May 2, 2004

Why Bush Will Succeed in Democratizing Islam

There are no doubts that the war on terrorism – centered for the moment in Iraq – is necessary for American safety, the future of representative democracy and victory over evil.  

Yet, it is chilling to ponder the words televised last week by L. Paul Bremer, head of the U.S. provisional authority, to the Iraqi people:

"Iraq faces a choice. If you do not defend your beloved country, it will not be saved!

"You could take the path that leads to a new, peaceful and democratic Iraq, or you could take the path that leads to the dark Iraq of the past."

This dire warning was issued as the battle for Fallujah got underway. When my words reach print, the issue probably will be settled with bloodshed – mostly that of terrorists, but some by our brave and dedicated soldiers.

It bewilders Americans that a sizeable number of Iraqis kill and berate us. They suffered decades of murder, mayhem and economic exploitation by Saddam Hussein and his thugs.

This anti-Americanism is thought by knowledgeable Iraqi expatriates to be only ten percent of the people. Most Iraqi are pleased that the old regime is gone.

Nevertheless, the observers acknowledge Iraq  people want Americans to leave right now. The nature of free-riders is the same everywhere – give, but don’t obligate.

Freedom from oppression, historically, has been won by force of arms. However, representative government has to be created additionally by force of will.

The American Revolution – with help from the French -- won freedom from oppression. The Constitutional Convention of wise citizens created the force of opportunities for free individuals.

The colonists did not universally support the War For Independence. We should not be surprised that some Iraqi are not thrilled by change. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.

The greatest weapon of our soldiers in Iraq is their example of courage, helpfulness and sacrifice for freedom everywhere.  

Anti-Bush zealots say the War in Iraq is his Vietnam. No, that was John Kennedy’s and Lyndon Johnson’s quagmire.

Iraq is Bush’s El Salvador War -- wherein President Reagan routed terrorists throughout Central America and re-installed democracy.  

Say what you will about the ingratitude of Iraqis resisting us, the American culture of freewill and friendship is the key weapon against a terrorist lifestyle.

Unbiased visitors of present-day Iraq are impressed that in the midst of violence and religious diatribe, Iraqi teenagers – future Iraq – revel in the joys and pitfalls of free will.

Young people trade pirated American rock music and movie CDs, flock to computer cafes and whiz about bomb-pocked streets in hot rod cars. Young couples dance in the best jerk and twist style.

They also study hard, strive for technical jobs and marry partnership style.

Old world, Islam clerics cling to medieval culture.  They resist globalization – as do many new world people. Nonetheless, the One World society is here forevermore.

Regardless of the present hostilities, Iraq and the entire Muslim world are being dragged screaming into the 21st century.

The present confusion, however, will continue confrontational for at least a generation  – maybe longer. We still have 50,000 troops in Germany, 30,000 in South Korea and 3,000 in Kosovo after implanting democracies there.  

 Grownups – especially those who have carved out a tolerable niche – resist change.

Thugs can prevail where education, religion and ideas are constricted. Muslims have been such victims since Islam Wahhabist fundamentalism took root before the First World War.

Political totalitarianism and Islam fanaticism are terminally challenged by democracy.

Given a choice, human nature will gravitate to freedom of choice. Only representative government does that.

Americans have the will and means to fend off terrorists who threaten our type of democracy. Sir Winston Churchill described it, as "the worst in the world, but there is none better."

Lindsey Williams is a Sun columnist who can be contacted at linwms@lindseywilliams.org