This is the Nov 2002 piece in the Atlantic Monthly by Robert D. Kaplan that created a stir in the pundit community and a clue to what was being discussed inside the White House and its outside consultants at the Project for The Twenty First Century America. Kaplan has been influential in the Bush administration arguing for the proactive Geostrategic approach to foreign policy, or Pax Americana, that we are largely seeing unfold today. Its not (just) the oil, its the location, location, location. - KWC
Karen,
Thanks for pointing us to this one. It's thoughtful.
As you know, babe, as soon as the troop buildup was no longer a threat, but a movement across the border, I began to discuss the possible good things that might come from the war. The stability that could come from the ending of the dictatorship - the chance of a useful accommodation with Iran - a nation that is moving toward a secular, open, society.
(In fact, I pointed out that a major mistake of Bush was to include it in the Axis of Evil. The speech writer who coined that phrase is going around claiming credit for it. He should be shot - or at least rapped on the knuckles with a ruler.)
If the Iraq situation draws to a close, the stock of the US will be at an all-time high. High enough to finish the creation of a Palestine State over the objections of the other Arab States. Harder, but very possible, will be getting the Israelis to give up their West Bank and Gaza locations to the newly formed Palestine.
Hardest will be to get the Arab leaders to redraw Palestine with borders that don't include Israel. But, heck, all these are possibilities that Bush could make into probabilities.
If all goes well with the war and it ends quickly and cleanly.
If everything eventually works out, the crucial test will be - can we let go?
Can we turn and move away, even if things are not quite the way we want?
I generally finished my speculations with a slice of hope. The hope continues, and if I could cross my toes I would add them to my crossed fingers.
Harry
****************************** Harry Pollard Henry George School of LA Box 655 Tujunga CA 91042 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: (818) 352-4141 Fax: (818) 353-2242 *******************************
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