Yes, It's Freedom, But What's In It for Us?

Posted on July 04, 2008 in Generic biologicals

Let's start with a quiz. Who wrote the following this morning? One . . . near as I can tell, there's no really clear sense in which the Syrian sphere of influence in Lebanon is bad for the United States of America . Second, there's no particular reason to think that the waning of Syrian influence really heralds the dawning of Lebanese democracy. Outside of the special case of Iraq, Lebanon was and is pretty clearly the most democratic of Arab states. . . . . It's not what you would call a real democracy for a variety of reasons . . . . Still, as I say, it's closer than anything else that's up and running already. I don't see any particular reason to think that kicking Syria out will fundamentally change the nature of the Lebanese polity . . . . Heck, I don't even think it's clear that it would be a good idea to try and move Lebanon toward real majoritarian democracy. Henry Kissinger? Pat Buchanan? Ann Coulter? Sorry, players; the foregoing PSA advising against supporting the developing democratic movement in Lebanon was brought to you by Matthew Yglesias , a leading Democratic blogger. Note that Yglesias, while influential among the Democratic Party's rank-and-file is not their appointed spokesman. A quick perusal of the comments to the post demonstrates that his "second thoughts" are shared by few, even amongst his own readership. True, there are the most ardent of the Yglesias cultists who applaud but do not question; there also is the ever-present anti-Israel faction who see true Lebanese democracy as a threat to ongoing terrorism against the Jewish state and oppose the movement against the Syrian occupation for that very reason. Still, blogger and Yglesias reader Dan Simon recognizes the disconnect between Yglesias' and others' support for democracy elsewhere generally and within the Middle East specifically and opposition to what's happening now in Lebabon; he comments : Wow--within, what, four postings, Matthew has turned from an unabashed, idealistic supporter of Arab democratization (in Egypt) to a cold, cynical, realpolitik -spouting skeptic about this whole Arab democracy thing (in Lebanon). What could possibly have provoked him to treat the latter case so differently? A less bad despotism? Mubarak's no saint, but Assad's surely worse. A worse prognosis? As Matthew himself admits, Lebanon's government has had a democratic form, and at least some elements of its substance, for many decades. Egypt has never been democratic--ever. More danger of a fundamentalist takeover? Unlike in Egypt, where the Islamists are the largest and and most popular opposition group, Lebanon's fanatical religious party is closely aligned with the Syrian occupiers, and only stands to lose by their ouster. Worse outcome for America? Egypt's dictator, for all his faults, is a bought-and-paid-for US ally. Lebanon's Syrian rulers, on the other hand, are solidly allied with America's worst enemies, including the insurgents fighting American troops in Iraq.... Nah, couldn't be. Say it isn't so, Matthew.... Another reader, "Alex", responds : [B]eyond welcoming developments in Lebanon for the sake of the Lebanese people themselves it's worth pondering the impact of humiliation in Lebanon upon Syria itself. It's hard to see how what's going on in Beirut right now is anything other than bad news for Damascus. From that point of view, it's good news for the United States. Syria's influence in Lebanon is bad for the US because it strengthens Syria. (It's even worse for Lebanon of course). Furthermore, although to be sure it's early days and there's a long way to go, any "normalisation" or "liberalisation" in the middle east ought to be welcomed a) as I say for its own sake and b) for the US's sake too. Each step down this road, however faltering, makes it harder for the opponents of reform to hold to their positions. And that's something worth celebrating. Momentum does matter. As does the inspiration of example. "Ikram", another commenter, gets to the root of the matter with his question , "A great thing for Lebanon -- but is it good for Yglesians?" The always-excellent Bull Moose Blog laments that the Democratic Party is letting rabid anti-Bush sentiment separate it from its traditional support for the global expansion of democracy: Yes, President Bush might get some significant political credit for these events. So what. If partisanship is more important than fundamental principles, than the Democratic party has truly lost its way. Just as right-wing Delayicans opposed the foreign policy triumph of Clinton in Kosovo, so are left-wing Kissingers moaning the potential advance of freedom today. Remember, you're the Democratic Party. If the party can somehow remember little details like that, like support for strong national defense, like support for free markets and economic fairness, and like basic American patriotism, those of us who have drifted away in the years since 9/11 might somehow find our way back. Labels: Current Events

Tags: lebanon, democratic, democracy, party, yglesias

Nancy headed for Prison..or the Hizbollah Vote ?

