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The Destruction of a Civilization
The US War against Iraq
by James Petras*
Baghdad was considered the ’Paris’ of the Arab world, in terms of culture and art, science and education. The destruction of the scientific, academic, cultural and legal foundations of an independent state means increasing reliance on the Western multinational corporations and their technical infrastructure, thereby facilitating imperial economic penetration and exploitation. In this piece, James Petras analyses the forces, strategies and converging interests that have contributed to the deliberate dismemberment of Iraqi society at every level.
Last edited by Thyra; 09-27-2009 at 08:33 PM..
Reason: Copyrite issue
The Destruction of a Civilization
The US War against Iraq
by James Petras*
Baghdad was considered the ’Paris’ of the Arab world, in terms of culture and art, science and education. The destruction of the scientific, academic, cultural and legal foundations of an independent state means increasing reliance on the Western multinational corporations and their technical infrastructure, thereby facilitating imperial economic penetration and exploitation. In this piece, James Petras analyses the forces, strategies and converging interests that have contributed to the deliberate dismemberment of Iraqi society at every level.
"Paris of the Arab world" is akin to saying that "Enrico is the very best hockey player in all of Guatemala."
The Arab world had incredible culture...about 1,000 years ago. It has done nothing, accomplished nothing for the past 500. Only the Ottomans stand out in that region, and the Turks consider the term Arab an insult.
"Paris of the Arab world" is akin to saying that "Enrico is the very best hockey player in all of Guatemala."
The Arab world had incredible culture...about 1,000 years ago. It has done nothing, accomplished nothing for the past 500. Only the Ottomans stand out in that region, and the Turks consider the term Arab an insult.
The Destruction of a Civilization
The US War against Iraq
by James Petras*
Baghdad was considered the ’Paris’ of the Arab world, in terms of culture and art, science and education. The destruction of the scientific, academic, cultural and legal foundations of an independent state means increasing reliance on the Western multinational corporations and their technical infrastructure, thereby facilitating imperial economic penetration and exploitation. In this piece, James Petras analyses the forces, strategies and converging interests that have contributed to the deliberate dismemberment of Iraqi society at every level.
As idiotic as the war has been, I think Mr. Petras is starting with a conclusion and trying to ram his square peg into a round hole. Pretty weak explanation for the war.
The Arab civilization was precursor to the Renaissance.
Read History instead of the Talmud.
Oh, so you can't actually dispute what I have posted, so you now have to resort to quoting French proverbs? That's kind of lame. I have actually studied Arab history. I am familiar with the architectural glories of the Caliphate. I also am quite familiar with the Arab world's preservation of many of the classics of classical thought, almost certainly more so than you are.
However, given the fact that I am apparently more familiar with the Caliphate than you are, I will point out that it slowly squandered all of its wealth after its initial frenzied conquests. The Arab world, which originally embraced the best of rationalist thinking from the Greeks and Romans and made scientific advances, began to ossify and be fat, happy, and contented.
History never sleeps, my friend. From the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf. The Arab world is now a colossal societal failure, left behind for half a millennium because of its torpor, its addiction to religious fundamentalism, and its overall failure to adapt. And, what's more, unless some miracle happens, the Arab world will fall further and further behind. Not victim to some Western plot, or some byzantine scheming by the Israelis, but because of its own inherent flaws. Sorry.
I think Sadaam Hussien has to share some of the guilt for his own downfall. Not satisfied with all oof the aid we gave him during his attack on IRAN, he chose to turn on the hand that fed him. Those who supported him, mostly Sunnis and Christians are now paying for their own actions.
I think Sadaam Hussien has to share some of the guilt for his own downfall. Not satisfied with all oof the aid we gave him during his attack on IRAN, he chose to turn on the hand that fed him. Those who supported him, mostly Sunnis and Christians are now paying for their own actions.
He'd still be in power if he'd left Kuwait alone. He was largely untouchable and played us against the Russians and vice-versa.
Heck, without the Kuwait invasion it wouldn't shock me if he'd be sitting with Pres. Obama sometime during his presidency cutting some sort of oil deal.
Well I got a laugh out of the "Baghdad was the Paris of the Arab World" and went no further, all credibility was lost...what century exactly are we talking about?...or should I ask what alternative universe are we talking about?
Looks like this Cannuck is trying to spam this site with cut-n-pastes that fit some kind of political agenda. Newbies! *sigh*
In many ways, Iraq in modern times ie last 20 years was extremely porgressive.
Iraq had the highest level of university graduates in the Islamic world and its numbers surpassed many western societies.
Womens rights and womens participation in Iraqi society was far higher than the rest of the Islamic world.
Iraq also permitted a higher level of religious freedom to non-Islamic religions, compared to other Islamic countries.
Of course, Iraq's history and contribution to the world as the cradle of civilisation is well documented.
Location: Finally escaped The People's Republic of California
11,306 posts, read 8,652,146 times
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When the Oil runs out, and the Western World abandons the Middle East and pushes the ignore button on thier retoric, they will revert to living in tents, riding camels and stoning each other to death.....
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