Overall, A Tough Week for Pyongyang

The Chosun Ilbo has discovered Natan Scharansky, whose book obviously had a profound influence on the contents of President Bush’s second augural speech yesterday. Gratuitious editoralizing aside, it’s an interesting read. Meanwhile, I think I’ve discovered another influence. Here’s another president, from a few years back:

We must not break faith with those who are risking their lives…on every continent, from Afghanistan to Nicaragua … to defy Soviet aggression and secure rights which have been ours from birth. Support for freedom fighters is self-defense.”

Here’s Bush yesterday:

So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. America’s influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom’s cause. This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities.
. . . .

Eventually, the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery. Liberty will come to those who love it. Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world. All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country. The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.”

The Reagan Doctrine, quietly undone by Bush’s father, is back. It doesn’t take much guessing to see where he intends to apply it; indeed, the last sentence almost seems to have been meant for Kim Jong Il.

UPDATE: You can also read a Cliff Note version of the speech here.