Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

A setback for the US is a setback to democracy

By Stephen Barton - posted Monday, 21 February 2005


The few European democracies that withstood the inter-war years were easily and ruthlessly devoured by the German juggernaut; only Great Britain passed the test of war. Then at war’s end, came the threat from communism: Nations only recently liberated from the Germans were swallowed by the USSR. In the West, France lurched from Republic to Republic and civil war loomed on the horizon. Spain, Greece and Portugal underwent their own versions of internal strife and autocratic rule. And yet, despite these bloody and protracted teething problems democracy has taken hold, and there is one country to whom much of the thanks must go.

The Guardian’s lonely supporter of the invasion and occupation, David Aaronovitch, recently wrote, “Opposition to the actions of Bush and Blair had become a tolerance of the inhumanity of the insurgents and an utter failure to identify with those extraordinarily brave and determined Iraqis who are fighting for democracy”. He asked simply, “Are you for or against democracy in Iraq?”

It would appear that many would begin their answer with “Yes, but it’s all about oil, George lied and people died” or the lame “It’s not that simple…”. Failure of democracy in Iraq will see a subsequent limiting of US power and many in the world see that as a positive.

Advertisement

But the question remains, who would take their place?

When the commitment to democracy from most of the international community rarely ever extends beyond a willingness to fight to the last American dollar and the last American soldier, any setback for the United States is a setback to democracy. And that will damage us all.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

17 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Stephen Barton teaches politics at Edith Cowan University and has been a political staffer at both a state and federal level. The views expressed here are his own.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Stephen Barton
Photo of Stephen Barton
Article Tools
Comment 17 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy