In reply to Friedman
in the Sunday NYTimes about the BAGHDAD SPRING?
I think Friedman should re-read his own book. Everyone knows that "taking sides" in Lebanon is a formula for disaster.
If the Great Powers really want to do something constructive; let them solve the West Bank Problem first.
Because if you "solve" Syria and you "solve" Lebanon and you "solve" Iraq and you "solve" Iran, but you ignore the West Bank and the settlers' push for a Greater Israel in the middle east...you are simply deluding yourself. And you haven't really solved anything.
And. if the West Bank and Israel were NOT AN ISSUE....?
Would Friedman and the US even care what happens in Lebanon and Syria..well, I hope so, but I doubt it.
Would Dubya and the Neocons be so concern about women's rights and democracy in Araby; if the Likudnics were not setting strategy in Washington?
In truth,....as long as the House of Saud keeps the oil spigots wide open...and the settlers are on the West Bank...it's all one big geo-political dog and pony show.
If Friedman wants to "empower Arabs" so much, start with the Palestinians; who have been waiting for their "state" for decades....
I know this may sound a bit testy, but my Hypocrisy Tolerance Level (HTL) is running a little low right now...ever since the elections in November.
