“When we search out the aims of the nefarious games, Of the war party’s persistent goals, Dissent helps forestall the inexcusable gall Of these power-mad, conscienceless souls.

Virtually all of the borders and most of the governments, imposed on the former Ottoman Arabs in the decade following that world conflict still exist. The “nations” so established were intentionally designed to be weak, so that they could be kept in line and under control by their neo-colonial masters. This scheme was in direct contravention of repeated promises of unity, independence and self-determination made by the British and French to their wartime Arab allies (the Arab Revolt).

It is only a slight exaggeration to say that all of the reactionary evils that hem-in the core Arab region and corrupt Arab politics from within – the existence of Israel, the existence, extent and influence of Saudi Arabia, Lebanese-style sectarianism, the strength of the theocratic movements; whether emanating from the Muslim Brotherhood, Riyadh or Tehran, the current weakness (one hopes, temporary) of the Pan-Arab national movement – either originated or owe their strength and influence to western imperialism.

According to a proper understanding of this history it is obvious that any and all US interventions in that part of the world – regardless of the usual lofty and laudable stated motives – are basically and ultimately imperialistic.

Nations and peoples are seldom freed from imperialism through peaceful democratic actions. Particularly in the Middle East, where so much power and wealth is at stake, and where a neo-colonial shceme is so deeply entrenched, any movement, party, or coalition capable of overthrowing the present system is likely not going to be perceived as democratic, pro-western, or peaceful.

As for democracy, it doesn’t work if the “electorate” is ill-educated and there’s no civility nor willingness to compromise. Iraq doesn’t have democracy, neither does Afghanistan. As for American democracy, it gave the country Bush and the idiots in Congress. So what’s so good about it?

This nasty nexus between Chalabi, (and Al Maliki for that matter) and Iran seems much tighter. Now it appears Chalabi is a venal man, ergo his affiliation is open to the highest bidder. Al Sadr, like Nassrallah seems to be his own man and principled. They both seem to have the ability to restrain their legions, to make thoughtful, calculated decisions. I am not so sure about ourselves, sadly.

I believe the Neo-cons are right when they call for democracy. Unfortunately, they don’t believe in their own credo–or haven’t found conditions suitable to allow the dirty Arabs their own representation. This sounds like Cuban history from 1903-1955. We call for democracy, undermine that democracy for our own machevellian ends–offending those whom we democratize so long as they dance to our tune.

It seems those who respect democracy might try to influence those allies who’s own democratic standing is thin. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan will be overthrown by their own people who at that point will harbor deep resentment for our double standards. It seems those who respect democracy would push for (gradual) reforms like a liberalized press, political alternatives to the lone ruling parties that dominate their people. We are fighting ourselves here. Pity, the press misses these hypocrisies.