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The last thing an individual wants to be accused of is hypocrisy. However, many in the Arab world
are accusing both the United States and its allies of just that. The simple question that typically
lingers is this: why does the United States and the West support some uprisings and not others?
One could make an argument for why some Arab uprisings are supported more than others; but
the incongruent approach are the makings for "red meat" debate that will leave some twisting their
tongues for answers.
Libya: While not too many politicians will ever lose political points for supporting the plight of the
Libyan people in their attempt to democratize and ridding themselves of dictatorship--many will
argue the extent that the United States and its allies have gone to ensure this, leaves much to be
desired. Not only did President Obama bypass Congress to go straight to the UN, he immediately
worked with NATO to launch military strikes and what he describes as "boots on the ground" --
and this somehow is different from ground troops.
To make matters worse, a recent article in The Telegraph, dated March 25,2011 states the leader
of the rebels, Abdel-Hakim al-Hasidi, fought against the supposed foreign invasion of Afghanistan,
before being captured in Pakistan. He was then handed over to the United States, and then held in
Libya until 2008.
The incongruent policy is bipartisan, so President Obama is not the only one for potential blame.
Senator John McCain legitimized the group in my opinion by saying, "they have a Facebook
page."
Bahrain: Bahrain was seen as the likely successor to Egypt. Even as the Egyptian revolution was
taking place, Bahrain gained amazing steam--fast. What was unforeseen was the ramifications
that the "State of Emergency" would bring?
Without wasting any time following the start of the "State of Emergency", Bahrain's government
wasted no time overreaching its boundaries. Not only was the crackdown imposed on peaceful
protesters, but human rights activists, and even medical personnel, including doctors. As a result,
this led to condemnations from Amnesty International as well as well-known congressmen in the
United States.
Before the announcement days ago by the Bahraini government, that it would end the "State of
Emergency" before the supposed end date, charges were filed at the ICC. In my opinion, this
started an esoteric paradyme shift from the Bahraini government that will be better seen in the
days to come.
Yemen: The anomaly of Yemen's uprisings have taken the world by storm for at least a couple of
reasons. First, nobody thought the social media revolution could become so prevalent in a nation
with a 6% internet usage among its population and second, the deep tribal sectarianism that has
plagued this country for centuries.
To the dismay of many, the people of Yemen have been able to overcome both for the common
good of the revolution. And while it is not my intent to upset the people of my ancestral land, it is
my belief that the United States government is caught in this quagmire: support Ali Abdullah
Saleh's government or support the Muslim Brotherhood?
On a positive note, the pioneers of the Yemeni revolution--the non-sectarian youth--have seemed
to regain capture of the torch--and proves who really runs the show--they do. Why? 80% of the
Yemeni population is under the age of 30. Hence, "demos cratos"--the people rule!
How this plays into the United States 2012 elections!
While one can speculate on the myriad of issues that arise from these uprisings, from oil to
terrorism; there is one safe issue that will be the hallmark of the election debates:foreign aid.
As we consider the foreign aid given to Yemen to fight terrorism -- and other countries in the
region, the American people will ask one question:why are we giving millions, if not billions in
foreign aid that does us little or no good -- and can't that money could be better spent at home as
well as trim the deficit?
No matter who the candidate, that will be a tough question to answer!
Ali Abdullah Ezzani is a Middle Eastern analyst specializing on Yemen as well as a consumer
activist, community leader, educator, author, and father. While finishing his undergraduate studies,
he was voted into 1999/2000 "Who's Who In America-Most Influential Leaders."
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ali_Abdullah-Ezzani
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