Look at this post on belmont club. This just goes to show how a large number of American think. When I read such blog enteries my blood just begins to boil and I want kick the crap out of these guys. But let’s cool down and think this through.
What is America’s position in the world today? Before you dismiss this silly question just ponder on it and you will probably come to the same conclusion that I did – America is at the helm. There is no other way to put it. It is at the forefront and all nations, no matter what the their position might be towards America, always look towards her for leadership. Why? Because we have recognised that She is the most technologically advanced, most enterprising and the most wealthy country in the world. These qualities give her power and the recent Iraq and Afghanistan escapades have only strengthened this outlook.
Before you dismiss the above statement, consider that Iraq and Afghanistan are slowly and steadily becoming stable. There are still a huge number of problems but there is no denying the fact that the two countries are beginning to find their feet. For all the wrong that America has done in the past 3 years (and for all the wrong that they are still doing), Iraq and Afghanistan are in a unique position to make something of their respective countries. This just boosts American power. And how is this power to be used? Tone things down a notch and use her “soft” power (the threat to use her power). That’s what is happening in America now. As much as I hate to say this but what America is doing now is what any country would do in their position. Use threats to get the right thing done.
Unfortunately, this threat is being used by the current administration in every situation possible. I mean what was the point of pulling out the US ambassador from Syria a few days ago? What is the point of raising tensions with Iran (reminds me of the spring of 2002 when similar thing was done against Iraq)? Instead of using Her soft power judiciously, the current administration is just raising tensions by misusing the power in every situation possible. And that is what most of the people in America don’t get. It just reminds me of the line from the Spiderman movie : “With great power comes great responsibility”. The current administration gives every signal of being an irresponsible “spiderman” and that’s what pisses me off.
Desi In Toronto 