Repentence Required of Both the West and the East

Submitted by M. Tovey (United States), Aug 25, 2011 at 11:35

Only those who have not perceived the real reasons for intervening in Libya find themselves in the paradoxical situation of exulting with the rebels, but wondering who will fill the vacuum after Qaddafi's exit. Egypt's parallel situation was easier to discern, but Libya has post-Qaddafi circumstances that are going to be cause for real concern as the Transitional government begins its morphing processes. It is appropriate to observe that many in the U. S. power structure have not discerned the potential repercussions of Libya.

Calling the United States a bumbling giant might seem an appropriate term for someone from the East, but just as quickly the East does not see its own reality unfolding towards a truth of a future that is still hidden. To be sure, the West can be called to repentance for actions of questionable motivations, yet the East cannot be absolved of their own participation in instances of forcefully determining the destinies of many fallen empires before the West was even involved.

One might make the argument that if western values were so repugnant to the mores of eastern cultures, why then were there the various attempts to emulate western culture? The answer was, and still is, humanity being what it is wants what it cannot have-this being interchangeable East to West and vice versa.

The point to be made is that neither the West nor the East are going to resolve those differences being fought over unless and until a common resolve is established, something proven over and over again is not likely to happen under the auspices of mortal human reasoning. But in reintroducing the term 'repent,' this does employ a thought process that could head humanity in the right direction. However, by not embracing that concept, there will be surprises coming indeed; but truly, the East will be just as surprised as the West.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".