Bush the Radical
Reader comment on item: Bush the radical

Submitted by Irving D. Cohen (United States), Nov 12, 2003 at 17:16

Apparently, Prof. Pipes differs with Martin Kramer, which presents me with a dilemma, because I respect both of them highly and valuetheir opinions greatly. In 2002, Dr. Kramer published a remarkably powerful argument against America's attempting to force a liberal democratic government in the Middle East.

Martin Kramer feels it cannot be done, and our attempt to do so in Iran only resulted in the rule of the Ayatollahs. I have to admit that, from all we have seen so far, forcing a democracy upon any of those countries in the Middle East cannot be done. I know that Daniel Pipes wants to support the president in attempting to shove democracy down the throat of Iraq-- but I despair of the plans ever achieving success.

Am I wrong in assuming that the opinions of Professors Pipes and Kramer are contradictory?

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Daniel Pipes replies:

Martin Kramer may be a tab more skeptical of imposing democracy in the Middle East, but I too have my doubts, as expressed in particular at http://www.danielpipes.org/article/1281.