The spirit of democracy cannot be imposed from outside. It has to come from within.
Mahatma Gandhi
However George Bush and his Neo-Cons advisers tend to think differently.For them it is their responsibility passed down from their founding fathers to promote democracy in world and free people of third world from their undemocratic tyrant rulers. But then how come U.S. establishments has close ties with government such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. who far from granting women the right to vote, has never even conducted any electoral process. Oh! yes i remember these countries are symbol of moderation and last stand against the menace called “Terrorism” from taking over the world.
Or should i redefine the word “moderation”. Moderation or moderate states in Neo-Cons dictionary are those states which despite human rights violations against their own people dance on the tunes of U.S. establishment and do not pose any kind of threat to world most friendly and peace loving state of Israel. As long as they are fulfilling these prerequisites their rulers which in most cases are monarchs and army dictators are seen democratic in the eyes of Washington and regarded symbols of modernity in the middle east.
People like Hosni Mubarak and King Abdullah Aziz of Saudi Arabia have oppressed every kind of opposition, imprisoned and tortured political prisons. But still they are regarded as foremast allies by the crusaders of democracy.
The only country in Middle East that comes close to practicing any type of democracy is Iran. I would not say that Iranian political system is ideal model of democracy, but on relative basis considering its neighbors and other countries of the region, democracy has evolved in Iran. Media is free than any other Middle Eastern countries. Electoral process is fair and impartial then it was in the time of Shah (Once great American friend).
But despite that Iran is considered the biggest threat to free world by the west. Despite clearance from IAEA, they are still accused of harboring dreams of acquiring nuclear weapons. They are accused for sponsoring terrorist groups such as Hamas, which in my opinions is only resistance group opposing Israel hegemony in Middle East.
It clearly shows hypocrisy which has now embedded itself in the attitudes of western leaders and media. They support undemocratic regimes like Pakistan and Egypt and isolate democratically elected governments like Hamas and Iran.
The bottom line is west especially American establishment does not want democracy to come in Middle East. Because the day, true democracy comes and people of middle east are empowered, the governments of middle east will stop following the agenda of U.S. government . Even the liberal parties will not follow American bidding, as it will be equal to political suicide for them.
I just yesterday read the main story by Economist on Pakistan, terming it the most dangerous place in the world. May be Pakistan is the most dangerous place in the world. But Pakistan got their great chance of democracy, few months back when upper judiciary challenged the legitimacy of Musharraf rule. Judiciary was backed by almost whole country, but all the judges were thrown out by Musharraf with blessing from Uncle Sam. Lawyers and civil society members protesting were thrown into jails and tortured. A leading lawyer(Front line member of lawyers movement) and former Supreme Court Bar Association Munir A Mailk was poisoned in jail resulting in failure of his both kidneys. Media freedoms were curbed with many journalist thrown into jails. Pakistan intelligence is notorious for abducting and missing those people who dare to speak against government without any charges.
Still west considers Musharraf as the last hope of democracy in Pakistan. Future prospect candidate of American presidency like John McCain and H Clinton hopes to increase aid and support to Musharraf, if elected.
When all channels of democracy, freedom and empowerment are blocked. Then people have only one option i.e they will follow violent course of action. That is what is now happening in Pakistan.
