Bernard Lewis
I’ve been listening to interviews and lectures given by Professor Bernard Lewis lately. He’s an amazing speaker and a lecturer, and he provides many insights into Arabic and Islamic psyche that helps to explain and put into context the happenings in the Middle East. However, the most entertaining sections of the lectures are the question and answer sessions. Time and again, questioners try to ask provocative and very ‘liberal’ (Not in the original meaning of liberal, but in Howard Dean, you’re a fascist Nazi for invading Iraq and ousting Sadam the benevolent ruler kind of liberal) questions, seemingly to get him to stumble. What’s entertaining is Prof. Lewis’ swift and brutal put-downs.
Q: “I take it from your lecture that president Bush’s attempt to democratize Iraq will not be successful, is that true?”
BL: “That was certain not my intention, (audience laughs) quite the reverse. My point was that it is difficult, but not impossible, and that the alternatives are even worse (applause)”
Q: “I heard Gwen Dier (sp) say Osama Bin Laden’s reasons for what he did on September 11th was to provoke the United States into massive, moral-less, indiscriminate attack on the Arab world… thus bringing out Arab rage and thus bringing down corrupt governments and allowing them to be replaced byIslamic Governments… he said to that point, Americans had refrained from falling to that temptation. Do you agree”
BL: “No I don’t. My ability to penetrate the inner mind of Osama Bin Laden does not reach that far, nor I think does anyone else’s. No, this is an obviously tendentious interpretation, purpose of which is very clear (big applause)”
It’s interesting to note how the political climate in the Middle East seems to be changing. After decades of stagnation, everything seems to be falling into place. Syria and Lebanon, elections in Iraq and Saudi Arabia (albeit limited), scheduled elections in Egypt… I think it’s too early for people to be celebrating quite yet, but it’s good to see that some of Bush’s policies are finally bearing some fruit. Look, even New York Times is giving credit where it’s due.