Now THIS is the definition of true solidarity with Muslim women

[Ash]

It worked ok in Germany and Japan in 1945

Not so well for the countries of Eastern Europe, but that is beside the point. Germany and Japan were superpowers on the rampage seeking to establish vast empires of neighbouring territory. Germany certainly was defeated in an existential struggle for survival. No comparison with destroying small, weak, Arab states.

[Sir C]

That, I believe, is a fine example of what George W Bush rather neatly described as the soft bigotry of low expectations.

Yes, or as we know it, 'realism'.

[Burney]

Yes, or as we know it, 'realism'.

Or 'appeasement'?

[Sir C]

Not so well for the countries of Eastern Europe, but that is beside the point. Germany and Japan were superpowers on the rampage seeking to establish vast empires of neighbouring territory. Germany certainly was defeated in an existential struggle for survival. No comparison with destroying small, weak, Arab states.

And how might it have worked out better for the countries of Eastern Europe? Why, if we had pushed on through Berlin to Moscow!

The problem with regime change in small, weak Arab states is that whilst we have the military power to change the government, we lack the political will to continue to use that military power to stop said bloody Arabs slaughtering each other.

[Burney]

And how might it have worked out better for the countries of Eastern Europe? Why, if we had pushed on through Berlin to Moscow!

The problem with regime change in small, weak Arab states is that whilst we have the military power to change the government, we lack the political will to continue to use that military power to stop said bloody Arabs slaughtering each other.

This is correct. There's nothing wrong with using our military capability to bring these people to heel. What is wrong is then leaving the job half-done because our politicians are pussies.

[Ash]

This is correct. There's nothing wrong with using our military capability to bring these people to heel. What is wrong is then leaving the job half-done because our politicians are pussies.

So you are advocating a return to complete 19th century colonial rule? And who will be in charge? Tony Blair?

[Sir C]

So you are advocating a return to complete 19th century colonial rule? And who will be in charge? Tony Blair?

Like we did with Germany and Japan, you mean?

Sort the problem. Kill the baddies. Once the local population has demonstrated that they have learnt to live in a civilised manner, allow them to elect their own leaders.

[Burney]

So you are advocating a return to complete 19th century colonial rule? And who will be in charge? Tony Blair?

Are you denying that a world run according to western ideals, values, laws and mores would be a better place?

[Luis Anaconda]

Like we did with Germany and Japan, you mean?

Sort the problem. Kill the baddies. Once the local population has demonstrated that they have learnt to live in a civilised manner, allow them to elect their own leaders.

Are you saying the Germans have demonstrated that they have learnt to live in a civilized manner?

[Burney]

Are you saying the Germans have demonstrated that they have learnt to live in a civilized manner?

American spelling, la?