The Bush Doctrine (Philadelphia PA)

[struggle4progress]

Posted on Sun, Sep. 05, 2004
It's a big investment on a shaky bet

With his vow at the Republican National Convention to launch a "liberty century," it's clear that President Bush would commit the United States to a course of long-term nation-building in the heart of the Muslim world.

Iraq and Afghanistan are merely the costly, rocky start to this far-reaching plan to bring democracy to what Bush calls "the broader Middle East."

This vision has profound implications. Considering the missteps and setbacks since Baghdad fell, the merits and risks of this doctrine must receive a full airing in the presidential campaign. <snip>

Iraq is not a promising first test. "Hard power" easily toppled Saddam Hussein. Then, the administration botched the "soft power" tasks of the occupation, culminating in the Abu Ghraib prison torture scandal. That mess, nearly forgotten in the superficial tumult of the campaign, has obliterated in the Muslim world most of the goodwill and respect that might once have fueled an American mission to promote democracy. <snip>

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/9582577.htm

[The_Casual_Observer]

1. "soft power" tasks of the occupation

If zell miller heard them say "occupation" he would challenge them to a duel!!!!

These tasks are basically impossible since it appears that the population wants to fight like hell.