Although there is now great excitement about the prospects for democracy
in this region, I believe there are many dangers ahead. In Iraq, for
example, there is historic hatred among the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.
And I don't believe this is unusual since there are also many tribal
hatreds in the region. Just yesterday, for example, the TV showed angry
mobs in the streets of Beirut. The picture then shifted to equally angry
mobs in Damascus! So what we had, basically, was a war between Muslims
with none of the brotherly love they verbalize so often. Which leads me to
a very troublesome conclusion. To make democracy work, people must agree
to respect each other's rights, be willing to compromise, and refrain from
killing, which has often been their favorite way to solve problems. Such
skills and attitudes can take many years to develop. Again, I point to the
terrorists in Palestine. For the first time in years, there is a genuine
chance for peace. Sensing this, the terrorists are doing all they can to
destroy the peace process. So they manipulate ignorant children into
strapping themselves with explosives so that they can mindlessly destroy
Israelis. Of course the more this happens, the easier it is for animals
like Sharon and Saddam to implement their violent policies. Sadly, I think
we must admit than in too many human beings, the lust for blood is truly
staggering.
FRED