From: Lawrence DeBivort (debivort@umd5.umd.edu)
Date: Sun 24 Nov 2002 - 16:17:01 GMT
A very interesting article regarding the memetic struggle going on within
the US administration.
The article shows the long-standing nature of this struggle, and indeed it
can be traced back even further in US history.
I would disagree with only one of its premises: IN Desert Storm, the US
(properly, IMO) announced that its goal was solely to expel Iraq from
Kuwait. The add-on idea that Saddam Hussein should also be removed is an
example of mission creep, and it was rejected by Bush Sr. But many have come
to believe that it was apart of the mission, and that the war was therefore
only half successful.
There are several countries in the Middle East who would love us to attack
Iraq and get rid of Saddam Hussein. One country urges us to do so because it
would poison our relations with the Arab and Muslim worlds, though, of
course, they do not say this openly. Another country urges us to do so
because of their continuing fear of Saddam Hussein and a desire for
vengeance.
It is important for the US to formulate its own thinking on what is on our
best interests, free from the importuning of even friendly countries. The
New York Times article sums up the internal debate pretty well, but is a bit
short of explanation on _why_ the disparity of views and prevalent memes
exists.
Cheers,
Lawry
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/24/international/24DIPL.html?pagewanted=2&tod
aysheadlines
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