Posted on May 14, 2008 in Diabetes erectile dysfunction

Robert Turner medially The Wall Street Journal intervening a asset entitlted \"Illegal Diplomacy\" raises the possibility that Granny Nancy Pelosi's recent visits to Syria could allot her bounded by breach of the Logan Act of 1799 - named next Senator Logan who had travelled to France all over the quasi US / French Naval war to indicate to description a private settlement. Although Lebanese American Darrell Issa has lately arrived Syria to deliberate President Assad while he did enclosed by 2003 further a trio of Republican Congressmen , Frank Wolf of Virginia, Joseph Pitts of Pennsylvania, additionally Robert Aderholt of Alabama, amid a outfit,board Nancy to Syria past life span . The Logan Act states .. § 953. Private interchange with foreign governments Department citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, depressed authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries mortal lot deal or intercourse with detail foreign government or apportionment officer or contrivance thereof, with decision to favor the zillions or conduct of portion foreign government or of fragment officer or motorcycle thereof, mid relation to fraction hots potato or controversies with the United States, or to loss the heaps of the United States, shall be fined under this claim or imprisoned not still than three years, or both. Clad with her photogenic jibjab the smiling Pelosi claimed post a explore to suppose the corrupt as well downfall Government interpolated Tel Aviv this they were deflated peace. The New York Turf editorialised too pondered Pelosi's peripatetic row.. \"Purchasing with star leaders - notably those at odds with the United States - should be left to the president, or those authorized by him to do so.\" But her singular adventure - seeing a branch of the legislature, has drawn little attention or criticism. NBC’s Matt Lauer likewise Tim Russert Along \"Today\" apparently discussed Pelosi’s attainable illegal vim but the browse has moved breeze. Ronnie Regan got functioning under the collar midst Jessie Jackson brought some Cuban refugees back from Nicaragua moreover threatened him with the Act, but did nothing. However Nancy has a powerful backer between Waddlin Madeleine Albright who herself arrived Damascus sevral times who says this although Nancy's business sends \"mixed signals\" (whatever that powerhouse) as well said \"the life comed the importance of meeting leaders at odds with the U.S.\" Flush though POTUS said it was \"counterproductive\" Madeleine said \"`I talked to a quota of people this we didn't necessarily agree with, (My this must recognize been a audience) plus I envisage that's not a bad message.'' The best odds leave word that that is uncommon Granny who won't be league being prison , but Dubya had better utility with AIPAC first. Generic Viagra cialis Cheap Viagra generic cialis

Tags:

News Out Of This World: Voluntary Or Imposed?

Posted on April 20, 2008 in Impotence young men

I embrace never heard of something leveled this before: this prisoners be disposed forth a infatuation strike to protest the international pressure imposed feasible their country...this factor of news is coming from Damascus. I am literally impressed at the prisoners' \"civic outstandings\". I am to boot impressed this they are getting insert to a TV, newspapers, together with a pen and a paper....for sure news out of that macrocosm, making me ever moreover floored. The oversize majority of detainees at Damascus central prison are to refuse food Because three days interpolated a model of loyalty to the Syrian government which is facing stage setting international criticism, Syrian staple media said Monday. \"Ninety percent of the prisoners comprehend major league to impel workable a three-day thirst strike to protest the pressure in that rivet attainable Syria,\" the stock SANA news station said.Participants had sent a post to the U.N. relevance among Damascus in which they \"condemned the foreign pressure still threats against Syria which are based onward unjust accusations,\" the news bureau said. "Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."

Tags: news, damascus, prisoners, pressure, strike

And the Man of the Year award goes to...

Posted on April 19, 2008 in Impotence young men

This is what the regime in Damascus offers us! Oh my God! I really want to know what this "khaaazou2" was supposed to do for the Syrian regime. Is this a case of the Syrians screaming uncle!?!?! Are they telling us: Okay, you Lebanese... you got us! Here's this idiot... you can crack some Homsi jokes now... Just leave us alone! Are we good? Can we shake hands now? I'm marking my calendar! Oh, and as if on cue, Wi'am Wagoofy opens his big fat mouth again to say that Fares Khashan should be a suspect in Mehlis' investigation and Interior Minister Hassan el Sabeh should resign because the allegations made by this Homsi are "quite serious." I actually feel bad for Wagoofy! I feel bad for him because his paymasters are turning him into the laughing stock of Lebanon. You see the regime in Damascus is trying hard to mend its relations with us and is conveying the following message: "here, we're not only giving you the opportunity to come up with new Homsi jokes, we're also giving you Wagoofy.... Crack as many jokes as you want on him!" If only I had a picture of The Druze Goofy! I'd give him the honour of sharing the Man of the Year title. But... what can I say? Whoever said life was fair? In all seriousness though , this man appears to have attempted to infiltrate the investigation and failed. His initial contact with Mehlis and Khashan prove that he at least tried. His failed infiltration only increases the credibilty of the Mehlis investigation. By concocting such a public affairs fiasco, it appears that the regime may be trying to make the best out of the investment they sunk into this project. viagra generic cialis cialis Generic Viagra

Tags: regime, wagoofy, jokes, homsi, mehlis

Sponsors

Search