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| Analysis: Lack of Mideast Initiative by Arab Leaders |
| 2004-06-10 |
| via Wash Times - EFL By Claude Salhani UPI International Editor Washington, DC, Jun. 9 (UPI) -- The long-anticipated Greater Middle East Initiative President George W. Bush unveiled at the G8 summit Wednesday has already drawn opposition from Arab leaders claiming the plan is loaded with risks for the region. The initiative heralds the establishment of a "historic Partnership for Progress and a Common Future," with the aim to "advance freedom, democracy, and prosperity in the region." Indeed, praiseworthy endeavors. Oooh! Change! It’s so skeery! The proposal is an admirable attempt at jump-starting a region of the world badly in need of economic, political and social reforms. A good number of countries in the Middle East are stagnating, falling under the heavy load of corruption, suffering from bureaucracy, lack of comprehensive education and, as is becoming more evident in Saudi Arabia, of Islamist insurgency. That reform in the Middle East is badly needed there is no argument. Yet, missing from the communiqué issued at the G8 summit in Sea Island, GA. is a comprehensive outline on how to go about addressing the two root questions fueling the Middle East’s never-ending problems -- the explosive Israeli-Palestinian issue and terrorism. Instead, the Bush plan focused more heavily on reform, a topic that frightens many Arab leaders who fear reform - and democracy -- would eventually make them obsolete. Uh, did it have a No. Does it guarantee they will No. It is unacceptable! It ignores the primary reasons for our The President Bush had invited to Sea Island a number of Arab leaders, including Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the de-facto ruler of the kingdom. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are among the countries with the greatest need for reform. Both declined to attend, fearing they would be forced to accept change they would later regret. Dubya is stronger than he looks! He made me eat pulled-pork BBQ when I went to his ranch! It was Mubarak and Prince Abdullah have now formed, what al-Jazeera calls "an Arab front against President Bush’s initiative for reform." Ironically, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are the United State’s closest allies in the region. Lol! Arab Front Against Progress! Allies! Aw those crazy Al Jizz guys slay me! Additionally the Arab leaders feel that the Sea Island initiative placed far too little emphasis on the major leitmotif behind the Middle East’s unrest -- the Arab-Israeli dispute. ...more... And the grand excuse continues to serve. |
| Posted by:.com |
| #3 A good number of countries in the Middle East are stagnating, falling under the heavy load of corruption, suffering from bureaucracy, lack of comprehensive education and, as is becoming more evident in Saudi Arabia, of Islamist insurgency. Yet, any of this direly needed reform must be implemented with sufficient caution and glacial speed so that the corrupt individuals inhibiting its progress all can safely retire with their Swiss bank accounts intact. |
| Posted by: Zenster 2004-06-10 5:21:08 PM |
| #2 A good number of countries in the Middle East are stagnating, falling under the heavy load of corruption, suffering from bureaucracy, lack of comprehensive education and, as is becoming more evident in Saudi Arabia, of Islamist insurgency. Ya think? |
| Posted by: jules 187 2004-06-10 11:46:25 AM |
| #1 "Mubarak and Prince Abdullah have now formed, what al-Jazeera calls "an Arab front..." A front you say. Is that anything like a Desert Storm? Them boys best upgrade to a squall at least... Speaking of huffing and puffing, the front was overheard to say, "I'd rather eat quiche with Kerry, than barbeque with Bushie." Putain de Merde. |
| Posted by: Zpaz 2004-06-10 10:51:15 AM |