The Arab Revolt Worries the American Right

[unhappycamper]

The Arab Revolt Worries the American Right
La Presse, Canada
By Richard Hétu
Translated By Erin Summers
3 February 2011
Edited by Sarah Siyufy

Instead of reacting with enthusiasm to the images of Arab protesters demanding liberty and democracy, a number of America’s right-wing personalities are alarmed by what is taking place. From Glenn Beck to Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee, they see the protests against authoritarian regimes in the region as a direct threat to the United States and Israel. Some of them even go as far as to compare Barack Obama to Jimmy Carter, who “lost” Iran in 1979.

Be afraid — be very afraid. The demonstrations in Egypt could lead to a “restoration of the Islamic caliphate” in the Middle East and parts of Europe. Our Western way of life could be on its way out, a loss that would not only delight the Muslim Brotherhood but also some communist-leaning Americans, such as the former far-left militant Bill Ayers, as well as members of the anti-war group Code Pink.

Are you having trouble following Glenn Beck’s explanations? You are not alone. Since Monday the Fox News moderator has outdone himself, making alarming remarks and the most bizarre connections about the crisis in the Arab world. In particular, he sees the Tunisian revolt as the trigger factor for a third world war and also sees the Egyptian demonstrations as a repeat of Iran’s Islamic Revolution of 1979.

“It is not about freedom. It is not about democracy. It is about an Islamic state,” he declared on Monday to his viewers while sharing his opinion on the issues surrounding the upheaval in Egypt.*

The comments from Glenn Beck, as crazy as they seem, illustrate an unexpected phenomena: After showing unreserved approval for George W. Bush’s speech in favor of liberty and democracy in the Arab world, today a large portion of the American right has become alarmed by the wave of popular protest against authoritarian regimes in the region, including that of Hosni Mubarak.

[RandomThoughts]

1. What?

We been over this a few times.

Beer and travel money is due to me, I know I have posted that many times.

[unhappycamper]

2. Sorry about the header - too many Ctrl-Vs. n/t

[EV_Ares]

3. We all know what it really tells us about the right. The right-wing who screams about

god, religion, patriotism, country, flag lack caring about any of this as their primary goal to have their own authoritarian regime where everyone obeys them, no democracy. These people are all about themselves, power and wealth.

[Demeter]

11. +million--exactly

[customerserviceguy]

4. In truth, it's their dream scenario

Having radical Islamic regimes take over in another half dozen Arabic societies would give the reich wing plenty to harp about next year, no matter who ends up with the Repuke nomination. They'd love to see one of the new Islamic regimes take a pot shot at Israel, which would be more likely than ever to fire back.

That's why I'm glad the President is moving cautiously here, he doesn't need to become another Jimmy Carter, and he knows he can avoid that.

[PCIntern]

6. "right", b/c Israel should just sit there and take it...

:sarcasm:

[customerserviceguy]

12. Oh, I don't expect Israel to sit there and take it

I think there's a fairly good chance that a preemptive first strike might be launched. In either case, it plays into the Armeggedon scenario that the right wing fundies all believe in.

[Skip_In_Boulder]

5. "Jimmy Carter, who “lost” Iran in 1979."

It's not that President Carter "lost" Iran, it's Regan promised the Iranians a better deal if they would wait until after he was elected.

[leveymg]

7. Hosni is the perfect pick to lead the GOP ticket. Mubarak-Bush '12

Both Love military parades, can't speak much English, they're secularly corrupt but pretend to be religiously conservative, and have made their families multi-billionaires thanks to his advanced understanding of how the U.S. appropriations and defense contracting processes work.

Perfect together:

[Demeter]

10. So Glad I Haven't Had Breakfast Yet

What a stomach-turning proposition.

[lunatica]

8. The Middle East needs to start appreciating our Mighty Might dammit!

There's a reason why we call ourselves the world's only remaining Superpower. It's cuz God prefers us cuz we're special and more deserving and stuff.

[Courtesy Flush]

9. But if a "Christian country" can be ruled by religion...

Why can't a Muslim country have the same rights? Oh, what's that you say? You don't want to see the Christian minority jeopardized. I see.

[JuniperLea]

13. So many brown people to hate...

So little time!

I posted this on another thread, but feel it is appropriate here as well.

I don't blame all Christians for the few who kill doctors and set medical offices on fire. If I use the RW model for hate, I guess I should blame all Christians.

:shrug: