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For decades we had been hoodwinked into believing Arab countries were in two camps-- that of either the Soviet Bloc or the ´Western´ bloc. The Cold War propaganda and information blockage had generally the effect of ignoring the sufferings of Arab populations.

From what we are now seeing, the populations under the heel of rulers supported by either camp had similar sufferings ---and we are shocked when some citizens turn to extremist religion ?

The ´philosopher kings ´the ´west´ support are every bit as evil as the Soviet supported regimes. When the revolutions end we should not be surprised if the ´west´ along with the ´kings´ and all Arab dictators, are justifiably rejected as equal evils.

quietoaktree

Yes, this is all a con being sold to us by the snake oil salesmen that are our politicians. I don't know how long the West can keep up its charade that it's intervening in Libya to protect civilians. If the West was genuine in its concerns there would be some attempt by our humane leaders to a ceasefire by now - the truth is they are not interested in peace - they just want Gaddafi out regardless of the human cost.

So far it seems that this battle is being played out by the 'rebels' and Government forces. Given the tribal make-up of Libya, and the tribal leaders' suspicions of the 'rebels', an almighty storm is brewing for Libyan society where the civilian death toll will be far higher than the number of people on both 'rebel' and government sides put together. It will be us in the West who will be to blame for this bloodbath. Their blood will be on our hands - not that the majority in the West will give a damn.

I wonder if the West would 'protect the civilians' as they are doing now if Iran possessed nuclear weapons? Somehow I doubt it. Perhaps this is what the West means by Iran 'destabizing' the region by attaining nuclear power. Given the West's total disregard for humanity in the region let's hope Iran gets these weapons sooner rather than later!