An opportunity lost
Posted July 15th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
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In Matt Yglesias’ book, “Heads in the Sand,” which I can’t recommend enough, there’s an especially depressing chapter that explores the extraordinary opportunity the United States had in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. From Chapter Three:
Nations around the world, including ones with long-standing tense relations with the United States, felt their interests threatened by the rise of transnational terrorism. An internationalist approach could have brought a vast quantity of resources from all around the world to bear on a handful of acute problems — a global alliance capable of achieving defined goals on several fronts.
It’s easy to forget what an important, generational moment this was the nation. Our traditional allies couldn’t have been more supportive, and were anxious to cooperate, but more importantly, untraditional allies wanted to forge new relationships with the United States, including Syria and Iran, both of which had long-standing concerns about al Qaeda. It was an unprecedented opportunity for America to lead. Instead, we had George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and a team of neocons, who had a dream to execute. We’re living with the consequences today, and will be for quite some time.
I mention this because of one of the more powerful portions of Barack Obama’s speech on national security today in DC.
“The power to destroy life on a catastrophic scale now risks falling into the hands of terrorists. The future of our security - and our planet - is held hostage to our dependence on foreign oil and gas. From the cave-spotted mountains of northwest Pakistan, to the centrifuges spinning beneath Iranian soil, we know that the American people cannot be protected by oceans or the sheer might of our military alone.
“The attacks of September 11 brought this new reality into a terrible and ominous focus. On that bright and beautiful day, the world of peace and prosperity that was the legacy of our Cold War victory seemed to suddenly vanish under rubble, and twisted steel, and clouds of smoke.
“But the depth of this tragedy also drew out the decency and determination of our nation. At blood banks and vigils; in schools and in the United States Congress, Americans were united - more united, even, than we were at the dawn of the Cold War. The world, too, was united against the perpetrators of this evil act, as old allies, new friends, and even long-time adversaries stood by our side. It was time - once again - for America’s might and moral suasion to be harnessed; it was time to once again shape a new security strategy for an ever-changing world.
“Imagine, for a moment, what we could have done in those days, and months, and years after 9/11.
“We could have deployed the full force of American power to hunt down and destroy Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda, the Taliban, and all of the terrorists responsible for 9/11, while supporting real security in Afghanistan.
“We could have secured loose nuclear materials around the world, and updated a 20th century non-proliferation framework to meet the challenges of the 21st.
“We could have invested hundreds of billions of dollars in alternative sources of energy to grow our economy, save our planet, and end the tyranny of oil.
“We could have strengthened old alliances, formed new partnerships, and renewed international institutions to advance peace and prosperity.
“We could have called on a new generation to step into the strong currents of history, and to serve their country as troops and teachers, Peace Corps volunteers and police officers.
“We could have secured our homeland–investing in sophisticated new protection for our ports, our trains and our power plants.
“We could have rebuilt our roads and bridges, laid down new rail and broadband and electricity systems, and made college affordable for every American to strengthen our ability to compete.
“We could have done that.
“Instead, we have lost thousands of American lives, spent nearly a trillion dollars, alienated allies and neglected emerging threats - all in the cause of fighting a war for well over five years in a country that had absolutely nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks.”
Keep in mind, this was more than just a missed leadership opportunity, more than just a dangerous miscalculation, and more than just a mistake. It was the execution of a misguided worldview that deliberately rejected this generational opportunity.
And it is a worldview that John McCain — at least in his current persona — embraces enthusiastically.
There are 111 days until the election. Vote wisely. |
