LOGO: Truthdig: Drilling Beneath the Headlines. A Progressive Journal of News and Opinion. Editor, Robert Scheer. Publisher, Zuade Kaufman.  
February 10, 2010
Log in / Register

 Choose a size
Text Size

Most Read

The Terror-Industrial Complex

Wall Street Wants a Refund

America's Confused Approach to Afghanistan

Haiti, Forgive Us

Palin Calls Global Warming Research 'Snake Oil Science'

Most Comments
Most Emailed

Reports
 * NEW! * Wall Street Wants a Refund
 * NEW! * Haiti, Forgive Us

Ear to the Ground

A/V Booth

Arts & Culture

Digs
Financial Meltdown 101

Truthdig Bazaar
One State, Two States

One State, Two States

By Benny Morris
$17.16

more items

 
Reports

He’ll Always Have Albania

Email this item Email    Print this item Print   
Posted on Jun 12, 2007

By Eugene Robinson

WASHINGTON—George W. Bush, Hero of Albania! At least there’s one place in the world where they show the Decider some love.

    That was a wonderful reverse-Borat moment Sunday, with the joyous townspeople of Fushe Kruje yelling “Bushie! Bushie!” and Albania’s prime minister gushing over the “greatest and most distinguished guest we have ever had in all times.” The crowd pressed in for autographs, photographs, a presidential peck on the cheek. Years from now, in his dotage, Bushie will feel warm all over when he recalls those magical hours in Albania. How they adored him!

    Outside of greater Tirana, however, the president’s stock as an apostle of freedom continues to fall—and rightly so. Even as Albania swooned, the rest of Europe was digesting a blue-ribbon report issued Friday about the abduction, secret detention and abusive interrogation of suspects in Bush’s “war on terror.”

    The report was done for the Council of Europe by Swiss legislator Dick Marty, and its opening paragraph is worth quoting at length:

    “What was previously just a set of allegations is now proven: large numbers of people have been abducted from various locations across the world and transferred to countries where they have been persecuted and where it is known that torture is common practice. Others have been held in arbitrary detention, without any precise charges leveled against them and without any judicial oversight. ... Still others have simply disappeared for indefinite periods and have been held in secret prisons, including in member states of the Council of Europe.”

Advertisement

    Citing “clear and detailed confirmation” from knowledgeable sources, Marty concluded that Poland and Romania, as long suspected, were two countries that hosted secret CIA prisons where “high value” detainees were held and interrogated.

    Polish and Romanian officials have said they are shocked—shocked!—that anyone would accuse them of having anything to do with CIA dungeons and/or the “enhanced” questioning techniques that the report describes as torture. But Marty is a former prosecutor, and he puts together a compelling case.

    This, I am convinced, is how future generations will remember George W. Bush: as the president who abandoned our traditional concepts of justice and human rights, choosing instead a program of state-sponsored kidnapping, arbitrary detention and abusive interrogation techniques such as “waterboarding.”

    We will remember him for the Iraq war, of course. But I hope and believe we will give at least as much weight to his erosion of our nation’s fundamental values and basic character.

    We will remember him as the president who established a prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, complete with kangaroo-court military tribunals in which detainees are not allowed to see the alleged evidence against them. We will remember that long after it was clear that Guantanamo was doing serious harm to our nation’s reputation in the world—on Sunday, Bush’s former secretary of state, Colin Powell, called for the place to be shut down “this afternoon”—Bush stubbornly kept it open.

    We will remember Dick Cheney not for accidentally shooting a fellow hunter, but for apparently being the loudest and most strident voice inside the administration against honoring the concepts of due process and habeas corpus that define justice in civilized societies. We will remember the negligible regard he holds for the Geneva Conventions. 

    We will remember Alberto Gonzales not for his hapless stewardship of the Justice Department or the firings of those U.S. attorneys—well, actually, we will remember him for those things—but we’ll also remember that when he was White House counsel he dutifully provided legalistic justification for subjecting prisoners to treatment that international agreements clearly define as torture. 

    We will remember this whole misguided administration for deciding to wage the fight against terrorism in a manner that not only mocks our nation’s values, but also draws new recruits to the anti-American cause. We will remember this White House for unwittingly helping the terrorist cause perpetuate itself.

    Marty makes this point in his report. “We are fully aware of the seriousness of the terrorist threat and the danger it poses to our societies,” he writes. “However, we believe that the end does not justify the means in this area.” Resorting to “abuse and illegal acts,” he says, “actually amounts to a resounding failure of our system and plays right into the hands of the criminals who seek to destroy our societies through terror.”

