The Ukraine is now trying to find its way through a crisis in its infant democracy. Iraq is now trying to find its way to the starting line for democracy. I, for one, am an optimist about these stories because both of these headlines were simply unimaginable 15 years ago.
Democracy is hard, but it must be supported at every available opportunity. I offer this opinion based on both idealism (democracy is morally right) and pragmatism (the alternative forms of government threaten regional and world peace everywhere). Relations with Russia (i.e., Putin) cannot be allowed to cause the U.S. to pull its punches with respect to the dramatic events in the Ukraine.
The process of world democratization has been gradual. Where it has taken root (or there is a reasonable prospect that it will take root) we cannot condone any retreat.
No comments:
Post a Comment
COMMENT: