The main stumbling block is Israel. In reality, Israel has as much to gain from the spread of democracy in the Middle East as the United States has. But Israel is unlikely to recognize its own best interests because the change is too sudden and carries too many risks. And some U.S. supporters of Israel are more rigid and ideological than Israelis themselves. Fortunately, Obama is not beholden to the religious right, which has carried on a veritable vendetta against him. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is no longer monolithic or the sole representative of the Jewish community. The main danger is that the Obama administration will not adjust its policies quickly enough to the suddenly changed reality.
I am, as a general rule, wary of revolutions. But in the case of Egypt, I see a good chance of success. As a committed advocate of democracy and open society, I cannot help but share in the enthusiasm that is sweeping across the Middle East. I hope President Obama will expeditiously support the people of Egypt. My foundations are prepared to contribute what they can. In practice, that means establishing resource centers for supporting the rule of law, constitutional reform, fighting corruption and strengthening democratic institutions in those countries that request help in establishing them, while staying out of those countries where such efforts are not welcome.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Soros: Israel a Stumbling Block to a Democratic Egypt
George Soros writes in WaPo:
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I follow the money here:
ReplyDeletehttp://english.economicpolicyjournal.com/2011/02/why-soros-wants-revolution-in-egypt.html
Are you kidding me? Democracy in the mideast would install political murderers who would want Israel destroyed. The entire point of USA involvement in the mideast is to install their own puppets friendly to Israel...Come On...How can anyone not see this? What do you think the people in the mideast would vote for?
ReplyDeleteIf they act like normal democracies the predominantly Muslim citizens of Egypt won't elect the representatives who will bring the greatest freedom. They will elect the representatives who will bring home the most pork. Oh, wait ...
ReplyDeleteMubarak was a tyrant, no doubt, but remember that line from Kafka -
ReplyDeleteEvery revolution evaporates and leaves only the slime of a new bureaucracy.
Here's hoping...