Reputations Readjusted

The swift current of events abroad brought along with it many a readjustment in national reputations.

Russia: Damaged what reputation it had by the cruelty of its repressions, disillusioning thousands of Communists in Europe and disabusing millions of non-Communists who thought that Russian rulers might be growing more humane. In passing, destroyed several illusions of dictatorship: that a secret-police state can crush any rebellion; that a younger generation can be educated by force to believe in Communism.

Most importantly, Russia betrayed weaknesses at the core: a realization that none of its 1,500,000 satellite soldiers can be trusted; a revelation that the Soviet leaders themselves are divided, uncertain and disturbed, and may be losing control of their empire.

Yugoslavia: Diminished Tito's stature as an independent, since when the chips were down he was prepared to justify Soviet tanks in Budapest.

Britain: Shocked millions, including a large minority of its own citizens, who thought that contemporary Britain would never start a war of aggression, and shocked them further by the manner in which its intentions and purposes were masked. In the Arab world it is now said:

Britain used to be hated and feared; now it is only hated.

France: Shared the condemnation of Britain, though less so, since in the Arab world at least, less was expected of it.

Israel: Proved it could lick any Arab army, though doing so increased the hatred towards it of all Arabs.

Egypt: Proved its military prowess was overrated, but showed itself internally more stable than expected.

India: Dropped in prestige, especially in Asia (where it wants to be the leader), because of Nehru's unwillingness to denounce a Communist bloodbath as quickly as Western misdeeds.

Burma: Gained independent international stature by its willingness to abandon neutralist caution, and boldly declare its opposition to Communist assaults at home and abroad.

Hungary: Reached a worldwide peak of admiration.

U.S.: Gained immense prestige in Asia, Africa and Latin America by its readiness to condemn aggression by a friend as well as by an enemy; gained gratitude by its decision to strengthen the U.N.. and gained trust by separating itself from the colonial powers. Suffered, along with other Western countries, for its inability to help Hungary (even though the reason might be understood). Criticized in Britain and France for inaction in the Middle East. In Britain. anti-Americanism is now the private, and can soon be expected to become the public, scapegoat of the Tories.

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