    Nineteen months from now, a new president will begin trying to repair some of the damage this administration leaves behind. Bushie, meanwhile, will be back on the ranch, spending his days clearing brush and perhaps daydreaming of his Albanian glory.
   
    Eugene Robinson’s e-mail address is eugenerobinson(at symbol)washpost.com.
   
    © 2007, Washington Post Writers Group


Elsewhere: .

Comments

Are you a Truthdig member yet? Login now, or register with Truthdig.

By Druthers, June 14, 2007 at 5:20 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

#77328 I have to admit that I am a bit biased when it comes to Eugene Robinson’s articles. I guess you can call me a ‘Robinsonie’.

I too am a ‘Robinsonie.’  I always stop to read his articles and am never dissapointed.

He has a knack for hitting the nail on the head.

Report this

By Mark, June 14, 2007 at 2:48 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

No wonder Bush is popular in Albania.  He is promising them someone else’s land for free.  Quite incredible too, Bush is setting a precedent that if a minority group builds up to be a majority in part of a country they can just break away without any consent or legal basis with the host country.  All compliments of the UN or what the hell, even without the UN (whatever the boy emporer wants).  At the same time, Bush is pushing for ammesty for ten of millions of illegal aliens (from you know where).  Sound like good policy to you?

In the meantime, Bush said we must do this before the poor malcontent Kosovar Albanians get frustrated and attack us.  Attack us?  Interesting, four of the goons who plotted to kill our soldiers in Fort Dix (in New York) where Kosovar Albanians.  When we invaded Afghanistan, our soldiers found Al Qaeda correspondence where an Albanian Kosovar who once lived in the US recommended a terrorist attack in Disneyland in the US.  Some friends them Albanians.  The Serbs have never threatened or committed a terrorist attack against us which is remarkable considering all the “stuff” we have (and continue to do) against them.  The few Serbs who are left in Kosovo (after being mostly ethnically cleansed) are constantly terrorized by the KLA.  Once again we picked the wrong side.  Just like when we once picked Castro, Noreiga, Hussein, Bin Laden, and countless other SOBs to be our friends.  That was, until they turned around and bit us.  Then they all of a sudden turned out to be really, really, bad, bad people.

Summary, Clinton was an idiot for Kosovo.  Bush is a bigger idiot (well, for a multitude of reasons) for running this madness to it’s completion.

Report this

By Arthur Rambler, June 14, 2007 at 2:24 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

No wonder Bushie found great reception in Albania. Because his predecessor Billy Klintoon carried out the terrorist action against the sovereign nation of Yugoslavia, which never did the US harm - just because they wanted to protect themselves from the Albanian terrorists, who are now terrorizing and killing Serb civilians and also vandalizing and destroying the Serb churches and monasteries, which are unique achitectural monuments and specimens of a an invaluable culture. Now Bushie wants to follow Billy’s footsteps and detach Kosovo from Serbia, though Kosovo has never belonged to Albanians, but is the cradle of the Serb nation and culture. That’s why the terrorists and drug dealers love both Billy and Bushie.

Report this

By Debra Istvanik-Strotman, June 14, 2007 at 2:02 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

We don’t want Bush. Albania wants Bush. Let’s give Bush a one way ticket to Albania; upon landing take his passport and inform him he is not to return to the United States, that we will not allow a dictator in the United States ever again. Bid him farewell, and we all live happily ever after. Bush will have the admiration of people that alluded him here, and we have freedom from a tyrant. Problem solved!

Report this

By Tony Wicher, June 13, 2007 at 11:44 pm #

#77347 by Mike Mid-City on 6/12 at 10:29 am
(311 comments total)

“Instead of cutting brush, Bush could be hiding in a country that has no extradition treaty with us.”

Yeah, I want Bush in a federal prison, not cutting brush, and I don’t want to wait 19 months to get rid of him. He will push the button on Iran by then.

Report this

By Dan Uu Noel, June 13, 2007 at 7:23 pm #

As has been noted, Albanians have suffered much over the last few centuries; most of their post-WWII experience was to live under one of the most ferocious dictatorships on the face of the planet, comparable to North Korea. They can be forgiven for seeing the USA as a beacon for humanity and be unaware of the Bush’s transgression that many Westeners find unforgivable.

