Something for Skybird (concerning the EU)

[Respenus]

This is from a Der Spiegel interview with Emmanuel Todd concerning the Arab spring, but the interview also brushed the question of differences between European states, when something very close to Sky's heart was mentioned.

Originally Posted by Emmanuel Todd

However, if the European Union recognizes its diversity, even its anthropological differences, instead of trying to force everyone into the same mold with the false incantation of a shared European civilization, then Europe will also be able to treat the pluralism of cultures in the world in a reasonable and enlightened way.

The entire article can be found here.

Oh, and can we please prevent this from turning into the usual semi-flame thread where everyone writes long, long posts, while nobody listens? Thank you.

[HunterICX]

Originally Posted by Respenus

Oh, and can we please prevent this from turning into the usual semi-flame thread where everyone writes long, long posts, while nobody listens? Thank you.

not a chance...this is after all the GT

HunterICX

[MH]

Good post.

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Respenus

Oh, and can we please prevent this from turning into the usual semi-flame thread where everyone writes long, long posts, while nobody listens? Thank you.

Probably yes - I'm busy these days and for the coming two weeks with renovating my flat from top to bottom, that leaves little time, little energy ands little nerves to wage big forum wars.

I know Todd by a book from 2002 about America, "Après l'empire", wich back then I considered to be pretty much spot on. The essay now again shows that his thesis are worth to be discussed, the only problem is that he cannot differ between Islam and Islam, and implies a hige diversity and cultural liberty is somewhat inbuild into it from beginning on, while of course I say that it is exactly the opposite, and any freedom being wanted in Arabian countries still differs from the design of the term in the West, and is not due to Islam - but despite Islam.

His America-book was good. Whether he is right with this essay now, remains to be seen. As I see it, much of the Arab spring already is in a full stall, with indices indicating even a reverse-movement. So far, only tuznisia looks promising, Egypt already is in a backswing, Lybia is open ended, Brunai, Syria, Iran have cracked down on the opposition. Syria remains to b seen, but it does not look good. and Palestinian Abas is seeking reconciliation withg the terrorists of Hamas, which discredits him completely.

Also Tood hinted at the one big danger, in a small sentence, saying that the religious radicals seek legitimation by forming dmeocratically elected parties. That means to creep to power the way the AKJP did in Turkey. Turkey is drmataically changing towards fundamentalism, with the West even applauding it for that - becasue the AKP got demicratiucally elected.

Well, you can have democratic elections and people voting for totalitarianism and supremacism and ultranationalism nevertheless. Elections do not automatically mean freedom and peace.