Egypt and Arab States circle toilet bowl

[Uday]

Originally Posted by Fair&Balanced

The world is a different place. I dont see the relevance in comparing circumstances in 18th century colonial America and 21st century Middle East.

Humans don't change...and the external conditions a country faces are more favourable to a young democracy now, anywhere in the world, then they were in North America in the 18th century.

[Fair&Balanced]

Originally Posted by Uday

Humans don't change...and the external conditions a country faces are more favourable to a young democracy now, anywhere in the world, then they were in North America in the 18th century.

You will have to explain this.

Most countries in the 18th century were self-supporting to a large extent. That is not the case today in a global economy, which is why all of those young and emerging democracies rely heavily on US (and other) economic aid as well as US training on basic democratic institutions and even, to some extent, military assistance.

In conclusion, I do not support an isolationist America. I also dont define America by the extremes (eg 700 club) although a dont discount their influence, particularly during the previous administration.

[Uday]

Originally Posted by Fair&Balanced

You will have to explain this.

Most countries in the 18th century were self-supporting to a large extent. That is not the case today in a global economy, which is why all of those young and emerging democracies rely heavily on US (and other) economic aid as well as US training on basic democratic institutions and even, to some extent, military assistance.

In conclusion, I do not support an isolationist America. I also dont define America by the extremes (eg 700 club) although a dont discount their influence, particularly during the previous administration.

America faced a lack of infrastructure, hostile indigents, and was cut off from trade with the world's greatest power for several years after the American revolution. In addition, there were factional disputes and a level of official corruption that makes the modern day look like a fool's paradise.

Today, an emerging nation has the world bank, trade that beats its way to their doors, and very little in the way of external threats. The world in general is far more peaceful on a day to day level than it was even a century ago.

And I do not consider America itself to be extremist, just very confused. In fact, I have considered remaining here when my studies are complete, because America has a much better weekend than Egypt does. I won't, of course, but the idea is very tempting.

[Fair&Balanced]

Originally Posted by Uday

America faced a lack of infrastructure, hostile indigents, and was cut off from trade with the world's greatest power for several years after the American revolution. In addition, there were factional disputes and a level of official corruption that makes the modern day look like a fool's paradise.

Actually, America had more natural resources than any other country in the world at the time and was the first truly democratic country to emerge in the era of colonialism. Of course, it wasnt perfect.

I would urge you to read de tocqueville's "Democracy in America"for an outsider's understanding of the American democratic experiment.

Today, an emerging nation has the world bank, trade that beats its way to their doors, and very little in the way of external threats. The world in general is far more peaceful on a day to day level than it was even a century ago

Egypt gets about $2 billion/year in military and economic aid from the US.

Are you suggesting that a new government in Egypt should decline that aid?

[Uday]

Originally Posted by Fair&Balanced

Actually, America had more natural resources than any other country in the world at the time and was the first truly democratic country to emerge in the era of colonialism. Of course, it wasnt perfect.



Egypt gets about $2 billion/year in military and economic aid from the US.

Are you suggesting that a new government in Egypt should decline that aid?

Yes. It is better to stand on your own.

[Fair&Balanced]

Originally Posted by Uday

Yes. It is better to stand on your own.

I would bet that a more democratic government that emerges in Egypt will disagree with you.

There is no shame in taking assistance as one is in the early stages of development.

[Uday]

Originally Posted by Fair&Balanced

I would bet that a more democratic government that emerges in Egypt will disagree with you.

There is no shame in taking assistance as one is in the early stages of development.

Of course they will disagree with me. Have you ever seen a politician turn down funding?

And Egypt is not exactly in the early stages of development. We are very experienced in changing governments.