Discredited and Then Some…

Shortly after the Israel/Hezbollah War, both sides claimed victory. Sheik Nasrallah has since been portrayed as a populist with the potential to gain massive influence in Lebanon. Kevin Sites offers us on the ground reporting; pictures of conflict and poverty, reactions from citizens and, of course, his own perspectives (useful information when taken in context). In his latest report from Tyre, he spoke with an angry, accusing populous. They suspected he was a spy and bombs would fall after a white man left. As he was leaving, he noticed a ten year old boy:

He's in a fighting stance with his left foot forward, while his eyes are locked onto me. What I find strange is that his face shows no emotion, no anger, no fear — nothing but intense focus… In his hand is a rock the size of a cue ball. He is simply waiting for the signal to hurl it, with all his force, at my head. - Lebanon Diary: Holding a Rock, August 21, 2006

Not a good sign. Another generation has been taught to hate. In an age of nuclear weapons, lurid states preaching apocalyptic vision are an imminent concern, especially when they can pass small devises to rogue organizations. But back to Nasrallah…

The devastation wrought was tragic. Nasrallah’s support in Beirut in particular, and southern urban centers generally, may wane after the consequences of a fairly short conflict are absorbed. The governments of Lebanon (weak), Israel (strong), and (for better or worse) Iraq compose a democratic bulwark in a region too long rejected as inferior. The people of these states vote then see their governments respond, and it is a potent exhibition where this concept starves. The apostasy of Zionism has been bellowed for decades by dictators of all stripes. I suspect it's an easy political answer for many of their internal quibbles.

States preaching ‘transition at our own pace’ is wise, but overused and usually bunk. Yearn for a timeline? How about a timeline for transition to democracy from our allies and foes? Democracy comes in all shapes and sizes, reflecting unique culture and perspective, but their citizens tend to hate war on their land. As freedom spreads, regions considered dangerous will be afterthoughts in the security debate. Democracies aren’t perfect, but that’s because the people composing them aren’t either. But they tend to work well together, and until there’s something better…

This morning, my local news channel featured two little American girls (ages nine & eleven) who sing songs about white power. I just can’t help but shake my head and breath a sigh of despair.

Racism vs. Jerkism
Backed Up Ports
Democracy's Last Stand