Strengthening alliances
Reader comment on item: War as Social Work?

Submitted by Antonio Chaves (United States), May 8, 2003 at 14:27

I agree with you in principle, but the reality of the Balkans is more complicated than that.

Based on the principle of the U.S. looking out for its own interests, America should prioritize its so-called "war as social work" by only helping those who share many of our values. That justified U.S. involvement in the Balkans over numerous conflicts that were taking place in Africa. This kind of prioritization has a payback: Imagine how much more difficult it would have been to get an alliance against Iraq, had the U.S. not shown any commitment to Europe with regards to the Balkan civil war.

Regardless of French cynicism and American isolationism, America and Europe need each other, and America's involvement in the Balkans no doubt made it easier for the real leaders in Europe to make their case for joining the U.S. led coalition against Iraq. In addition, the U.S. role in saving Muslims from genocide serves as a good rebuttal to those who denounce the War on Terror as a "War on Islam".

To Dr. Pipes: Congratulations on your appointment to the Peace Institute! You may be surprised to know that there are many liberals like myself who are exremely grateful for your courageous work in exposing the danger of militant Islam. This danger threatens everyone who loves freedom. I only hope that congress has the backbone to stand up the objections of CAIR and their useful idiots from (alas!) my end of the political spectrum. Best of luck!

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