen
I'm not sure how I could have made a clearer point of saying nothing is finished and it would be very unwise to crow - where is the delusion?
10 - alienboy
what then are you trying to say? what should we be celebrating?
11 - Eric Olsen
you see nothing of note happening in the Middle East?
12 - alienboy
i see signs of movement, but nothing significant has actually happened, yet...
sure hope it will turn out well though