With the use of Facebook, Twitter and the blogosphere, those oppressed are rallying to the cries of liberty. But these cries have been heard before. They were heard when our troops rolled into Baghdad only a few years ago and when former President George H.W. Bush encouraged Iraqis to rise up against Saddam Hussein almost two decades ago. In recent history, our armies have brought freedom to Koreans, Panamanians and, for some time, the South Vietnamese, just to name a few.
As with any potential intervention, members of the American polity and the public are giving leverage to the notion that a swift, focused military intervention may be something for President Barack Obama's administration to consider.
War is an outdated action in the 21st century. If U.S. military intervention has taught any lessons for consideration, it would lead one to believe that war destroys morale and infrastructure and creates setback for the fledgling nations in which we "bring freedom." Each of these operations of recent memory cost American lives and dragged out for months, if not years. Our current military operations have put us debt without our consent. These operations require man power, financing and oftentimes leave the scenery and infrastructure devastated beyond repair.
Few would recognize Operation Brother Sam — the CIA-sponsored regime changes in Brazil and Guatemala that took place in the 1950s and '60s. Similar to the events currently underway, they were inspired with the dissemination of information, whether factual or simulated, that led to a public uprising and rapid change of government. Currently, there is debate surrounding the extent of current U.S. involvement. But if history serves as any indicator, our hegemonic being simply can't afford to sit back and let events take course. The military cannot afford to reallocate any forces, nor can we afford to open up another front on our "war on terror." A strategic use of U.S. intelligence forces to aid in the democratization is the only way to bring a swift, calculated solution.
What we're witnessing in the Middle East is not simply a function of public uprising. Egypt, Yemen, Iran, Libya, Jordan and Bahrain are all undergoing a massive change in structure and a new perception of human rights. Many more countries are on that tipping point, and, of course, the sitting governments are in jeopardy.
Many of these governments have traditionally strained relations with the U.S., and by involving ourselves — outside of the public eye — we stand to gain the best resolve for U.S. interests.
War isn't the answer to the question of bringing human rights to a democratized Middle East. But I would offer the suggestion that the most undemocratic function of U.S. government — intelligence — might be.
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