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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: JohnM who wrote (68187)	1/23/2003 8:00:45 PM
From: KonKilo	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Excellent, thoughtful post, JohnM. No need to apologize.

To: JohnM who wrote (68187)	1/24/2003 1:19:35 AM
From: paul_philp	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 281500

There is a second component which is to dry up the recruiting base of Al Qaeda. To some degree, the first item might accomplish that. But, more likely, it will increase recruitment. I'm convinced the only way seriously to address that issue, then, is some imaginative engagement promoting economic development and democratic institutions. With the exception of the Marshall Plan in Europe and the US actions in Japan, all after WWII, I don't think we've ever undertaken such a venture. And I don't think the parallels are exactly similar, so whereas I started to type "another Marshall Plan", I stopped because of the dissimilarities and left the vaguer "imaginative engagement" term. You and I agree. The "imaginative engagement" my include an awkward condition - accepting a consititution that seperates church and state. I wouldn't make the deal without it and I think we will need some leverage to get it. The second benefit of such a program would be to alter, dramatically, the view the remainder of the world has of US actions and intentions, might lead to participation by those other nations; would, most certainly, increase the likelihood of serious cooperation in the first item above, the active search for Al Qaeda operatives. I am from the 'glimmer of hope' school. All it takes is the possibility, the lived, experienced possibility of an alertnate future for their children. I can see a Marshall plan type effort to extend their economic and educational infrastructure. We could easily start in Jordan. Lot's of possibilities. Nothing is possible while the Israleli's and Palestinians count their down like football scores. Cutting off Saddam's money, arms and moral support to Arafat can give the US some leverage over both sides. American unhindered by the UN and EU could be bolder in their 'negotiations'. I think that Bush might be able to get himself into a position to get treaty drafting rights. I think the Al Qaeda operatives desparately hope we think that it is a country or a region that kills. One of the prime reasons, best I can tell, for 9-11, was to push us toward such thoughts. We should not do their work for them. We should also remember that the primary target for AQ rage is Saudi Arabia. I think 9/11 was a recruitment drive for the lost souls of Saudi Arabia. AQ is going to get another attack done. The Ricin attack in London was a very serious plot. Something will get through. That will change the atmosphere a lot. Paul