Ever since we have fallen away from the doctrines of isolationism, America has been known as the lone superpower in the world. When after 40 years the Soviet Union stood down in the face of a stronger, more cunning opponent, America continued to rise above the fray and came to the aid of our allies to defeat the threats that attempted to overpower them. But as administrations come and go, policy shifts according to ideology and in the current political torrent affecting our country, popularity and placating to the world have become our rhetoric of choice abroad.
The days of exerting our view candidly and consistently have gone to the wayside. Over the past months, the administration has taken sides in Honduras, but not with the people in Iran, did not take action against provocation by North Korea, has attempted to reprimand our staunchest ally, stating they will be left to defend themselves on the occurrence of a first strike to protect themselves from Iran, but the administration has also attempted to dictate terms of Israeli domestic policy. These are all situations that exemplify a time when a different reaction was expected from the United States by both our friends and enemies.
During World War I and World War II, America sat on the sidelines for many of the battles, not assisting other countries whose soldiers and citizens were being killed. The idea was that ‘this is their war’ but we found that innate sense that our fellow man is dying and we are doing nothing, so we heeded the calls and came back victorious in our endeavors.
Fundamental isolationism still exists and many would like to see it regain its influence in both our foreign and domestic policy. Cutting the defense budget and allocating more funds to social programs for some, or cutting the defense spending to limit the expanse of our government internationally without using the funds for more government spending. Willful ignorance is the phrase that best describes those who do not see the need for our own defenses but relying on the United Nations to “keep the peace”. Interestingly, the United Nations members can never agree when it comes to assessing who an enemy is because each country represented in the UN are protecting their own national interests and friendships. When North Korea began launching missiles in April, China was slow to position itself against the country whom it is the sole provider for its sustenance. When the Bush administration went to the United Nations in 2002 and 2003, they fought for resolutions against Iraq but found it hard due to the self dealing of those countries who were benefiting from Iraq’s sanctions. Beyond the malfeasance of the organization, International consensus will seldom fall in favor of the United States.
To pursue popularity, as in the United Nations is to the detriment of our security. America has never been afraid to speak strongly and act in ways to back up our rhetoric. But for now, the strong and tough talk by the United States will be silenced to allow the countries who have not fought for their own peace or the dictatorial heads of certain countries to set the course. Exerting our power and influence has been coined as “arrogant” and “derisive” by President Barack Obama. And to much of our dismay, our policies towards the “Axis of Evil” are changing to fall in line with this new sense of world community. North Korea recently enjoyed the presence of former President Bill Clinton and Iran is still within the agenda of the Secretary of State.
To admit weakness or trepidation before a crucial task speaks of the ill-confidence held for a mission. We are currently fighting two wars, that regardless of your view of their legitimacy, American soldiers are protecting civilians against an enemy that has no uniform and is not afraid to die, often threatening America and wishing ill upon our way of life.
Showing weakness is a provocative action in itself. September 11, 2001, America had weak spots that the terrorists exploited for their gain, but at the expense of 2,977 American lives. In Afghanistan, as focus has been drawn from Iraq, the death toll of American troops in a month has increased to it’s highest since the start of the war, signaling the need for a battle plan for victory, a word that is not well received in the current administration. In Iraq, as our troops withdrew from the cities per the Status of Forces Agreement, the Iraqi Security Forces have taken control of their streets patrolling and foiling plots of the insurgents who wish for their democracy to fail. Last week, a deadly attack was launched in Iraq killing over 95 people, a sign that many accredit to “losing the war” but I tend to see it differently. Compared to the levels of casualties over the last few years, the numbers have dropped significantly and Iraq is on its way to complete sovereignty. Being delivered from a tyrant who kept his people in dire fear for their lives from him and from the actions that his own actions could bring upon them, the Iraqi people are safer today and many are thankful.
Progress has been made and the battles will be won, but not on the notion of exhibiting doubt or even the thought of exhibiting satisfaction without victory.
The popularity of America has been said to have fallen over the past eight years, and that point of view is right to a certain extent, but we embraced our values and did not falter even in the times of pain and suffering our country has been subjected to. American exceptionalism, we have something to exhibit pride for, we live in the greatest country founded on the basis of the advancement of freedom and liberty.
There is a reason why we exhibit much power in the world, it is not popularity and international consensus that makes our country great, it is our ability to stand up for what we believe is right and what is good for all. Standing up for freedom and helping those who are oppressed, and we have no apologies.
Aritcle as published in the College Republicans at UTA September Newsletter
Article as published in the Texas College Republicans Newsletter
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