"Talk of spreading democracy looms large in the
National Security Strategy," writes George Soros in
Atlantic Monthly. "But when President Bush says, as he does
frequently, that freedom will prevail, he means that
America will prevail.
"In a free and open society, people are supposed to decide
for themselves what they mean by freedom and democracy, and
not simply follow America's lead. The contradiction is
especially apparent in the case of Iraq, and the occupation
of Iraq has brought the issue home. We came as liberators,
bringing freedom and democracy, but that is not how we are
perceived by a large part of the population. It is ironic
that the government of the most successful open society in
the world should have fallen into the hands of people who
ignore the first principles of open society. At home
Attorney General John Ashcroft has used the war on
terrorism to curtail civil liberties. Abroad the United
States is trying to impose its views and interests through
the use of military force.
"The invasion of Iraq was the first practical application
of the Bush doctrine, and it has turned out to be
counterproductive. A chasm has opened between America and
the rest of the world."
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2003/12/soros.htm
National Security Strategy," writes George Soros in
Atlantic Monthly. "But when President Bush says, as he does
frequently, that freedom will prevail, he means that
America will prevail.
"In a free and open society, people are supposed to decide
for themselves what they mean by freedom and democracy, and
not simply follow America's lead. The contradiction is
especially apparent in the case of Iraq, and the occupation
of Iraq has brought the issue home. We came as liberators,
bringing freedom and democracy, but that is not how we are
perceived by a large part of the population. It is ironic
that the government of the most successful open society in
the world should have fallen into the hands of people who
ignore the first principles of open society. At home
Attorney General John Ashcroft has used the war on
terrorism to curtail civil liberties. Abroad the United
States is trying to impose its views and interests through
the use of military force.
"The invasion of Iraq was the first practical application
of the Bush doctrine, and it has turned out to be
counterproductive. A chasm has opened between America and
the rest of the world."
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2003/12/soros.htm
