Op Ed

 In every human being lies the animal like need to be controlled. Lions in a pride that are unsatisfied with or feel as though they can do a better job then the king, attempt to put him out of power. But, they soon figure out that the role they are not ready to take on the role they are fighting for. The Arab nations are going through a very similar situation. The eruption of civil war in the Arab nations is a war between the experienced and those who want new experience.

Tensions between citizens and their governments reached their boiling point when Mohammed Bouazizi lit himself on fire to express his oppression to inaudible government and nation. This eruption flowed into the already boiling surrounding nations and ignited the flame.  At this point there have been multiple protest, riots, and battles between citizens and their own government. War has erupted.  Revolutions have begun.

The youth of these nations have begun to speak up and out. Now that their voices are no longer silenced by repression, the thought would be that there would be widespread rejoicing. This is not the case. In interviews done by the New York Times, citizens spoke their feelings towards the revolutions and events that have been occurring. They spoke on democracy in nations where democracy is not apart of memories. It does not exist in the minds of the people. The rebels are fighting for something the majority of the population they are fighting for does not fully understand. This fight is one that citizens are entering blindly, fighting for a vague idea of freedom. They are fighting in incomplete contemplation.

Essentially, everyone is entitled to certain rights, especially those stated by John Locke in his work, A Letter Concerning Toleration.  This idea is not shared among all.  All people are entitled to the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But, to pursue these rights the totality of the circumstances and full understanding must be made. Blindly fighting for things not completely understood, is beginning defeated.

“Historically an Arab has always lived in a tribal system…When you come up with the idea of a self-governing people, it’s a bit absurd.”

                                                -Ghassan el-Hakim, 26, director, Rabat, Morocco

Across the Atlantic and in Europe nations have been trying to decide whether or not it is in their interest to assist the coalitions in the feuding countries. Selfishness. In the U.S President Barack Obama ordered a bombing in Libya.

“Where ever people long to be free, they will find a friend in the United States”

-President Barack Obama

These words spoken on behalf of the same country that fought for the “no-fly” zone to be issued over Libya, and then detonated a bomb post the issuing. Obama also states that when assisting other countries we must always measure our interest over the need for action. Who are we to determine when some one seriously needs our assistance? Do we wait for our “friends” to be in the most destitute position? Or do we step in regardless of our interest? Selfishness.