If we had had a "European" approach to terrorism after 9/11, the world would be a much better place right now.
Well, I wouldn't go that far. If you mean the British approach, when you say European, then I would agree with you. But if you mean the French or German approach when you say European, then I'd have to disagree completely. Tony Blair knows how to use the military. The French and Germans want to "talk" about everything but not put teeth into any negotiated settlement. Look at the "European" approach to Iran. That approach is becoming a fast track to Iran joining the nuclear club.
I want a no-holds barred, multi-faceted, muscular approach. That means kicking ass against Iranian, Syria, Saudi, and other bad gov't leaders. It also means an aggressive program to freeze all purchases of oil from the Middle East by 2015, by reducing our consumption through advanced automotive technologies. It means heavy diplomatic engagement with our central and south American neighbors to help them solidify their Democracies and help them maintain a centrist tilt. It means, like you said, multi-lateral engagement with the Europeans, Russians, and Chinese to make more friends and to enlist their aid in a problem that de-stabilizes the world economy. It's all those things and more. |
