183rd Edition
25th Anniversary of 9/11
My apologies for the tardiness of this blog as I have obviously missed the 9/11 anniversary. I wasn’t planning on writing one at all, since so many more eloquent writers have already done so. What could I possibly add? But then I started thinking about U.S. foreign policy in a very troubled world. It’s a topic I expound upon in some detail in my latest short novel, “A Run for the Presidency – The Sequel” which will soon be available.
In my view, a discussion of U.S. foreign policy should address several questions. First, how do we conduct ourselves in a way that makes the entire world safer? Or at least how can we promote global peace in a way that makes America safer? My sense is that absent total war, foreign policy is not a zero-sum game. But is it when it comes to dealing with our enemies? I’ve read several articles recently suggesting that America should reclaim the moral high ground and refrain from retaliation in response to acts of terror. Advocates of this approach believe that by being kinder and gentler our adversaries will somehow become our allies. This might work with one-on-one interpersonal relationships, but I’m unconvinced it will be as effective with global relations.
What can we learn from history that could serve as a useful guide to effective foreign policy? After 9/11, President Bush was committed to retaliation and holding the perpetrators accountable. His conduct of the War on Terror was highly criticized throughout his presidency. Back then, America had no appetite for a long and costly war. That same attitude exists today. President Trump’s approval ratings are being negatively impacted by the apparent stalemate in Iran.
Some people have compared 9/11 to December 7, 1941. Other than the fact our country was attacked on its home soil, there is virtually nothing in common between these two infamous events, nor in our country’s reaction. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, the entire country mobilized for war. Thousands of men enlisted, many lying about their age to do so. Industries joined forces with the government creating the Arsenal of Democracy. During the war, the U.S. produced more munitions than all other countries combined. By the end of the war, the U.S. was the lone superpower. Everyone knew that World War II was a war that had to be won. Nearly sixty million people died during WWII. Was it a righteous war? Is there such a thing?
Radical Islam struck a blow on 9/11. Our military responded. The rest of the country mourned for those who died, and paid tribute to the heroes who gave their life to save others, but then fairly quickly our country at large lost interest in retaliation and tried to move on. There was no massive mobilization and no re-establishment of an arsenal of democracy. Nonetheless, several military campaigns were launched after 9/11, including Global War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom. They all sound righteous, but were they?
There are many proponents that believe the U.S. spends way too much on national defense. There are also experts who believe our ability to protect ourselves has been compromised and they call for more military spending. We currently spend approximately $1 Trillion on national defense. How can this not be enough?
Today, most experts would consider Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran as dangerous enemies of the U.S. There are all kinds of theories about China infiltrating and attacking us from within and playing the long game to eventually surpass us as the global superpower. There are some experts who feel we should retreat from the world stage. In the political arena, there are always plenty of doves and hawks debating foreign policy strategies.
The top priority of the President is to keep the country safe. How does he do it in a world that seems increasingly unsafe? One of the great lessons from WWII is that appeasement is a very ineffective strategy when dealing with a totalitarian regime. Peace through strength, first used in the second century, seems a more logical approach today.
There are undoubtedly numerous ways to establish peaceful relations with another individual. Showing kindness, honesty, and mutual respect usually has positive effects. But every once in a while, we encounter a person who isn’t interested in peaceful relations. They may in fact be intent on producing just the opposite. Showing kindness, honesty, and mutual respect, might not work in these situations. Sometimes, you can’t even walk away. In those rare instances you just have to plant your feet and kick some ass.
Will we reach such a point with our four current adversaries? I have no idea, but I sure hope not. But if we do, if all peaceful efforts fail, and we are forced to defend ourselves and the freedom that is so dear to us all, I sure hope we will be up to the challenge.
Please help me grow my readership by forwarding this to a friend(s). In the meantime, stay tuned for my next newsletter. Thanks
Michael Kayes
*These views are my personal opinions and are not the viewpoints of any company or organization.