PhotoDude.com

Wed. Jul 31, 2002

Middle East Dictatorships

Middle East Dictatorships – On the quest for regime change in Middle Eastern countries, Nick Denton asks, "But what if democratic capitalism is not an option, and the choice is between thuggish client regimes and popular fundamentalists? If the US is truly going to support the principle of democratic legitimacy, we have to accept the likelihood of popular revolutions, and governments as hostile to the West as was Iran after the fall of the Shah."

A very valid point. I think we may seek revolution, but will get evolution. Just like we’ve seen in Iran. They’ve had their Islamic state for over two decades now. It has evolved considerably over that time, and despite token gestures to democratic ”reform,” Iranians would like for it to evolve faster. We likely face the same factors if there is a regime change in Saudi Arabia, or even Iraq, if change comes there without US troops in the field.

But it is indeed about Choice. No one can say that America, over its history, has always chosen the right leaders. It is no more certain in the Middle East. The accusation stands that the US props up these currupt regimes in certain countries. If the people in those countries institute their own regime change, fundamentalist or not, at least it will be clear that the people chose, and the results are their responsibility.