We need a new plan of action to fight terrorism in its present lethal form and in the willingness of large numbers of Muslims to resort to terrorism. The belief that we are a super power because of our vast military strength has been debunked. We cannot use most of the weapons in our military arsenal in the types of struggles we now find ourselves in.
The administration, through its deceptions and missteps, has diminished the power of the bully pulpit to gather friends and influence neutrals and enemies. Our political clout has been greatly diminished since the invasion of Iraq. France, Russia and China have seized upon our mistakes to gain leverage and increase their standing in Geo- political issues. Our major allies in the Iraqi effort have seen political reversals in their own countries. Our misplaced efforts in Iraq have caused a weakening of our position in Afghanistan and greatly lessened our options in dealing with Iran, North Korea, and other areas of heightened anxiety. Our master plan of spreading our form of government & society has not gone well. With a firm understanding of where we are today, actions and policies have to be implemented immediately to stem the tide of growing antipathy and aggression towards so many things American.
The West Bank & Gaza must be economically supported by the Arab states. Economic development and involvement by these neighboring states is mandatory in raising the quality of life for the Palestinians and in lessening hostilities toward Israel. Once this is done, other areas of cooperation can be expanded in all the developing countries.
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