Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Consistent line from the USA
President Bush, in his inauguration speech earlier this year, stated that:
At the time it was felt by many that this was aimed at countries such as Iran, North Korea and Cuba: states that had poor relations with the USA. However, there have been increasing signs that the US government intends to take a firm line on democracy with those countries generally regarded to be friends of the US: Saudi Arabia and Egypt to give two good examples. In a speech in Egypt yesterday, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, has called for democratic reforms in all Arab countries:
She made specific reference to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, calling on those countries to allow dissenting voices to be heard rather than locking up those who disagree with the government.
This is a welcome move from the Bush Administration, removing one possible criticism of the President's call for greater democracy in the world - hypocrisy. If America had continued to avoid criticising certain countries because they were allies of the US, the lack of consistency would have undermined the demands it made on other countries for reform.
For more on this, see the New York Times article here.
Lleyton Hewitt made relatively trouble free progress into round 2 of Wimbledon yesterday, which was excellent news for my bet! Roger Federer also cruised through in straight sets, making his task look ominously easy. Tim Henman begins his challenge today, so good luck to him.
If you're in London today and have some spare time why not head to the Exhibition Road Music Day:
For more information, visit the website.
"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you."
At the time it was felt by many that this was aimed at countries such as Iran, North Korea and Cuba: states that had poor relations with the USA. However, there have been increasing signs that the US government intends to take a firm line on democracy with those countries generally regarded to be friends of the US: Saudi Arabia and Egypt to give two good examples. In a speech in Egypt yesterday, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, has called for democratic reforms in all Arab countries:
"For 60 years, my country, the United States, pursued stability at the expense of democracy in this region here in the Middle East, and we achieved neither. Now we are taking a different course. We are supporting the democratic aspirations of all people."
She made specific reference to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, calling on those countries to allow dissenting voices to be heard rather than locking up those who disagree with the government.
This is a welcome move from the Bush Administration, removing one possible criticism of the President's call for greater democracy in the world - hypocrisy. If America had continued to avoid criticising certain countries because they were allies of the US, the lack of consistency would have undermined the demands it made on other countries for reform.
For more on this, see the New York Times article here.
Lleyton Hewitt made relatively trouble free progress into round 2 of Wimbledon yesterday, which was excellent news for my bet! Roger Federer also cruised through in straight sets, making his task look ominously easy. Tim Henman begins his challenge today, so good luck to him.
If you're in London today and have some spare time why not head to the Exhibition Road Music Day:
"On 21 June, the Exhibition Road area in South Kensington will come alive as never before when all the institutions in this unique neighbourhood come together for the first time to present a day and night filled with special music performances. In the spirit of Fête de la Musique all performances will be live and free. All are welcome to enjoy the music and explore new spaces and venues."
For more information, visit the website.
# posted by GrecianEd @ 12:02 am 
