Monday, November 13, 2006

Buy One, Get One Free

In a post last month, I highlighted three memes that were gaining favor amongst Iraq war supporters as a means to explain away their errors in judgment, and deflect responsibility for associated failures. One such narrative went as follows:

Second, and picking up steam as of late, is the blame the Iraqis brand rationalization. The marketing campaign claims that the Iraqi people are too petulant, violent, rapacious, vindictive and inherently uncivilized to accept the gift of 'shock and awe' liberation that George Bush magnanimously imposed on them. If only Iraqis were more appreciative of Bush's invasion, they might have the decency to get in line as the supply side embracing, pro-US/Israel ally we expect and deserve. Our noble effort, and its humble messenger, have been betrayed. This product fits well, is multi-purposed (can be used to sell the next war of "necessity," if not liberation, given the inherent Muslim/Arab nature), and it is augmented by feelings of superiority/exceptionalism and highlights of religious and ethnic discrimination.

Noted "moderate libertarian" Glenn Reynolds seems to be hopping on board with both feet - complete with an eye on the "next time" rationale. Responding to a reader whose e-mail read, in part:

The ball is in the Iraqis' court. We took away the obstacle to their freedom. If they choose to embrace death, corruption, incompetence, lethal religious mania, and stone-age tribalism, then at least we'll finally know the limitations of the people in that part of the world.
Law professor Reynolds added:
...[It's] true that if democracy can't work in Iraq, then we should probably adopt a "more rubble, less trouble" approach to other countries in the region that threaten us. If a comparatively wealthy and secular Arab country can't make it as a democratic republic, then what hope is there for places that are less wealthy, or less secular?
"More rubble, less trouble"? Now that is a catchy slogan. To his eternal credit, Reynolds is even linking up to the "uncivilized Arabs" with the "not brutal enough" storyline with the call for "more rubble."

Just think of all the cross-marketing potential. Somewhere fake Iraq war opponent, and faux Iran dove, Michael Ledeen's heart is aflutter.



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