More democracy, please

"We need more democracy," was the final plea of President Bush as he tapered off his tour of the middle east. First, he praised the leader of Egypt who is known for extreme hostility toward opposition since the 80's, and then called for more "democracy."

How can Bush praise him, then ask him to change? Obviously President Hosni Mubarak is doing something right if he is getting a personal visit from the US President as well as accolades about the civil and national progress under his reign.

Bush also met with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (below) whose human rights violations can be summed up in the picture to the right. What exactly is it about these dictators -- who have little to do with the American ideal-- that give Bush the loving tingles of adoration deserving a personal visit, or even a business deal involving laser guided missile technology priced above $120m.

I think that Bush is hoping to inaugurate some sort of happy-go-lucky friendship with not-so-friendly neighbors of Iran, or to quote the BBC, to "bolster the Saudis in the face of Iran." Do I need to mention that Russian President Vladimir Putin is quite hospitable to the Iranian leadership? This tenuous relationship could further impede any progress in our diplomacy with Russia who has a rising economy and advancing military.

In spite of a strained relationship, the Saudi and Iranian powers are still allied with one another. If we give them things that go boom and they remain allied while strengthening ties with Russia, we could very well be funding our own militant opposition...again.

It is very obvious, after reviewing the situations in Iraq, Israel, Pakistan, Afghanistan and so on, that the Bush administration is actively pursuing “democracy,” whatever that means.

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