As far as Bush’s legacy, its heaviest component will likely be the 9/11 farce. This may earn him a place in history on par with that of very few U.S. presidents.

Report this

By NYC_Attorney, June 13, 2007 at 6:15 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

#77371 by Art on 6/12 at 11:35 am
(Unregistered commenter)

<<<I don’t understand…why you put down your own president when he was elected by the majority of Americans.>>>

This dangerous “emperor’s new clothes” sentiment, which seeks to insulate Bush 2 from any and all criticism despite his horrendous track record, has been followed to a tee by those in the WH who surround Bush and the impotent 4th Estate as well.

Winning the 2004 elections was not a mandate, and it most definitely was not a free pass to do whatever he wants until 2008. To suggest that an electoral victory entitles Bush to bask in our collective love in ignorance of the ruin he has brought upon this country is an implication that should barely need addressing.

Such a sentiment is symptomatic of the enabling attitudes that have allowed Bush to expand the reach of executive powers this country has never seen (and the Constitution never envisioned). As a result, we have less civil liberties, no domestic agenda (that doesn’t include some draconian ideology), and a federal deficit that will take years, if ever, to be repaired. Do I need to mention that the Bush WH “insulated themselves” from numerous warnings from the intelligence commnunity regarding the absence of WMD in Iraq? Does it further need to be mentioned that he and his ‘war’ cabinet “insulated themselves” from extensive government studies regarding the inherent difficulties in stabilizing post-war Iraq? How does that “emperor’s robe” fit now?

So yes. Go on praising Bush 2 blindly, supporting whatever ill-conceived agenda he has next.

He doesn’t need opposing points of views anyways. He has his gut.

Was there no child in Albania to point out that Bush has no clothes?

<<<At least Albanians understand that when a person in America is democratically elected, he then represents ALL of the people.>>>

Actually, according to the polls, he barely represents 30 % of us.

Report this

By Janus, June 13, 2007 at 2:53 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

We need to determine whether Murdoch’s Fox Noise TV Channel is being beamed to Albania and duping the Albanians each day in the same way too many mostly rural bumpkin airheads in the U. S. are being duped. Perhaps their newspapers are carrying translated columns by Shill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaughloney, Sean Hannutsy, Annie von Coulter, and Moaner Charen, all of whom are adored by the quasi-fascist ultra-Right in the U. S.

Report this

By PaulMagillSmith, June 13, 2007 at 1:20 pm #

#77371 by Art on 6/12 at 11:35 am
(Unregistered commenter)


“It’s actually Bushi in Albanian, NOT “Bushie.” The letter ‘i’ for masculine and ‘a’ for feminine is added at the end of a name whenever it is being referred to. Thus people chanting Bush’s name ‘Bushi.’”

++Sorry to burst your bubble, Art, but for most of the world’s citizens (and the majority of Americans at present) it’s BU**SH**.++

“Furthermore, the Albanians are a very pro-American people and they just showed some love to America’s highest ambassador.”

++Actually most Iranians are also pro-American, but they can’t really be blamed for hating the policies and actions of the “...highest ambassador.”. Bush is a person who proffers a fist rather than a soothing carress. What kind of ‘ambassador’ prefers pre-emptive war rather than diplomatic solutions to international problems? He might be YOUR ‘ambassador’, but he sure as hell doesn’t speak on behalf of US (the majority of Americans). Rather than “...highest ambassador” he’s our “Worst embarrassment”.++

“...and why you put down your own president when he was elected by the majority of Americans. At least Albanians understand that when a person in America is democratically elected, he then represents ALL of the people. What, did you want Albanians to throw stones and bottles at Bush?”

++Actually I would have greater respect for Albanians if they had thrown rocks, bottles, and whatever else was appropriate. You obviously have only had your head buried in Republican propaganda, or you would have discovered ample factual evidence Bush was never EVER elected by the majority of US citizens. SCOTUS ‘appointed’ him in 2000, and he & his cohorts ‘stole’ the 2004 election. If you want a comprehensive record of what went on in 2004 I would suggest Robert F. Kennedy, Jr’s well researched, well written article on the matter. It’s appeared in numerous publications including Rolling Stone Magazine. Do your research & homework before you spew more erroneous propaganda on this travesty.++

Fie on Bush43 & his criminal cabal (including Prescott & Bush41), and the Albanians, too, for being so ill informed. You’re right on one point, though, I (just as most Americans I believe) know little about Albania & Albanians, but if fawning over a fascist tyrant is their idea of proper behavior WHO EVEN WANTS TO GET TO KNOW THEM OR THEIR COUNTRY?

