Should we try to force/encourage democracy in the middle east at all?

[Xanikk999]

Actually some do. Now one could argue it's just brainwashing, but there are plenty of Christian women who like wearing nun clothes, vow to never marry, eat plain frugal food for most of their lives, live in poverty etc. Not as much as there used to be but there have always been plenty of people who feel deeply about their religion, whatever it is and are willing to make sacrifices for it. Of course one can argue about the % of those who are forced vs those who are willing but to just dismiss the possibility that at least some of the women are doing it out of love for their religion is a bit blind. Also if you grow up in the environment where everyone is doing it it is just normal.

True to some extent because many young muslim women in the United States choose to wear headscarves but most not viels. I know this because i see them at the college i go too.

 

[Princeps]

People are so quick to blame these Muslim "theocratic dictatorships" when they forget that the US backed dictatorships are usually the worst. Still are.

 

[mangxema]

We should at least encourage other nations in the Middle East to accept Democracy or some sort of Republican form of Government (When I think of Democracy, I tend to think of the Ancient Greek Democracy). However we should not force it down their mouths.

I have to say, I agree with this completely.

i think we should encourage it in nations that are ready. so i guess option 2. but most nations arent ready IMO so i chose no.

Most people I've talked to don't realize that it's not something you can do overnight. It's not like you can walk in, set up a nice government, and expect it to be all fine and dandy. In order for it to really work, it needs to come gradually. It was a long time before everyone in the US could actually vote and could truly be considered democratic.

I voted for encourage, but not forcefully, though I hadn't considered Mr. Dictator's last point.

 

[Masquerouge]

I think we should avoid further military action, but encourage popular uprising and support it if it happens.

That strategy has failed a lot in the past. Popular uprising brought the Ayatollahs in Iran. And Hungary still has a bitter taste in its mouth after their popular uprising against Communism was not supported by the US...

 

[greekguy]

Short answer: no

Long answer: Don't try to convince an Arab nation democracy is where it is at, but if the people do revolt, and then ask for help, then it is our right and duty to help.

 

[amadeus]

Well, the people you want to take their votes away will answer that the americans voted twice for GW Bush.

If you're comparing George Bush to a freak like al-Sadr, then there is no sense talking to you.