Western intervention in Libya is a tricky one. On the one hand, many innocent people are going to die at Gaddafi's hands. On the other, Western influence will allow Gaddafi to proclaim that he's morally right because the uprisings are supported by foreigners. On top of that, let's remember that it was largely Western (read: European) influence that created all of these countries in the first place, creating them out of tribal desert areas with no defined borders*, and then allowed dictatorships to flourish because 1) it kept them uppity Arabs under control and 2) a pet dictator who was free with the oil was
de rigueur at the time.
Tunisia/Morocco/Algeria had the French influence, Libya was controlled by the Spanish, and Egypt by the British.
*Drawing lines in the sand, as it were.
The uprisings in the Middle East are long overdue. Whether they will see a long term benefit for the people who live there is another matter.
This is very true, and it's about time the people have a chance to enjoy democracy as we have in the West - the Egyptians in particular are feeling their first freedom for about 5,000 years. Let's hope that there is not going to be an installation of a further 'round of dictatorships, but I have a feeling that now the people have found their voice that they will not allow it.
@ cmdrfire:
I forgot to ask you, Neo, whether you got around to seeing "The Promise". Last in the series was last night (Sunday) and it was very powerful indeed - Very well rounded and objective but I couldn't help myself continuing to favour the Palestinians as I do. The Jews have done themselves no favours throughout most of their history. I've never forgiven that family for not allowing me to continue to be the boyfriend of their extremely attractive Jewish daughter just because I wasn't one of them.
No, I haven't yet Rob - between illness, work, and then my trip to see the Shuttle (see photos thread!) I never got a chance to. I'll try to make time this week.