How U.S. Foreign Policy Engenders Hatred of America
It appears that one of our "allies" in the "War on Terror" is having a bit of trouble holding on to the reins of power in his country.
Musharraf's grip falters in Pakistan
George W. Bush has routinely sung high praises to the leader of Pakistan as being an ally in Bush's Global Crusade for Democracy and Human Rights. Musharraf, ol' buddy, ol'pal!! You're doing a great job.
Oh yeah...by the way... Musharraf obtained power in the late 1990s, through a military coup that overthrew a democratically elected government. But let's not dwell on such hypocrisies, shall we? We have to export democracy! After all, those poor starving A-rabs are yearning to breathe free, and have democracy, right? Well...
His attempt 2 1/2 months ago to sideline Pakistan's independent-minded chief justice touched off nationwide protests that have coalesced into a full-blown pro-democracy movement. ...
The United States is increasingly viewed as the main power propping up Musharraf in the face of calls that he resign as army chief, allow the creation of an interim government and call free and fair elections.
Some observers warn that the Bush administration's continuing support for Musharraf at this crucial juncture could threaten long-term U.S. interests in Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state considered an indispensable ally in the fight against Islamic insurgents across the border in Afghanistan.
Will we see another Iranian-style revolution, where a hated dictator was ousted, and ushering into power a more theocratically-minded democracy, like Iran today? WHEN Musharraf falls... will the U.S. be seen as the force that stood in the way of democracy?
There isn't much that is honest and legitimate about our stated intentions in foreign policy. But the results are quite clear: Terrorists hate us - not because of our freedoms - because we actively work to oppress them. We support dictatorial regimes who will do the bidding of our politicians, and their corporate backers. The people in these countries are well aware of this, and that's why they are motivated to fly planes into skyscrapers.
posted by Libertarian Jason at 7:47 PM
1 Comments:
This is the biggest sticking point with US foreign relations. It is the constant "Do as I say not as I do" we have been supporting dictators for years and shunning democracy(Palestinians legally elected Hamas in a very well documented and organized election). The message that we send the Arab world as well as the rest of the western world consistently is that we play by our own rules. It doesnt matter that we contradict ourselves time and time again. Until the US realizes that democracy might not be the greatest good for all people for whatever reason(mainly religion) we will always have an easier time making enemies rather than friends, especially in the non western world.
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