Domestic Problems

And another thing:

In listening to 'analysis' of the VP debate on The Charlie Rose Show, I was struck by an issue that was raised regarding Kerry's position on involving the 'International Community' in the security and reconstruction of Iraq. Rose highlighted a specific problem in Kerry's position that while he would want to include countries like France and Germany in Iraq, their willingness was not even close to guaranteed. Mortimer Zuckerman, Chairman & editor-in-chief of US News and World Report and Chairman & Publisher of NY Daily News stated that while France, Germany and India may have an interest in participating in the reconstruction of Iraq, they face 'domestic problems' in being able to commit to an alliance with the US in this regard. The "domestic problems" as Zuckerman categorized them, are due to the significant Muslim populations in these countries that objected to the invasion and presumably would object to their countries' participation in what is widely seen as 'occupation'. According to Zuckerman, India's involvement in Iraq would see an exacerbation of domestic tensions due to its Muslim population of 250 million.

It is first necessary to refute the connotations of assuming that Muslims would object to see their respective countries contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq. Firstly, Muslims create too much turmoil amongst themselves to be considered as a monolithic group. I'm not sure how to emphasize this, but let's just say if you ask 10 different Muslims for a 5-minute introduction to Islam, you will get 15 completely different answers. My own beliefs and interpretations differ, often significantly, from my mother's. Thinking that you will get a cohesive view on politics is just ridiculous. Join my family for dinner, won't you? Secondly, on a purely idealistic note, why wouldn't anyone want to contribute to the reconstruction of a war-torn and traumatized country? Now obviously there are many different views on how this should be done and what form it should take, but I don't think anyone would deny peace and development as noble goals. I could go on but this isn't the point.

My main concern is with Zuckerman's assessement of the democratic process, and democratic decisions within France, Germany and India as 'domestic problems'. I've noticed this mentioned a number of times - when a country does not sign on with the US because of domestic protest, it is referred to as a 'domestic problem'. So, if people democratically object to their leaders taking a specific action that is contrary to American interests, they are considered to create a domestic problem???? And how has the United States historically dealt with 'domestic problems'? Are there any Nicaraguans reading this?