Congratulations to the people of Lebanon who this week cast their votes against extremism and brutality.
The dynamic of extremists and elites who refuse compromise, and are inclined to seize power, imposing their will on a pliant, intimidated majority, has been repeated countless times throughout history. The extremists, the hyper-aggressive types, the fanatics, those most compelled to impose their will on others, have by and large dictated the course of history.
To the extent an antidote exists, it is a modern idea, born of millenia of struggle, warfare, and agony: democracy. It may be that, given humans’ exquisite sensitivity to pain and the dread of striking out against the herd that seems imprinted on our very DNA, it is only in the privacy of the voting booth that the peaceful majority can prevail. Thus it is democracy, this fruit of civilization, when combined with other ideas that have slowly, slowly gained traction through the centuries–liberal education; law and order; free speech, free enterprise, private property, civil liberties, minority rights and their protection–that can provide the greatest chance at happiness for the greatest number of individuals.
Godspeed to the people of Lebanon in asserting their rights against the disease that has infected their nation in the form of Hezbollah. The United States should support the peaceful majority of people in that country to stand up for their rights and not be hijacked by the worst extremists. The United States has historically supported pro-democracy, pro-peace movements and must continue to do so in places like Lebanon.
One Comment
An increasing number of journalists and middle east analysts are concluding that Obama’s speech in Cairo had a beneficial effect on the vote in Lebanon:
BEIRUT, Lebanon — There were many domestic reasons voters handed an American-backed coalition a victory in Lebanese parliamentary elections on Sunday — but political analysts also attribute it in part to President Obama’s campaign of outreach to the Arab and Muslim world.
…
…for the first time in a long time, being aligned with the United States did not lead to defeat in the Middle East.
…
With Mr. Obama’s speech on relations with Muslims still fresh in Lebanese minds, analysts point to steps the administration has taken since assuming office.
…
Washington is now proposing talking to Hezbollah’s patrons, Iran and Syria, rather than confronting them — a move that undermines the group’s attempt to demonize the United States.
“I think the speech of Obama in Cairo more likely played a role in neutralizing anti-Americanism,” said Khalil al-Dakhil, a sociologist from Saudi Arabia. “It was a positive message. It was a conciliatory message.”
I am not sure I am ready yet to connect Obama’s admittedly great speech with the recent vote in Lebanon.
However, the real battle in the Middle East is over winning the favor of moderate majority factions. Obama understands this and is working to take the higher ground and draw on universal values both the west and east share.
If the extremists are able to convince the average Middle Easterner that the US is out to destroy Islam, then the US will find itself with few allies in the area.
However, if Obama is able marginalize extremist groups by differentiating their abhorrent actions from those of ordinary peaceful Muslims, then some real progress in the Middle East has the potential of being made.
Obama’s tactic is hardly radical as Bush tried it on several occasions. Yet, with less baggage, a more relevant personal history in regards to Islam, and greater rhetorical skills, Obama may be able to pull it off. Let’s hope.
Here’s the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/world/middleeast/09lebanon.html?_r=1&em
Post a Comment