Credit where credit is due

Conservative pundits have been falling over themselves in recent days praising President Bush for 'democratizing the Middle East.'

Popular protests in Lebanon forced the resignation of the pro-Syrian government. The pro-American dictator of Egypt announced that he would actually permit challengers to his throne in the next election. Even repressive pro-American monarchy in Saudi Arabia held local elections.

This is all due to Bush's daring and visionary policies, they say. The Iraq invasion inspired these other repressed people to rise up against their tormentors. Or so we're told.

Well, hold your horses for just a minute.

The Saudi local elections were tightly controlled. Only half the local councils were up for election (the other half would be appointed) and only men could vote. Progress? I suppose. Revolutionary change that automatically and by itself vindicates Bush's vision and counterbalances the huge investment of money and loss of life in Iraq? Hardly.

The new alleged openness in Egypt may be a good sign, but it's far too early to tell. Egypt's been under a state of emergency since 1981, when the current strongman Hosni Mubarak took over following the assassination of Anwar Sadat. It's hard to gush about 'freedom' in a country that's been under a state of emergency for 24 years. Maybe it's a first step. Or maybe it's a diversion, like that used by so many other African leaders. There's talk of Mubarak naming his son as heir apparent and turning the country into another monarchical republic.

The protests in Lebanon were indeed a positive sign. Though Bush apologists might have reason to be wary since the Lebanese rose up in nationalistic anger against domination by a foreign power. The pro-Bush crowd has always been uncomfortable with the fact that freedom and openness works both ways, not just against the 'bad guys.' But as hopeful as the Cedar Revolution may be, it's still far from its objectives. The pro-Syrian prime minister of Lebanon who resigned last week in the wake of the protests was re-appointed yesterday to the same post.

I concur with the Blog of the Moderate Left who states, "If [Bush] brings peace to the Middle East, I'll be happy to co-sign the nomination for the Nobel."

Sadly, I don't expect to be digging up my ceremonial pen any time soon.