Washington Post (February 28)
Will the Jasmine revolution spread to all of the Arab States? Who should the U.S. and other countries back, existing leaders or the protestors? The Post believes, the “direction of events means that, more than ever, the American interest lies in encouraging more rather than less freedom and in reaching out to those Arabs who seek genuine democracy. If that means straining ties with autocratic allies, that is preferable to appearing to back the wrong side.”
Tags: Democracy, Diplomacy, Middle East, Revolution
New York Times (February 12)
“The Egyptian protesters inspire us all.” Largely peaceful protests achieved “a stunning accomplishment” in the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Even as the world cheers this peaceful revolution, worries arise about the next phase. “The cheering won’t last long if the military council does not quickly follow through on its pledges.” The U.S. and other countries need to provide their full support and stand “ready to press for full democratic change.”
New York Times (October 9)
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Liu Xiaobo, despite pressure from Beijing. Liu, a democracy activist, is currently under arrest and the Chinese government is upset by his selection. The New York Times supports the Nobel Committee for standing up to Beijing. “Beijing is used to throwing its weight around these days—on currency, trade, the South China Sea and many other issues…. Maybe someone in China’s leadership will now figure out that bullying is not a strategy for an aspiring world power.”