Report this

By Gloria Picchetti, June 13, 2007 at 11:24 am #

I emailed the White House, “The Albanians do not love you. They love Billy Clinton. Since they fail to make a distinction between the two, go back there.

Report this

By denk, June 13, 2007 at 3:00 am #

albania?
u arent seen nuthin yet….
one quarter of mankind want bush as prez

why not outsouce bush to india, it’d be a win win situation.

[i am reposting after encountering some hitch, there might be duplication, funny how come this is post no 12345?]

Report this

By denk, June 13, 2007 at 2:52 am #

albania?
u arent seen nuthin yet…
one quarter of mankind want bush to be their prez,
why not outsource bush to india, it will be a win win situation.?

Report this

By DennisD, June 12, 2007 at 11:08 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

The Albanians know a dictator when they see one. Just what the hell has Bu$h given or is about to give away to Albania? They must be even more dumbed down than we are.

Report this

By QuyTran, June 12, 2007 at 10:50 pm #

Just open your doors widely to welcome the devil !
Be my guest.

Report this

By PatrickHenry, June 12, 2007 at 8:46 pm #

They’ve outsourced popularity for Bush, since he can’t get it here at home.

Report this

By mojo, June 12, 2007 at 4:54 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Booshie . . . booshie. .. .booshie . . .  chainknee . . chainknee . . .

Even Mother Teresa had to leave Albania to the Albanians but found India much more receptive to her kindness and compassion.

Report this

By Chris, June 12, 2007 at 4:49 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Let Albania have him.

Report this

By Art, June 12, 2007 at 3:35 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

It’s actually Bushi in Albanian, NOT “Bushie.” The letter ‘i’ for masculine and ‘a’ for feminine is added at the end of a name whenever it is being referred to. Thus people chanting Bush’s name ‘Bushi.’

Furthermore, the Albanians are a very pro-American people and they just showed some love to America’s highest ambassador. I don’t understand why you put down an entire country just for being pro-American, and why you put down your own president when he was elected by the majority of Americans. At least Albanians understand that when a person in America is democratically elected, he then represents ALL of the people. What, did you want Albanians to throw stones and bottles at Bush? There’s a fine line between politics and diplomacy.

As for the previous poster above, please stop making such narrow minded comments about a country that you have never visited, let alone studied. Your words convey your immaturity and ignorance, and I suggest you change your tone if you want people to have the slightest respect for you.

P.S. Albania is NOT a third world country.

Report this

By Chris, June 12, 2007 at 2:23 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

I’m sure back in 1999, he wouldn’t have had a clue to Albania (and could have cared less). Now, his only allies in the world are Tony Blair (whose career and reputation are ruined, because of his association with Bush), and Albania.

“Commander guy” sees it all as solid accomplishment.

Report this

By THOMAS BILLIS, June 12, 2007 at 2:13 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Do the Albanians know that we will trade Bush?On old donkey, some trinkets.The price is not that high.I know that since the whole country almost went broke in an elaborate Ponzi scheme money is in short supply.He cannot speak Albanian worse than he speaks English so language should not be a problem.Come on make us an offer.If the offer needs sweetening we might throw in Al Gonzales.

Report this

By Chaseme, June 12, 2007 at 1:36 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

I have to admit that I am a bit biased when it comes to Eugene Robinson’s articles. I guess you can call me a ‘Robinsonie’.

My only response to this one would be a huge Thank You!

Report this

By Wayne Smyer, June 12, 2007 at 10:30 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

If Albania wants Chimp Bush, I say take him, please God, give him to Abania!

Report this

By kevin99999, June 12, 2007 at 10:09 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

Albania is one of the most corrupt and autocratic country….no wonder Bush finds support in Albania.

Report this

Add Your Comment

Posts by unregistered readers are moderated. Posts by members
are published immediately. Why wait? Register today!







Number of characters remaining: 4000

Notify you when others comment on this article?


Are you a human?
Retype the word you see here.


Please read and abide by our comment policy.
By submitting this comment, you agree to this site's terms and conditions.

 
 

 
Join the Liberal Blog Advertising Network
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A Progressive Journal of News and Opinion. Editor, Robert Scheer. Publisher, Zuade Kaufman.
Copyright © 2010 Truthdig, L.L.C. All rights reserved.