Foreign Policy

Where Is The Progress In The Middle East?

May 17, 2006 ⋅  E-Mail Article ⋅  Print Article ⋅ Post a comment

Two steps backward one step forward seems to be the policy of spreading freedom and democracy in the Middle East and try as they might to convince Americans otherwise, this is exactly what is occurring in the Middle East. The Bush Administration can hype their slogans all they want but in reality the Middle East is not much different now than it was fifty years ago and if we don’t change their attitudes and ideals it will only get worse but does anyone really know how to exact change in this region? It seems the only thing that really changes in the Middle east is who our allies are, we have been at odds with or aligned with numerous countries throughout the Middle East during different points of conflict but the only thing that has really changed is our dancing partner, otherwise these countries are as backdated as the discovery of the wheel and nothing much has changed recently.

We supported Iran militarily then we opposed them, we supported Iraq in its dispute with Iran and then we went to war with Iraq, twice. We supported Afghanistan in its war against Pakistan and Russia and then we waged war on Afghanistan, well not the country but its government, what’s the difference? There are numerous other times we have supported regimens, and governments, in this area but what has it really accomplished?

Supposedly Saudi Arabia is the model for change in the Middle East but now look what they are doing. Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, under pressure from Islamists to curb reforms, has warned local media against showing pictures of Saudi women, local newspapers reported on Tuesday.

The king is once again acquiescing to followers of a unique brand of Islam referred to as Wahhabism. These are some of the most extremist individuals in the world, they score off the charts in regards to radicalism and the king of Saudi Arabia cowers to them routinely. How can this country be a model for change when in reality Islam is still running the country? Is Islam a religion or a political affiliation? Many say the difference is becoming increasingly blurred.

Recently Saudi newspapers have begun printing photographs of Saudi women beside stories, this is festering a severe hatred in the country by the Wahabbi’s. Newspapers are also printing debates about other issues concerning women, such as bans on women driving and working.

Is this truly an affront to a religion or is it just a cultures way of holding on to political power it has wielded for far too long? We must also ask if this is the reward we get for sacrificing so much for perceived changes in the Middle East, if it is then we need to see more permanent change and not just campaign election slogans.

Where Is Middle East Progress?

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