Support from the military was a key stabilizing factor in Taiwan's first peaceful transition of political power last year. Taiwan's armed forces have won kudos both at home and abroad for the respect they have demonstrated for democracy and the Constitution. The military has evolved from being an army of the Chiang family and the KMT, but it still has some way to go to completely modernize. Many people still fear political interference by the armed forces -- while some of the top brass are apparently confused about where their loyalties lie. Their morale goes up and down along with fluctuations in the political scene.
Yesterday was Armed Forces Day and to celebrate President Chen Shui-bian (
Meanwhile, other retirees attended a banquet hosted by KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
A majority of officers who retired over the past 10 years appear to be suffering from a confused value system. They did not see any real fighting during their careers. They were indoctrinated with the authoritarian ideals of "leader, principles, nation, honor." But now there is no longer any holy leader to worship or any eternal "ism" to follow. Many who came from China in their youth harbor a nostalgia for what they were supposed to view as a "bandit area." When they have a chance to visit China, they are not sure whether it's their "motherland" or an "enemy camp."
In the KMT era, officers made sure to steer clear of politics after Sun Li-jen (
Two former chiefs of the General Staff, Hau Pei-tsun (
Taiwan is now in the process of normalizing trade relations with China by easing the "no haste, be patient" policy and planning direct links with China. However, Beijing still has 350 missiles aimed at Taiwan and has not renounced the use of force to unite with Taiwan. Beijing has also continued to hold military exercises on Dongshan Island off Fujian Province. These should make an excellent lesson for our servicemen on what to fight for.
After retiring from their military careers, many officers find it hard to adapt to a pluralistic society. They should avoid political disputes and enjoy the latter part of their lives instead of embarrassing themselves by slandering the president and running off to visit China. Such behavior ruins the honor they earned in their careers, humiliates the armed forces they used to serve in and creates a negative impression upon the rest of society.
Saudi Arabian largesse is flooding Egypt’s cultural scene, but the reception is mixed. Some welcome new “cooperation” between two regional powerhouses, while others fear a hostile takeover by Riyadh. In Cairo, historically the cultural capital of the Arab world, Egyptian Minister of Culture Nevine al-Kilany recently hosted Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki al-Sheikh. The deep-pocketed al-Sheikh has emerged as a Medici-like patron for Egypt’s cultural elite, courted by Cairo’s top talent to produce a slew of forthcoming films. A new three-way agreement between al-Sheikh, Kilany and United Media Services — a multi-media conglomerate linked to state intelligence that owns much of
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