by CKR
A year or so ago, I participated in an internet discussion board where three or four of us, all from different countries, discussed democracy, the nature of societies, and how to deal with some of the difficult aspects of our own societies. Pretty normal politics, in other words.
I was impressed by Neila Charchour Hachicha’s contributions, sensible and principled. I knew then that she had some difficulties with her government. I didn’t know that was her name then, but I’ve been told her identity by another of our group, who is concerned for her safety.
During our discussions, she mentioned that WhirledView was blocked in Tunisia. Seems to me that we’re pretty normal politics, too.
Neila has been able to publish an article in National Review Online explaining her current situation. That article brings up a number of questions.
Where is the Bush administration’s democracy promotion? Where is Karen Hughes?
Why do we not hear more about Tunisia’s repressions in American media? Tunisia is a neighbor to Libya, which we seem to hear much more about.
Please read Neila's article. It seems, more and more, that “democracy promotion” by the Bush administration is a flag they wave to divert attention from the disasters they are producing. It seems that, unless they have an interest in regime change, “democracy promotion” is no part of their foreign policy.
Update: Neila tells me that the US State Department has issued a statement on her situation. She also asks: Don't they realize it takes more than that to change a dictator's mind?