In a political landscape often dominated by short-term thinking, George Brikho, a Republican congressional candidate in 2014, stands out with his forthright and unconventional views. Brikho's candid statements about U.S. foreign policy, the role of corporations in politics, and the need for a statesman's long-term vision offer a refreshing perspective on governance and national priorities.
James Freeman Clarke famously differentiated a politician from a statesman by their focus: "The difference between a politician and a statesman is that a politician thinks about the next election while the statesman thinks about the next generation." This distinction is crucial in understanding Brikho's approach and criticisms of contemporary political practices.
George Brikho made headlines with his bold claim: "We created ISIS, and we need to destroy ISIS," attributing the funding of ISIS to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, nations considered U.S. allies. His perspective challenges the conventional narratives and points to a complex web of geopolitical interests and alliances that often get oversimplified in mainstream discourse.
Brikho argues that U.S. foreign interventions, often driven by corporate interests rather than democratic values, contribute to regional instability and the emergence of extremist groups like ISIS. His critique aligns with analyses suggesting that power vacuums left by toppled regimes in Iraq and Libya facilitated the rise of such groups. According to a study by the University of Chicago, interventions can increase the likelihood of terrorist backlash (University of Chicago, 2019).
Echoing President Eisenhower's warnings about the military-industrial complex, Brikho contends that contemporary wars are profit-driven, orchestrated by corporations that influence political decisions. This perspective is supported by data indicating significant defense spending and contracts awarded to private companies during conflict periods. For instance, U.S. defense expenditure has consistently been above $600 billion annually over the past decade (Department of Defense, 2023).
Brikho touches on a critical aspect of international relations — economic sovereignty and its implications in global oil politics. He points out the challenges faced by nations like Iraq and Libya when they attempted to sell oil in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, thereby threatening U.S. economic dominance.
Saudi Arabia's unique position in OPEC, as Brikho notes, allows it to influence oil prices significantly. The decision by Iraq in 2000 to trade oil in euros posed a challenge to the dollar's supremacy, potentially shifting economic power (OPEC, 2000). Such maneuvers underscore the intricate relationship between global finance and geopolitical strategies.
Advocating for a non-interventionist foreign policy, Brikho believes that reducing military engagements would decrease national debt and prevent unnecessary entanglements. His stance resonates with a growing segment of Americans who question the efficacy and morality of overseas military operations (Pew Research Center, 2021).
On his campaign website, Brikho emphasizes the importance of adhering to the U.S. Constitution to protect personal liberties and limit government power. His critique of federal overreach and taxation echoes broader concerns about civil liberties and economic freedom.
George Brikho's candidature and ideology highlight the critical need for statesmanship in American politics — leaders who prioritize long-term national interests over short-term electoral gains. As the political landscape evolves, Brikho's perspectives invite voters and policymakers to rethink the principles guiding their decisions and the legacy they wish to leave for future generations.
Detroit 1967 Project
The 1967 Project is a transfomrational effort to promote informed discussion and spark clearer understanding about the events of the summer of 1967 and their effects on metro Detroit and the United States.
The flavor of cultures
The Flavor of Cultures is Namou's third novel, recently published. It's about Mervat, a girl born in Iraq as a minority Christian who in the late 1970s and came to America at age two. Torn between her cultural heritage which dates back over 7300 years and the new land of freedom and opportunity, she watches friends live an Americanized lifestyle while she clings onto Middle Eastern traditions, all along yearning for the courage to follow her own path, to "Trust thyself" as Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasized.
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