Washington neither can nor should wish to rule Afghanistan and Iraq. The goal must be to rid those countries of their totalitarian regimes. That said, destroying today's enemy – the Taliban, Saddam Hussein – does not suffice; the United Front and the Iraqi National Congress have the critical burden of inheriting a liberated country and making something better of it. If they do not provide decent government, then anarchy or even a return of today's leadership could follow. This means working closely with the United Front and the INC to help them with funds, arms, political guidance, and structural help.
To a lesser degree, the same equation applies across the Muslim world. U.S. policy toward countries like Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, and Indonesia needs to be premised on the long-term strengthening of moderation. Ministries of information should become a special focus of interest in Washington (what are the media saying?), with the ministries of education not far behind (what are the textbooks teaching?). Yes, maintaining good diplomatic relations on issues of current concern is important, but not more so than this long-term agenda. In every case, the goal is to remove enemies in power and pave the way for more moderate elements. (April 8, 2003)
