When Libya first renounced its weapons of mass destruction programs in the wake of the invasion of Iraq I heralded it as a victory for President Bush's foreign policy. When the country announced its cooperation with the U.S. in the war on terror I felt the same way. Libya has undoubtedly come a long way from its status as a terror-sponsoring rogue state.
But why are we restoring full diplomatic relations? Libyans are hardly free. Political dissidents are still being arrested and jailed. Qadahfi is still dictator for life. What progress is being made toward liberty and democracy in that country?
None is apparent to this observer.
Almost a year ago Sec. Rice said this in a speech:
for 60 years, my county, the United States, pursued stability at the expense of democracy in this region . . . and we achieved neither. Now, we are taking a different course. We are supporting the democratic aspirations of all people.
I do not see how today's action supports that statement.
America has made a lot of progress in the middle east by supporting democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq with our money and the lives of our brave soldiers. Now, by granting diplomatic status to Libya, we take a step back from those high-minded missions.
It's a shame.