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But there are countries that really need assistance regardless of style of government, that would likely perish without it.
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So, wouldn't that be an incentive to move towards a democratic style of government? Staring starvation in the face has the tendency to focus the collective mind.......
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When the Taliban were running Afghanistan, the US was STILL the largest supplier of aid, would more aid have helped? And offered a different path? Or should they have been cut off entirely?
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Cut off entirely. Period.
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If some aid from the US can cause a nation not to starve, should we ignore because they are not democratic?
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Probably. Communism, dictatorships and tyrannical regimes are the natural enemies of democracy. Why would we assist our enemies? Like a child, withholding a reward to incent proper behavior can be quite enticing. And conversely, rewarding proper behavours (with aid, etc.) can be quite powerful.
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Or should we offer aid that if managed properly, a generation later might produce a class of individuals that have been schooled enough to promote their own democrativ movement?
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Great idea, but history has shown that mankind is not wise enough to understand to not bite the hand that feeds them. Iran is most interesting right now with their recent attempts towards democracy based partly on warming US-relations in part due to US aid attempts. Most middle east experts are watching Iranian develoments very closely, and this could serve as a model for future (peaceful) nation building attempts by the US. I agree, let's lead the horse to water (as the horse will THINK it found the water on it's own), but if the horse refuses to drink when it gets there, then we need to give it a "reason" to drink.....Let's hope Iran works out....
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too restrictive and it certainly will not foster any move towards deomocritisation.
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Not sure I agree with this stance -- although I am not too against it either. As I have said before, a review of history will show clearly how focused the collective mind can become when facing perilous decisions. Once we get them democratized, they will get the taste for it.
Ever notice how NO country in history of mankind has EVER willingly abandoned democracy for another form of government, yet MANY, MANY countries have abandoned other forms of government for democracy?