One of my peeps has a question that he can't ask here, so I'm going to ask it for him.
"I notice that Dean likes the idea of sending US tanks to depose the current Sudanese president. Is he unaware that the rebel forces being fought by the Sudanese government (JEM) are radical Islamists, and deposing al Bashir would likely result in Hassan al-Turabi taking power? Or is he in favor of an even more extremist form of Sharia being imposed on Darfur?"
I would think that a regime like Sudan's that previously harbored Osama Bin Ladin and continues to support terrorists beyond its borders is pretty radical and deserves its comeuppance. Besides, Dean did not say he supported the rebels at all. Maybe as a caveat he could say he'd like to roll some tanks over the armed "rebels forces" as well to help the people who are hopelessly caught in the middle.
My peep says: "Except that Hassan al-Turabi, who is a powerful figure in Sudan and who is closely associated with the rebels (JEM) is the person who invited bin Laden to the Sudan in the first place, and even married one of his nieces to bin Laden."
According to Freedom House, Sudan is one of the least-free nations on Earth. Its "President" Bashir is in no sense a legitimately elected leader or a legitimate representative of his people.
The rebels fighting against him are also, as it happens, vile scum. It's rather like watching Nazis fight Communists. Who do you cheer for?
Bashir is refusing to let UN peacekeepers in to come establish order and stop the slaughter. The reason is apparent: he tacitly supports much of the slaughter as it's politically useful, and, outside peacekeepers would threaten his rule.
It's not necessary to take my "roll tanks over his face" comment literally; he's an evil man and a non-legitimate ruler and should be dealt with on those terms. I'd use the threat of forcible removal to make him change his tune, even if it had to be quiet. Scaring the crap out of him would be a necessary first step. Economic sanctions won't do a damned thing to move him.
5.29.2007 6:06pm
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
It's romance what makes the world roll round.
How nice.
And how effective.
Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI
That's what I call "action".
Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI
"I notice that Dean likes the idea of sending US tanks to depose the current Sudanese president. Is he unaware that the rebel forces being fought by the Sudanese government (JEM) are radical Islamists, and deposing al Bashir would likely result in Hassan al-Turabi taking power? Or is he in favor of an even more extremist form of Sharia being imposed on Darfur?"
The rebels fighting against him are also, as it happens, vile scum. It's rather like watching Nazis fight Communists. Who do you cheer for?
Bashir is refusing to let UN peacekeepers in to come establish order and stop the slaughter. The reason is apparent: he tacitly supports much of the slaughter as it's politically useful, and, outside peacekeepers would threaten his rule.
It's not necessary to take my "roll tanks over his face" comment literally; he's an evil man and a non-legitimate ruler and should be dealt with on those terms. I'd use the threat of forcible removal to make him change his tune, even if it had to be quiet. Scaring the crap out of him would be a necessary first step. Economic sanctions won't do a damned thing to move him.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.