Operation: Muskateer and the only time I ever felt proud of a republican

[Nightowl_2004]

I was researching a paper for one of my classes on European History about "Operation: Muskateer" When I read the story about how France, England and Israel planned this perfect little war so they could take the Suez Canal for themselves. Specifically making sure that it was designed to be favorable to Israel, And look like Egypt initiated the aggression and the Muskateers (3 Countries, hence the operation name) were simply "defending freedom and democracy" I was overcome with a sense of rage.

I don't know why, I just kept envisioning some British or French paratrooper who was given the job of taking El Amil (sp?) airfield against heavy opposition (a virtual suicide mission) thinking he was going and doing it for his country, fighting Arab aggression, all the while some bastards back in a villa in France were toasting each other with champagne at their perfect little conspiracy (no shit, thats actually what they were doing!!!! :grr: :mad: ) I was overcome with rage. (Reminded me of Iraq)

What astounded me was the fact that Eisenhower acknowledged that he didn't like the Nasser Regime but he didn't see the need to attack it and America was one of the few nations that called a spade a spade and told the Muskateers where to shove it. That's what I want America to be like, A Country that is sensible and freedom loving and knows when the ideals of democracy and freedom are being misused for evil intentions and intervenes.

Just my little rant about An interesting, thought provoking and virtually unknown piece of history that I discovered tonight.

[The Doctor.]

1. nice piece...

I haven't had that urge in a while ... but I stand inspired.

[Lucky Luciano]

2. expand upon this

It could be an interesting article for the front page of DU if you do good research with good citations. I would read it for sure! If you write it up anbd it does not make it as an article, I would still love to read the details!

[Nightowl_2004]

3. I'm bored and this sounds like a good idea!

I'll get to work on this.

[BlueHandDuo]

4. Yeah, Eisenhower wasn't bad...

...although Stevenson would have made a good President, too.

[punpirate]

5. Well, you don't have to feel too proud...

... because Eisenhower's CIA had just finished overthrowing the democratically-elected governments of Guatemala and Iran, on his orders, and was in the midst of throwing a monkeywrench into the 1956 elections in Vietnam, along with getting the Hungarians all riled up to fight Russian tanks with Molotov cocktails and pitchforks, thinking we were going to help.

Eisenhower never believed in overt displays of military force, but he had the CIA covert operations group working overtime all around the world.

[Nightowl_2004]

6. Good Point

But Hell, at least he did some things right. It's more than we can say about a CERTAIN Republican president!