The Middle East is a complex, diverse, strategically important and volatile region. World peace seems to hinge on peace in the area, and yet the latter peace never seems to be forthcoming. The region is, in short, a study in paradox and opposing viewpoints, into which America has become more tightly wound with the Iraq War. We can't seem to figure out how to live with the Middle East, yet we are unable to fathom living without it: the events of the past few days are a case study in the region's struggles.
Over the weekend news channels and Web sites quickly flashed what has become all too familiar to Americans and Israelis alike: a suicide bombing that targeted Israeli civilians - this time at a nightclub. While it might seem that such attacks occur with regular speed and brutality in Israel, the fact was that it was the first such suicide bombing to occur since the leaders of Israel and Palestine had called for an end to violence nearly three weeks prior. In the flames of hatred and tears of sorrow that followed the event, one could see the struggle by both Palestinians and Israelis to work for peace. Even Ariel Sharon, Israel's hawkish Prime Minister, seems much less willing to study war anymore.
On Sunday we were also greeted by hopeful news out of Egypt, where President Hosni Mubarak asked the parliament to allow competitive elections for the first time in over 50 years. Perhaps Mubarak is reading the tea leaves and recognizing that the time for dictators (he has ruled since 1981) has passed; perhaps he is simply working to extend his own career. In any case the events on the Nile showcase that the region is not a monolith; we should be certain to seize on such glints of change.
Yesterday morning, however, many awoke to news reports of a different tone: the largest single bombing in Iraq since the beginning of the American military action there. In a twist of irony, the country where we have the most direct stake in success on the ground appears to be the most volatile in the region. While it is true that peace and democracy do not come easy, the freedom of Iraqis has cost both us and them dearly in lives and dollars.
Yet, the region will not rest on one emotional hue. Later yesterday the news broke that Lebanon's pro-Syria government had resigned in the wake of massive public protests following the killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. This is change of the most hopeful kind; change brought by the people, en masse. Peace could not work even if imposed by democratically elected leaders; democracy might not take root if established by decree; and freedom is hard to stick on the end of a rifle. America must do everything in her power to promote the spread of peace, democracy, and freedom throughout the region, but it must never act against the wishes of the very beneficiaries of those rights. We will succeed only by ensuring that the success is not ours, but theirs.
