The Bush Effect
Could this be more evidence of the Bush doctrine's success?
Now, I'll be the first to admit that 2009 seems a long ways away. In 2009, I'll be twenty-seven years old. Hell, by then I may have a wife and kids. The point, though, is that President Niyazov has obviously looked around and seen the writing on the wall. Since October, two Russian puppets have been ousted after angry mobs demanded justice and freedom. So what's this guy Niyazov to do? He gives himself enough time to get some contingencies in place, and then pledges to allow free and democratic elections.
Don't get me wrong; I hold no illusions that this guy's completely on the up and up. The important take-away from this situation is that the world is beginning to see, from Kyrgyzstan to Egypt, from the Ukraine to Zimbabwe, that governments operate to serve the people, not the other way around. Dictators are starting to figure out that their days are numbered, so they're given two choices.
Arrange for elections to either A) legitimize their own government or B) give the people a government of their choice; in either case, the frustrations of the people are assuaged.
Wait for the people to rise up and oust them; otherwise, oppress the people so harshly that they lose all hope of rebellion.
Saddam did the latter, and he paid for it with his own freedom and the lives of those he loved the most. Many other world leaders in the same position as Saddam (illegitimate long-term dictators) are either unwilling or unable to go to the lengths Saddam went to. This means that the only viable option left to them is to offer their people freedom.
Wait, wait, whoa, hold on, scratch that all. I forgot one minor detail. It was all about the oil. My mistake.
Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov has made a surprise call for a democratic presidential election to be held in 2009.
Mr Niyazov, who was declared president for life, said the country's destiny "should not depend on one person".
His remarks come just two weeks after the president of nearby Kyrgyzstan was ousted in a popular protest movement sparked by controversial elections.
He urged young candidates to emerge and contest the presidency.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that 2009 seems a long ways away. In 2009, I'll be twenty-seven years old. Hell, by then I may have a wife and kids. The point, though, is that President Niyazov has obviously looked around and seen the writing on the wall. Since October, two Russian puppets have been ousted after angry mobs demanded justice and freedom. So what's this guy Niyazov to do? He gives himself enough time to get some contingencies in place, and then pledges to allow free and democratic elections.
Don't get me wrong; I hold no illusions that this guy's completely on the up and up. The important take-away from this situation is that the world is beginning to see, from Kyrgyzstan to Egypt, from the Ukraine to Zimbabwe, that governments operate to serve the people, not the other way around. Dictators are starting to figure out that their days are numbered, so they're given two choices.
Saddam did the latter, and he paid for it with his own freedom and the lives of those he loved the most. Many other world leaders in the same position as Saddam (illegitimate long-term dictators) are either unwilling or unable to go to the lengths Saddam went to. This means that the only viable option left to them is to offer their people freedom.
Wait, wait, whoa, hold on, scratch that all. I forgot one minor detail. It was all about the oil. My mistake.
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