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Aug. 28, 2009 Radio Free Europe was a significant tool in keeping Europe from falling under the spell of the evil empire of the time, in NATO and on our side, whatever that meant. It helped our Allies breathe free and hold their heads up and stay in sympathy with a major ally. It made our lives easier and that much harder for the bad guys of the day since the people on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain could learn about how much nicer it was on the good side of the Berlin Wall and the free side in the West. The politicians of the day were very determined, very savvy, very successful and very proud of themselves. Obviously, they did a good job as we know. Consider the current state of the world and think about it. Let me suggest that this successful formula could be applied to Iraq and Afghanistan with hopefully similar results. It shouldn't be hard to build a couple of broadcast studios to cover those countries. A million or two here and there should do. Of course, they would have to be protected as they should soon become targets for destructive terrorism and sinister threats and the like. Transistor radios used to be very cheap. in the range of ten to twenty dollars. Batteries are also cheap at a dollar or two. This government could afford to be generous and even give the stuff away. What could be broadcast. How about cooking tips. Household hints. Personal advice. The proceedings of the local government. Man in the street interviews. Grousing about politics and local problems including what I am going to label gangster activity. Music and other kinds of entertainment and just plain talk should become popular, depending on local tastes. I am sure you get the idea. What would be the result? Probably more democratic and freedom loving societies. True, there might be misuse. You have to be careful. You have to vet users and uses, in any case and over there under the current circumstances protect people. Although that is what we are supposed to be doing, in any case. Think of all the media in this country and how good it is. Broadcast stations. Cable. The Internet. Newspapers, magazines and other outlets. I am sure you can figure this one out for yourself and throw in some additional ideas. People here are basically informed and normally enjoy themselves. What worked in Europe during a very, very trying time should also work in the Middle East, Far East and Asia during similarly very troubled modern times. If done properly, it should help calm things down and allow the local citizens stand up for themselves. This also might be tried with tvs and cell phones. The problem with broadcasting television stations, however, is that the sets use up a lot of electricity, requiring a stable electric supply or a lot of money for batteries. There are also advantages to distributing cell phones to the populace. Of course, you need cell phone towers and other equipment. But talking about whatever seems to be popular worldwide. One thing that all of this new activity should do is expose the local people to the modern world and the luxury of what are considered Western conveniences. Like microwave ovens, dishwashers, electric can openers. Bed warmers and on and on and on. Again, I am sure you get the idea. Imagine Iraq and Afghanistan entering the modern world.
What worked in a beset Europe should also work in a troubled Iraq and Afghanistan. Why not give it a try?
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