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June 14, 2005
And Baby Makes Three
Comments
“Bush is a very stupid man. The American people are not stupid. They are very clever. I can’t understand how such clever people came to elect such a stupid president.”
– “Baghdad Bob,” circa 2,003
Posted by: steve expat | Jun 14 2005 7:32 utc | 1
Yes, there are indeed a number of quotable quotes from Muhammed Saeed al-Sahaf. I kinda miss the guy.
Posted by: DM | Jun 14 2005 8:07 utc | 2
@DM. I though Darth Cheney did a rather good impersonation recently. (the “last throes” speech.)
Posted by: Lupin | Jun 14 2005 8:46 utc | 3
John McCain on Uzbekistan (in the FT, probably behind subscription wall)
When decency and expediency clash
By John McCain
In the wake of a brutal crackdown last month in the eastern Uzbek city of Andijan, American policymakers seem to face a dilemma. On the one hand, the US must vigorously protest against the killing of hundreds of unarmed demonstrators and reaffirm that we stand for freedom, not repression. But on the other hand, the US has important military interests in Uzbekistan, including the use of a regional base that assists our efforts in Afghanistan. What is to be done?
While many commentators have described this as a complex problem, I believe the solution is simple. Either the government of Uzbekistan must make immediate, fundamental changes in the way it operates, or America’s relations with it must change fundamentally.
(…)
If this trend continues, the US has no choice but to re-evaluate all aspects of its relationship with Uzbekistan, and this includes our military relations. While we review our policy, we should suspend any talk of a long-term basing arrangement and look very critically at our continued presence at the Karshi-Khanabad air base.
To do otherwise risks damaging America’s credibility as the US puts ever greater priority on the promotion of human rights and democracy abroad. We cannot remain idle while a government with which we have close ties so blatantly contravenes the ideal of freedom.
(…)
For if we have learnt any lesson from the attacks of September 11 2001, it is that, where repression and despair rule, extremism and violence breed.
This is a lesson that applies just as much to Mr Karimov’s government as it does to the US government. And so I hope his regime will realise that the only way to true security is to embrace fundamental freedoms and human rights. But if the US cannot induce change in Uzbekistan, we can at least avoid a close and continuing relationship with its current government. The world will expect no less of us, and we should expect no less of ourselves.
Posted by: Jérôme | Jun 14 2005 9:16 utc | 4
Reminds me when the west liked Ceaucescu because he wasn’t 100% aligned with Moscow.
Posted by: Lupin | Jun 14 2005 11:21 utc | 8
U.S. Opposed Calls at NATO for Probe of Uzbek Killings
Defense officials from Russia and the United States last week helped block a new demand for an international probe into the Uzbekistan government’s shooting of hundreds of protesters last month, according to U.S. and diplomatic officials.
British and other European officials had pushed to include language calling for an independent investigation in a communique issued by defense ministers of NATO countries and Russia after a daylong meeting in Brussels on Thursday. But the joint communique merely stated that “issues of security and stability in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan,” had been discussed.
The outcome obscured an internal U.S. dispute over whether NATO ministers should raise the May 13 shootings in Andijan at the risk of provoking Uzbekistan to cut off U.S. access to a military air base on its territory.
Posted by: Jérôme | Jun 14 2005 13:38 utc | 9
Ahhh the burdens of Empire. I’m sure “Chukie” Krauthammer can explain the necessity of it all to us.
Posted by: Scott McArthur | Jun 14 2005 13:55 utc | 10
b @ 05:57 AM;
I’ve seen that photo 1000 times, but never noticed big John seems to be stroking Junior… what’s up w/that?
Posted by: JDMcKay | Jun 14 2005 14:52 utc | 11
Caption contest?
Putin: Yes George, I know you’re happy George. I remind you of a Saudi Prince you once knew? That’s nice George. A hand shake will be enough thank you. Move the hand George. I can read your mind too George, I don’t want to smile George. Keep moving the hand George, please ….
Posted by: Anonymous | Jun 14 2005 16:32 utc | 12