„The Perils of Empire“ (Prison Radio + Column)

 

PERILS OF EMPIRE

 When the U.S. launched its invasion of Iraq, predicated on the events of 9/11, it was the very quintessence of hubris.

Neo-conservatives dreamed of remaking the Middle East in their own image. It was, in truth, a mad dream. A nightmare born of the drug of sole superpower.

It’s been a decade since, and none of their dreams have come true. Indeed, it’s quite the opposite.

The Middle East is a tinderbox enclosed in a powder keg.

It is more unstable today than it has ever been – perhaps since decolonization.

Its people are frustrated, paralyzed by powerful princes, and predatory militaries – armies armed against their own people.

The fruits of empire are foul indeed – and the worse is yet to come.

We are seeing some of it in today’s Iraq – but, assuredly, there is more madness to come.

–© ‘14maj