The word dance done by politicians around the world not to want to change the regime in Libya (or for that matter any Muslim country currently undergoing upheavals this spring) because they do not want to give fuel to to al-Qaeda but nonetheless do want to support the democracy movement has its detractors. Not the least because who do they think they are fooling? No one. But if they can do what the Muslims who are rioting want it gives Muslims who hate the west fewer recruits to plants bombs and kill civilians in Western countries. Not that there seem to be any lack of volunteers.
If, of course, this is not the reason for siding with those who want to change the regimes while not stating we agree with them, then we are lead to ask what it might be? Perhaps the parlous financial state of most Western democracies precluding moves towards more war, or the possibility of present party incumbents gaining more unpopularity with their voters.
It is of course the old political game of supping with tyrants because it is good for business. One of the many things that proves expediency governs human thinking as it does with all children. I am one who would be happy to see democracy come to Arab countries and see in the present revolutions a decade of Internet access opening people’s minds – the way TV did for the British in the 50s and 60s.
There really is a world out there that doesn’t hate just offers possibilities. Take to it.