No one's looking, because no one's inclined to look in such an unlikely place. But it turns out that there's much to learn about how to handle the Iraqi quagmire by looking to Africa -- and, of all places, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The lesson is simple and yet has been almost universally ignored by American politicians and military planners alike: If you focus too much on security and the mere appearance of democracy and do not work toward fostering the development of the full panoply of liberal institutions, strongmen will take over, as has happened in Africa. Security and elections are necessary but not sufficient conditions for Iraq's ultimate success. Winning hearts and minds is fine, but creating a vibrant civil society and stable institutions enables true democracy to flourish.
We hope you enjoy it.
I am leaving for a weekend up in New England early tomorrow, and I may be out of touch for a few days. I'll run into the Thunderstick in Boston, which we will terrorize for a couple of days before heading to the old hometown for about eighteen hours. I'll be back Sunday night.
1 comment:
You know what's awesome--quarter pounders with cheese!!
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