skin...
>>We have to outsmart, outmaneuver and outfight the bad guys<<
I have no problem with that, but how? We are entirely in agreement that they constitute a threat-- 9/11 was not symbolic, we agree it was massive.
IMO, outsmarting them means we must cut their support from under their feet. Do we do that by alienating them, by killing them, or by forcefully invading Saudi Arabia, Iran, N. Korea, etc.
IMO, we can usually depend upon people acting in their own self-interest. In most cases, self-interest is both rational and is economic. If you agree, then we must build economic interdependence beween us and the moderate rulers in Islamic States. This means opening the doors to Iran and Pakistan, keeping the doors to China, and Saudi Arabia opened, and putting subtle economic pressure on them to democratize. However, I certainly recognize the need for force and I'm personally delighted that Bush created his "hit list" of outlaws. Without force, there cannot be any pressure.
Just as we "bought" Musharaf in Pakistan (by forgiving the $13 Billion in loans), we created economic burdens for the Pakistanis to export textiles here. That created more animosity than Bin Laden. Once we become a market for their textiles, their interests become more aligned with ours. I could not believe Bush was increasing barriers to trade while courting Pakistan.
BTW, during our whole use of Pakistan in the beginning of the Afghan war, I read the Pakistani newspapers. They were much more concerned with India than with the US. Many I knew predicted overthrow of Musharif for "turning" against the Taliban.
The carrot must be used while the shadow of the stick looms. People go into hiding to avoid the stick, but come to sunlight to enjoy the carrot. The most viable force against terrorism will be within the countries where the terrorists roam.
I have frequent discussion with foreign friends. I have one yet to support Bush. One Portuguese/German friend (lives in Estoril) did admit that Afghanistan worked out far far better than his dire prognostications, and admitted that getting the inspectors into Iraq was an achievement. Every foreign friend fears US unilaterilism. We must develop allies.
fred |
