So, the solution to failed Unilateralism, is more and earlier Unilateralism. When ShockAndAwe don't work, the proposed solution will be more and more and more ShockAndAwe. Just as in Vietnam.
BTW, I consider calling the US strategy Unilateralism a fantasy. It ignores so many counter-facts that it cannot be taken seriously and no argument based on it can be taken seriously.
The Jacob Snyder telling of the Hawks strategy is not a very good match for the Hawks actual strategy. You conflate potential risks with actual outcomes.
The UN is failed institution. There is no way to reform failed instutions outside of a crisis. Now is exactly the time to deal with the issue.
The Hawks ignored the anti-American polls overseas, and ignored the anti-American (to be precise, anti-Bush) statements of foreign leaders ("just posturing"). And then were surprised, when the foreign leaders listened to their own people, and the words guided action. The French, Russians, and Chinese are going to veto our UNSC resolution. The Turks are not allowing American soldiers in. Compare how many nations sent soldiers to fight beside America, in Iraq1, and Iraq2: that is a very tangible action.
The world doesn't trust the US and it is easy to understand why. The US started the Vietnam war based on a lie. The US (and UN) setup the people of southern Iraq up for slaughter after the first Gulf War. The US has operated with a foolishly narrow definition of self-interest in the Middle East for years (as did most European countries).
So, now the US is going to act like it is the only super-power in the World. I am not at all surprised that the people of the world don't like that idea. It is up to the US to demonstrate that it will use it's power wisely. It is only through results and outcomes that the US can rebuild trust.
I kind of like the idea of a world power saying "Don't judge us by what we say, judge us by what we accomplish."
Yes, Turkey did act. History will use Turkey as the ultimate example of public opinion (which is usuall fear based) trumping leadership and turning out very badly for the public. Public opinion is very fickle. It was Turkey's choice to make and their responsibility to bear the consequences. My guess is that Turkey's politicians simply forgot to mention the consequences. A massive screw up by Bush and Gul as the outcome is bad for both countries.
With Germany, France, Turkey, and South Korea, we are seeing the shockingly quick dissolution of core alliances that held for 60 years. "Messed up" is a huge understatement.
They dissolved in 1989. We are just starting to deal with it now. There will be new alliances with many of these countries, as there will be new global institutions and structures. The new multi-lateralism will be based on the current world, not the world of 60 years ago.
Paul
Paul |
