Thursday, June 27, 2002
Has the world turned a corner?
George Bush has tossed down the proverbial gauntlet, and told the world what he expects from Palestinians. A brand new Democracy, that excludes the Usual Suspects.
Democracy is good. It may have it’s limitations (Jean Chretien anyone?), but it’s much better than autocracies and dictatorships that dominate may second and third world countries.
My only concern is: what if they elect Yasser Arafat? I mean, it’s democratic, and people should be free to elect any crack pot they wish, right? If the Palestinians genuinely will not be happy until they have ‘their’ land back, then they should elect someone aiming for that goal, right?
But the USA has long shown how different countries (states) can work together for mutual benefit. Europe is just learning this now, though Rome and 19th Century Germany already kinda knew this. If the Palestinians can create a legitimate state, and are good neighbours to Israel, why can’t they cooperate in the future? Perhaps form alliances, ala NAFTA or EU?
The world is headed towards ‘super nationalisation’, where borders mean less and less amongst equal countries. The Palestinians should aim for that, then their people will be free to live wherever they wish, and justice, in the long run, will be served.
By promising to hold back Israel if they become Democratic, the USA has opened the door for the Palestinians to join the civilised world. The question is, can they live with the conditions the USA has set out? If they live with them long enough, then it won’t matter.
George Bush has tossed down the proverbial gauntlet, and told the world what he expects from Palestinians. A brand new Democracy, that excludes the Usual Suspects.
Democracy is good. It may have it’s limitations (Jean Chretien anyone?), but it’s much better than autocracies and dictatorships that dominate may second and third world countries.
My only concern is: what if they elect Yasser Arafat? I mean, it’s democratic, and people should be free to elect any crack pot they wish, right? If the Palestinians genuinely will not be happy until they have ‘their’ land back, then they should elect someone aiming for that goal, right?
But the USA has long shown how different countries (states) can work together for mutual benefit. Europe is just learning this now, though Rome and 19th Century Germany already kinda knew this. If the Palestinians can create a legitimate state, and are good neighbours to Israel, why can’t they cooperate in the future? Perhaps form alliances, ala NAFTA or EU?
The world is headed towards ‘super nationalisation’, where borders mean less and less amongst equal countries. The Palestinians should aim for that, then their people will be free to live wherever they wish, and justice, in the long run, will be served.
By promising to hold back Israel if they become Democratic, the USA has opened the door for the Palestinians to join the civilised world. The question is, can they live with the conditions the USA has set out? If they live with them long enough, then it won’t matter.
// posted by Charlotte @ 3:25:00 PM 
