[The second link at the very end to Newshounds is great if you're in the mood to get outraged at Fox. Will get a rise out of even the most inured.]
http://www.juancole.com/2005/03/what-do-you-do-if-democracies-defy-you.html
Saturday, March 12, 2005
What do you Do if Democracies Defy You?
The US and British support for democratization in the Middle East is a
deeply contradictory policy, since Washington and London also want
friendly regimes that agree with their policies and crack down on
radicals.
The contradiction was pitched ironically by Lebanese Speaker of the
House Nabih Berri, a Shiite leader of the Amal Party, on Friday. UK
Foreign Minister Jack Straw expressed dismay that the president of
Lebanon, Emile Lahoud, had reappointed Omar Karami as prime minister.
Berri sent a telegram to Straw informing him that the president cannot
unilaterally appoint a prime minister in Lebanon, but must consult
with parliament (to ensure that the PM has enough votes to survive a
vote of no confindence).
Berri ironically suggested that since Straw disliked parliament's
choice, he should please appoint a prime minister for Lebanon.
Berri went on to make other suggestions, saying he spoke out because
"the appointment of the prime minister in Lebanon is in the hands of
Parliament, not the president, and second because we hope we would be
able to express our opinion in naming the British prime minister."
The Daily Star notes, ' Berri concluded his telegram by expressing his
"thanks for the planned democracy for our region," in reference to
U.S., British and European efforts to establish democracy throughout
the Middle East. ' I suppose we now know what some experienced
parliamentarians in the region think of Bush's 'democratization.'
Newshounds report that democracy is only allowed in Lebanon if it
comes to the right decisions. Otherwise, can you spell J-DAM-ocracy?
http://www.newshounds.us/2005/03/10/gibson_bomb_a_democracy_with_clean_conscience.php
posted by Juan @ 3/12/2005 06:14:00 AM