Comments on: Freedom and Tolerance http://www.philipklein.com/2006/03/freedom-and-tolerance/ Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 28 Jun 2006 02:16:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Andrew http://www.philipklein.com/2006/03/freedom-and-tolerance/comment-page-1/#comment-673 Andrew Thu, 30 Mar 2006 22:41:52 +0000 http://www.philipklein.com/?p=928#comment-673 I have the same skepticism regarding the prospects for democracy in the Islamic world. The idea of a liberal (as in 19th century)tradition is totally foreign there. This is why I believe the Bush foreign policy, with its messianic idealism is WRONG. It took several centuries to create the idea that people are born with freedom and liberty. To go to other countries like Iraq and try to play nation building is a feudal enterprise. Wilsonian Democracy in the Balkans has failed. Trying to build a "South Vietnam," didn't work. Ultimately the best we can hope for is that these countries can establish the supremacy of the rule of law, and work with them to reform over time. As well, it is important for us to have a greater understanding of the cultures of these countries. It is clear that the present administration views people with regional studies expertise as "eggheads," who will impede their desire to remake the world. This is akin to building a skyscraper without an architect. I have the same skepticism regarding the prospects for democracy in the Islamic world. The idea of a liberal (as in 19th century)tradition is totally foreign there. This is why I believe the Bush foreign policy, with its messianic idealism is WRONG. It took several centuries to create the idea that people are born with freedom and liberty. To go to other countries like Iraq and try to play nation building is a feudal enterprise. Wilsonian Democracy in the Balkans has failed. Trying to build a “South Vietnam,” didn’t work.

Ultimately the best we can hope for is that these countries can establish the supremacy of the rule of law, and work with them to reform over time. As well, it is important for us to have a greater understanding of the cultures of these countries. It is clear that the present administration views people with regional studies expertise as “eggheads,” who will impede their desire to remake the world. This is akin to building a skyscraper without an architect.

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