We need a long-term foreign policy plan now. The Iraq Study Group solution is nothing but band-aid to stop bleeding in Iraq. Formulation of comprehensive strategy to fight terrorism and to tackle potential problems is an urgent necessity, not a choice.
A CASE FOR QUASI-ISOLATION
As the tug of war between "cut and run" and "fight and destroy" crowds becomes more intense, the time has come to look for a long-term foreign policy initiative that would work for the twenty-first century. The answer may lie in a policy of pragmatic isolation that makes us independent, but not lonely or selfish; A policy of military isolation in tandem with superb homeland defense, unsurpassed offensive capabilities, and genuine cooperation in all other matters involving world affairs.
There are two myths, one based on the cold war (everything in the world is our concern) and other about globalization (we have to be dependent on other nations) that we should revisit. . Both of them arise from fear, and not our strengths. Since we are the most powerful and the richest nation on the planet, shouldn’t we act like one?
The "war against Islamo-fascism", or "the war on terror", however it is named, is the central problem we are facing now, and for the foreseeable future. But, that is not the only issue we should be concerned about. We will have to deal with, and find solutions for, potential adversaries on the world scene, illegal immigration, rising budget deficit, domestic poverty, deteriorating environment, and worsening international relations.
In order to tackle the gamut of problems starring at us, we need to develop a multi-faceted comprehensive policy that is based on one general approach, and not to achieve a single goal; defeat the terrorists. That tactic could be pragmatic isolation. Common sense tells us that we will never dry out the global swamp that creates terrorists. Instead, let us withdraw all our military forces, stationed or fighting, from the entire world within twelve months, and redeploy them to secure the nation from terrorism that may strike us at home only. The savings would be more than adequate to make us stronger militarily and economically. We would use the available funds to make the homeland secure, solve domestic problems, and reduce budget deficit.
Simultaneously, we declare to the world that if attacked domestically, we would destroy all terrorists and their supporting apparatus, no matter where in the world. Our actions will be swift and severe. Our goal will be to obliterate all the terrorists and entire infrastructure involved in harming us.
We will not take sides or interfere in any conflict in the world, but we will cooperate in reducing worldwide terrorism. We will fulfill obligations to defend other nations, but only if and when, they are directly attacked. Hence North Korea would know they would be destroyed if they attacked South Korea.
We will keep an eye on any rising threat, such as China, by keeping our offensive and defensive capability superior. We will work with all nations to make all international treaties and agreement effective by being accommodative and practical, not ideological and selfish.
We will faithfully negotiate trade agreements, and will be genuine partners of international organizations in their quest to alleviate poverty, improve human rights, and preserve the natural environment. Having secured our borders from terrorists, and the nation from enemies, the basis for all our international actions will be devoid of ideology or partiality.
We will not be held hostage to any economic blackmail because, if needed, albeit with difficulties, we can be more self-sufficient, than any developed country in the world. We will not continuously worry about American consumers or interests of multi-national American corporations. There are so many nations for whom we are number one trading partners that any threats, real or imagined, from one or all of them will ruin them before they destroy our economy. In the absolute worst-case scenario we will have slightly lower standard of living, which means fewer gadgets, smaller houses, and less conspicuous consumption. Not a disaster for our lives.
Let us have open and honest discussion if this, or other, policy makes sense for our future. We must look for an innovative solution to the problems of the twenty first century. The basis for any plans to make America better for future generations should be based not on esoteric theories or worn out ideologies, but on common sense.