America Insecure?

Submitted by David (United States), Dec 28, 2005 at 09:39

I won't say that we don't have our insecurities, but to attribute insecurity as the prime motivator for everything we do is a little dated by 80 years or so. Honestly, we Americans hardly give the rest of the world any thought, which may in fact be part of the problem.

History will judge the US (and the UK) with respect to the Iraq war. If they emerge the first thriving democracy from the Arab world, like it or not, The war will be vindicated. If they spiral down further into violence and radicalism then the war will be remembered as a mistake, and even a crime. The jury is not in yet, but it's sad that the EU has positioned itself to have a political interest in the failure of Iraq as a democracy.

Had we not invaded Iraq, history would have also judged us by whatever further horrors Saddam and his sons, who were sure to succeed him, did (or did not) visit upon their people and the world and that we did nothing to prevent. We will never know that history because it did not happen. Politically that would have been the safer road, but would it really have been a better world? I can't say for sure.

I suppose if Britain and the Allies banded together and Interceded in Germany as Hitler was coming into power, it would still be remembered as a horrible act of interferece, perhaps even a crime, but it would have been visionary to do so. Hitler's two great sins might have been prevented: Nationalism in his own country and the awakening of the Soviets to their latent power.

Obviously, we won't know that history either, but it raises the point that a little violence early on might prevent another World War later. The trouble is knowing where to draw that line.

David

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