Dr. Frank's What's-it

You don't need me to

You don't need me to tell you this, but...

Lileks rules:

If al-Qaeda had attacked European capitals, and the EU had marshaled its military forces to respond most of the critics would be far more supportive, because it was Europe on the move, not yee-ha American cowboys from the Bar-Bubba Ranch. Few would demand that Europe examine its past to see why the Arabs hated them. So some Europeans shot the face off the Sphinx for grins? So they feasted on the remains of the Ottoman empire? So they carted away the spoils of the tombs of the Pharaohs, invaded Ethiopia, made claim to Algeria? They have an excellent track record when it comes to the PLO. You hate the Jews? Hey, we hate the Jews! Come here, you big lug. All is forgiven.

When it comes to the troubles of the Middle East, you have four factors: the Arabs, the Jews, the Europeans, the Americans. Which one killed the most Arabs? Which one occupied the most land? Which one feasted on the bones of the Ottoman empire? Which one expelled its Jews?

So does Layne: if you're like me, his sermon in favor of "informed American optimism" will be just what you need to hear about now.

Posted by Dr. Frank at April 11, 2002 08:33 AM | TrackBack