The Struggle for Power in the Middle East
Okay that's tongue in cheek, but really the Middle East does not want democracy and certainly not the type of democracy that the United States has envisioned.
The type of government that people in the Middle East seem to embrace is modeled on their own tribal and personal relationship model that they embrace. Many in the Middle East look for a strong man to make the decisions and to shape the government. This is one reason why Saddam Hussein was even in power.
Just look around at the other countries there what kind of government model do they have? Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, Lebanon has a Parliament, but the government is constantly being challenged by well armed strong leader militants. Look at Iraq the militias are the real force in the state with Iran pulling the puppet strings. Then look at Iran, there is the Supreme Leader in charge even though they have a President. Again strong men, who the population wish have their best interest at heart, but are not representative of the real people in the country.
The entire culture of the region is built on strong personalities and men who have taken power. Democracy as we know it will never take root and never thrive in this type of cultural equation.
Labels: democracy