Reply #36: Indeed

[MSchreader]

He may very well have brought that up to Aziz. Also, I would not put Aziz in the same category as Saddam Hussein. The fact that he is currently cooperating with the Quisling government over there seems to put him in a different category. Remember as well that Aziz was moved in and out of Iraqi cabinet positions (against Aziz's will, apparently) in order for Hussein to present a more "humane" face.

There is a lot of ignorance about the realities of what Stalinism did (and did not do) while it ruled. While I would not put an equal sign between Stalinism and fascism, I do think there were horrific parallels between them. I am neither a supporter nor an apologist for what Stalin and his regime did under the stolen flag of communism (and, let me emphasize this point again: what they did was under a stolen flag), and my comments should not be interpreted as being such. You are right when you say that "life would be different if a strong Germany still stood astride Europe". That is certainly true. And that was, in essence, my only point.

Martin