From Nov. 9: Joshua Landis interviewed by RT (Russian English-language TV) (h/t). One point that goes beyond the immediately topical is his argument that there are no state apparatuses in the M.E. separate from the particular regimes that are in control; hence, regime change always means chaos. I might have some further comment on it later.
ETA: See also, somewhat relatedly, this widely linked piece in The Nation from last month, describing interviews with ISIS fighters being held as prisoners in Iraq. Interesting on the issue(s) of motivation.
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2 comments:
That's a very informative interview. i think perhaps Im becoming too pessimistic but
"Both countries, both Russia and the U.S. look at the Middle East and see themselves. The religion of the United States is democracy; It looks at the Middle East and thinks: “Oh, we can solve its problems by exporting democracy. Freedom will dry up the swamp of angry youth; it will dry up terrorism, which is the product of dictatorship. They believe that Jihadism and Salafism will vanish as merit-driven, young strivers embrace capitalism and self-improvement."
seems right
I'd missed that passage. Will have to go back and look at the context. May say something more substantive later.
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