Reply #83: Picking up the thread... [View All]

[al bupp]

I am inclined to grant the point on genocide, in general it seems a reasonable line to draw, though I'm guessing to the unfortunates involved the distinction between that and a mass killing is negligible. By your definition, what was Cambodia under Pol Pot genocide or not? Hard to think of it otherwise, and not calling it that seems mere semantics.

I think Libya is actually more of a European concern than an American one. The payoffs at this point are difficult to guess since so much depends upon outcomes which simply haven't yet come to pass. Since business was humming along quite nicely 4 months ago in Libya, I fail to see why they would gamble so much on a questionably successful popular uprising, even one they thought that they could co-opt.

Obviously, the US, along w/ every other major power has managed to (mostly) ignore truly horrific conflicts across Africa, particularly when they happen away from important resources. Regardless, I think Obama made the right decision in Libya. I suppose we will see what happens.

I also have to say that I appreciate having this discussion honestly, and w/o any rancor.

Cheers,