Afghanistan's borders are arbitrary, drawn to meet 19th-century political needs rather than to respect ethnic or religious patterns.
Stephen KinzerRead
Accepting that Arabs have the right to elect their own leaders means accepting the rise of governments that do not share America's pro-Israel militancy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of respecting the political rights of Arab nations, even if their choices conflict with U.S. interests.
Stephen Kinzer's quote highlights the complex dynamics of international relations, particularly the United States' support for Israel. It suggests that by recognizing the rights of Arab people to choose their leaders, America must be prepared to accept outcomes that may not align with its own geopolitical interests, specifically regarding Israel. This concept challenges the notion of controlling or influencing foreign governments based solely on strategic interests.
Themes
ArabLeadersElectionsUsIsrael
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about Middle Eastern politics, this quote could highlight the importance of democratic processes.
More from Stephen Kinzer
All quotes βGuerrilla leaders win wars by being paranoid and ruthless. Once they take power, they are expected to abandon those qualities and embrace opposite ones: tolerance, compromise and humility. Almost none manages to do so.
Stephen KinzerRead
Rwanda has emerged from the devastation of genocide and become more secure and prosperous than anyone had a right to expect.
Stephen KinzerRead
After installing friendly leaders in Iran and Guatemala, the United States lost interest in promoting democracy in either country.
Stephen KinzerRead
Want to depose the government of a poor country with resources? Want to bash Muslims? Want to build support for American military interventions around the world? Want to undermine governments that are raising their people up from poverty because they don't conform to the tastes of Upper West Side intellectuals? Use human rights as your excuse!
Stephen KinzerRead
Every nation, like every individual, would like to believe it owes 'no apology' to anyone. Adults realise, however, that few among us are purely innocent or utterly blameless.
Stephen KinzerRead
Similar quotes
It's too much show business and too much prompting, too much artificiality, and not really debates. They're rehearsed appearances.
George H. W. BushRead
Politics is the art of the next best.
Otto Von BismarckRead
The three branches of government number considerably more than three and are not, in any sense, 'branches' since that would imply that there is something they are all attached to besides self-aggrandizement and our pocketbooks. ... Government is not a machine with parts; it's an organism. When does an intestine quit being an intestine and start becoming an asshole?
P. J. O'RourkeRead
One day after laying a wreath at the tomb of Martin Luther King Jr., President Bush appoints a federal judge who has built his career around dismantling Dr. King's legacy.
Hillary ClintonRead
Whenever a fellow tells me he's bipartisan, I know he's going to vote against me.
Harry S. TrumanRead
"I criticize America because I love her. I want her to stand as a moral example to the world."
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read