Might I propose that there is no black/white answer here?

I suspect some people in Lebanon were inspired by Iraq. Some were inspired by the Ukraine. Some were just pissed at the Syrians. Some were probably out looking for a good excuse to gather in large numbers and get drunk.

To try and link a historic event like this to one cause or even the events of the last year is really over simplifying things.
Did the Iraq election have some bearing on events? Probably. Would the protests have taken place if the US hadn't gone into Iraq? Who knows. It's all speculation.

I am willing to concede that some of this positive revolution is probably indirectly due to America's actions in Iraq... but I can't attribute it to Bush's imaginary competence in spreading democracy.

It's a bit like my good friend who got divorced recently... his wife cheated on him, she moved in with the guy, and then she gave my friend custody of the four kids, telling the kids that she didn't want them in her life anymore. Pretty fucked up.

As a result of this, my friend and his kids are all closer to each other than they ever were before, and only a few months later they are a much happier family unit. They have also become much closer to their extended family. Do I credit the ex-wife for making the family happier? No. It would be stupid to say her actions didn't inadvertently conribute to the change, but that doesn't justify her original intent, nor her actions. Praise would be highly misplaced.

Er....noone had assassinated a major politician who was very popular? Did he not notice a bit of a fraccas there in the 60, 70s and 80s too...

Oh, I see.

You're wondering whether the Bush admin. had any idea what the effect of their actions in Iraq would have on the rest of the middle east and whether they anticipated all of the positive that has come about lately.

In that case, please, do carry on. :)

[quote] It's all speculation./QUOTE]
Since when has that stopped us?

True. :biggrin:

I just thought you boys might come to blows.

However the Iraqis also could be inspired by the Lebanese and Ukrainians. There is one common theme expressed by all Iraqis of the various demoninations. They all want Americans out.

And they will be hunted down, raped, tortured, and killed the next time the pendulum swings the other way. Which is likely to be sooner rather than later. So it goes.

This is Lebanon, not Saudi, do some research.

Watching jag and UT argue makes me horny.

OK, say Bush knew exactly how this was going to play out and maidens would be strewing flowers and palm fronds.
Did he have the right to kill 20k/120k people to make it happen? Did he have the right to force his mid-east vision on Iraq?

No and No.

Just in case you were wondering, Bush is not the Antichrist.

From the site
Actually, %49 of the United States would welcome him.

An interesting article on MSNBC looks at what the writer sees as "What Bush Got Right." I don't necessarily agree with it (I believe that Bush's motives were nefarious, his execution criminally inept, and the benefits a happy side effect which were dearly paid for), but it does make a lot of interesting points.