Perhaps, but eventually, dysfunctional nations must fall of their own weight, in the ecology of things.
The prevalent hidden assumption that the US must occupy, support, and/or enforce failing national structures worldwide is absolutely insane.
Those who believe otherwise should volunteer for any one of a large number of foreign or domestic volunteer services that don't obligate the American citizen to pay for their hobbies.
We are going to need all of our tax dollars to find some way to defend the homeland. The Norman Rockwell image we're used to has faded to black. Tom Ridge isn't yet up to the job, and no one is in the wings.
I speak from a little bit of experience - I spent most of 1968 in the ME and Israel on a completely different assignment, and was invited to join their cause (as they do any warm bodies). I had a great time with these energetic, disciplined folks, who could drink me under the table and still roll out at 5:30am.
My conclusion: we should have nothing to do with their problems. Whether these entities, including Palestine, Pakistan, and the others even exist in the future is their problem, and perhaps a matter of individual interest, but not a matter of US national interest, in spite of hysterical pleadings. And I say this as a businessman currently working with Israeli companies and a fondness for their culture.
The solution is economic progress, not geopolitical nintendo, supported by overeager military solutions. Self-determination is more than a political concept, it's an economic force that will prevail, if we don't screw it up by taking sides.
IMO |
