As I sat watching "Path to War," an HBO docudrama detailing how the US was slowly dragged into the Vietnam War, I couldn't help but draw parallels to our current War on Terrorism. In both cases, America was embroiled in conflicts that should not have been fought and could not be won. The cost of human lives in Vietnam alone was staggering, with 50,000 Americans and 3 to 4 million Vietnamese and Cambodians dead. It is a tragic reminder that wars should not be entered into lightly.
As in Viet Nam, I fear the "War on Terrorism" is slowly pulling America into another conflict that may not be necessary. While I support rounding up global criminals and increasing vigilance by law enforcement authorities, I do not favor locking down our borders, suspending citizens' rights, or restricting any other rights that our ancestors and we have fought for, suffered for, and died for. We cannot sacrifice our freedoms in a misguided attempt to achieve security.
The Role of Oil Interests in Foreign Policy
The role of oil interests in foreign policy is a topic that has been debated for decades. It is no secret that oil is crucial to American foreign policy. The United States has long relied on oil imports to fuel its economy, which has led to several strategic decisions prioritizing oil interests over other concerns. The oil industry has significant political power and influence, enabling it to shape American foreign policy in ways that benefit its interests.
However, it is essential to recognize that this approach needs to be revised. Our dependence on foreign oil has led us to make decisions detrimental to our security and interests. For example, our involvement in the Middle East has been primarily driven by our need to protect oil supplies. This has led to a cycle of conflict and instability that has had far-reaching consequences for our country and the world.
We must invest in renewable energy sources and conservation measures to break free from this cycle. Doing so can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and remove the need to station troops in foreign countries to protect our oil interests. This would benefit not only our country but also the world as a whole. Renewable energy sources are cleaner and more sustainable than oil, and investing in them would help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It would also create new industries and jobs, helping to boost the economy and improve our standard of living. Ultimately, it is time to shift our focus away from oil and towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
America's Involvement in Foreign Countries
When the United States stations troops in foreign countries to protect its private oil interests, it creates resentment and distrust among the local population. This is particularly true in countries like Georgia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, where American troops are not welcomed. The perception is that America is invading their country to take their resources, which only fuels anti-American sentiment.
Moreover, the presence of American troops in these countries is not helping the fight against terrorism. Our presence is likely causing more harm than good. The people in these countries see America as an occupying force, and this perception only fuels anti-American sentiment. If we genuinely want to fight terrorism, we must change how we approach foreign policy. We cannot continue to station troops in countries where they are not wanted and expect to win the hearts and minds of the people. We need to engage with these countries in a more constructive way, one that respects their sovereignty and their right to self-determination. Only then can we hope to build the kind of relationships that will enable us to work together to combat terrorism and other threats to global security?
Questions of Impropriety
It concerns me that the Carlyle Asian Group's publicly stated interest in China and that George H.W. Bush is Carlyle's Asian advisor. Our current President and many of his administration were or are connected directly or indirectly to the Carlyle Group, raising questions of impropriety. The fact that plans to attack the Taliban were in place before 9/11 and preplanning attacks of Afghanistan and maybe Iraq suggest that something else is at play besides retaliation against Osama bin Laden.
Our leaders have ties to the oil industry and private equity firms, adding to the suspicion. These connections raise serious questions about our government's motives. Are we fighting terrorism, or are we pursuing other interests? It is not unreasonable to wonder if our government is working for the interests of its citizens or if it is serving the interests of a few influential individuals and corporations. This is not to say that our government is corrupt. Still, it is important to acknowledge that there are legitimate concerns about the influence of money and power on our political system.
The Key to Winning Hearts and Minds
The War on Terrorism is not winnable by military means alone. Terrorism and other criminal activities can only be limited by genuinely winning the hearts and minds of the world's people and by just enforcing laws at home. The current approach of military intervention and occupation has only fueled anti-American sentiment. It has increased violence and instability in many parts of the world.
General Westmoreland, the commanding general in Viet Nam had it right. The secret to winning the Viet Nam War was "winning the hearts and minds " of the Vietnamese. However, someone forgot that you couldn't win hearts and minds with bombs and that people have long memories of atrocities.
While serving in Germany in the late '60s, I found the German people hospitable. Still, the firebombing of Dresden was brought to my attention more than once in discussing the purity of the American War efforts of the past.
To truly address the root causes of terrorism, we must focus on addressing the underlying social, economic, and political factors contributing to its growth. This means investing in education, economic development, and good governance at home and abroad. We also need to work to build stronger relationships with communities around the world and to listen to their concerns and needs. We can only create a safe and secure world for all by working together.
In addition, we need to recognize that our actions have consequences. Our involvement in foreign conflicts, support for dictators and autocrats, and neglect of human rights abuses have all contributed to the growth of terrorism and other forms of violence. If we want to build a more peaceful and just world, we need to take responsibility for our actions and work to make amends for the harm we have caused. This means taking a more humble and introspective approach to foreign policy and recognizing the limits of military force in achieving our goals.
We must hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency and honesty in their decision-making processes. We need to ask tough questions and be willing to challenge the status quo. We cannot blindly trust our government to act in our best interests, especially when so many conflicts of interest are at play. Our country and the world's future depend on our ability to navigate these complex issues with wisdom and discernment.
About the Author
Robert Jennings is the co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering a more connected, equitable world. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, Robert draws on his diverse life experiences, from working in real estate and construction to building InnerSelf with his wife, Marie T. Russell, to bring a practical, grounded perspective to life’s challenges. Founded in 1996, InnerSelf.com shares insights to help people make informed, meaningful choices for themselves and the planet. More than 30 years later, InnerSelf continues to inspire clarity and empowerment.
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