main page
"To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
|
click here for a bigger sunset
One small voice in the proud tradition of FreeBlogging*
Saturday, March 08, 2003
posted by gbarto at 1:50 AM:
Another masterful essay on what's going on here from Den Beste. He, too, likes the way that Bush has smoked out the weasels. As we noted (way back on January 29):Iraq isn't the issue. Defending Western civilization is. And that means we need a) a solid coalition and b) to winnow those out who aren't serious about supporting us.and subsequently amplified (on February 1):
in proposing to still try to get France, Germany and the UN on board, it [is] not for our sake, but theirs - giving them one last chance to have utility in the international political sphere. [It was not decided that] we wait so we could enjoy their help, but that we are waiting - even as evidence against Iraq builds - so that we can either shame them into living up to their committments or leave an absolutely clear public record of their moral unseriousness.As things have evolved, a lot of this has also become about saving Tony Blair's bacon and cooking France's for its obstructionism. For the record, I don't see France as anti-American but as anti-not-France. That is to say that France will be a pain in the ass for whoever is dominant as it nurses the idea that France will recapture some mythic glory by force of words alone - since actions are today beyond the capacities of French political society. But Den Beste has damn sharp observations on where we've come in the last few months, where we're headed and why. And goes way beyond my gut sentiment on this stuff in documenting (from international press, published interviews with hot shots, etc.) just how marvelously George W. Bush has once again played this:
When I say that Iraq is big, but the UN is bigger, what I mean is that taking on Iraq is one challenge out of many, but forcing the UN to either stand for civilization or yield its remaining moral authority to the English-speaking, liberty and capitalism driven societies (the Anglosphere) and those who stand with it could have a far more profound impact on the war on terror and the direction of international affairs. If waiting a few more weeks is what it takes to make the case as to why we don't need to listen to France's security council veto, it will well be worth it.
What becomes clear is that there really is a big strategy, and it's a world strategy and not just an Iraq strategy. The maneuverings with the UN were intended to smoke out the weasels and to try to manipulate the balance of power in Europe, while doing everything possible to make sure Tony Blair remains Prime Minister, because he is essential in the next act of the play, the one that comes after Iraq... [namely, Iran]Also, the US out of the UN? The European Soviet Socialist Republics? And a truly priceless quote from a Thai politician. For God's sake, go read it.
If this [US victorious without the UN] happens, there's going to be hell to pay in Weasel-occupied Europe. They've always underestimated Bush, and it's beginning to dawn on them that they've done it again, and this time the mistake will cost them dearly. For one thing, it's only beginning to dawn on them that Bush is a man of his word.
* * *
French Elections, 1st round
Second round special page
Second Round Results Map
The TurkeyBlog main page contains only the 20 most recent entries.
To go further back, check the archive in the right hand bar.
