Monday, February 28, 2005
Freedom is infectious
Not that I am the first to say so, but it seems that the revolutionary upheaval in Ukraine is having its own ripple effects.Lebanese protestors are agitating for some changes in the government following the assasination of the quietly anti-Syria Hariri. The AP is reporting that the protests were remarkably peaceful, and that security forces did not attempt to stop protestors. Almost modelling after the Ukrainian opposition movement, many camped out in the square the night before to be grandfathered in for protest. Pretty amazing stuff, I would say. But more importantly, it only solidifies the US cause in Iraq and across the middle east.
Despite what others may say, people in the middle east, like people everywhere, want to live free. They want to be free from corrupt, backward governments and from invasive neighbors with questionable intent.
1990? 15 years after the fact, Syria is maintaining 15,000 troops in Lebanon. Doesn't sound like "Peace Keeping" to me. Saddam even claimed benevelent motives when he stormed into Kuwait. As a matter of fact, there are many similarities here. No wonder Assad is so worried. Not only is he under pressure for his country's soft support of Iraqi insurgents, but now he's got an uppity Lebanon to worry about. But no need to fret, there's always Iran. Don't count on it pal. France is backing the US on this one, and pressure is mounting in the UN to enforce the mandate for withdrawal. Meanwhile, the people of Lebanon grow restless, and the government is on shaky ground. Its time for Syria to look at Iraq and do some serious thinking...
Despite what others may say, people in the middle east, like people everywhere, want to live free. They want to be free from corrupt, backward governments and from invasive neighbors with questionable intent.
The assassination of Hariri has intensified world and Lebanese opposition pressure for Syria to withdraw its 15,000 troops from Lebanon. Those soldiers came to Lebanon as peacekeepers during the 1975-1990 civil war.
1990? 15 years after the fact, Syria is maintaining 15,000 troops in Lebanon. Doesn't sound like "Peace Keeping" to me. Saddam even claimed benevelent motives when he stormed into Kuwait. As a matter of fact, there are many similarities here. No wonder Assad is so worried. Not only is he under pressure for his country's soft support of Iraqi insurgents, but now he's got an uppity Lebanon to worry about. But no need to fret, there's always Iran. Don't count on it pal. France is backing the US on this one, and pressure is mounting in the UN to enforce the mandate for withdrawal. Meanwhile, the people of Lebanon grow restless, and the government is on shaky ground. Its time for Syria to look at Iraq and do some serious thinking...
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