"suppose we get the old bloke out of there. what then?"
WE don't get anybody out of anywhere Al, but we encourage those who want to better their lot and modernise and free up their societies to do so in whatever way THEY choose - their choices, not ours.
We most certainly DO NOTin any way hinder that process of change by propping up the persecutors by selling the persecutors the wherewithal to persecute because they are regarded as a safe pair of hands to ensure that we can keep our cars on the road.
One of the things missing from the arguments of those who "don't have the least idea what in hell I am wittering on about" (sic) is their failure to address the immorality and total lack of humanity in supporting the monsters because it in our interests to do so - Batista, Marshal Ky, Pinochet, Papa Doc, Assad, the Saudi Princes, Netanyahu - all good friends of the west at one time or another, because it has suited us.
Now that predatory self interest has blown up in our faces.
Take the piss all you want Al - you obviously have chosen your side in all this - and a sorry bunch you make.
Jim Carroll