Betrayal on All Sides

The US has proved what many already knew: few armies, let alone any in the Middle East, can withstand its power. But before the ticker tape parades and triumphal marches, the costs of US victory in terms of Arab self-esteem need to be weighed. Such a sound defeat of Arab soldiers could spell years of disenchantment for the Arab psyche. Furthermore, as the writer suggests, the ‘roadmap for peace’ is likely to be co-opted by US interests. The Palestinians may gain a state, but will lose their independence. Iraq will gain democracy, but lose its liberty. The Middle East will also find democracy, the writer believes, but it will be at the cost of human rights and justice. - YaleGlobal