Opinion::Let Diplomatic Pressure Do its Job

We can effect change without having to resort to the use of force. Right now, the most potent threat to American security is the Bush Administration's approach to foreign policy. At its essence, the problem is in two parts.

First, the leaders of the United States have to recognize and accept the fact that being the sole superpower doesn't make us right. Leaders in Washington are no more entitled to take actions that affect the security of the world than those in Pakistan, France, Bolivia, or the Solomon Islands. In the 21st century, the M.O. for world leaders has to be consensus building. Just because we can do whatever we want, doesn't mean we should - in fact, the resentment that our privileged status engenders makes it doubly important that we step lightly.

Second, the United States must understand that its policies have had negative consequences for many of the people of the world. Further, we must take responsibility for our own contributions to the growth of anti-American sentiment. President Bush is dead wrong when he recites his tired mantra, "We love freedom in America, and these evil people hate our freedom." This is backwards. At the risk of oversimplifying, the reality is more along the lines that these people hate what our freedom in America has cost them. Remember, Saddam Hussein was an American ally when we wanted him to fight Iran. U.S. interests and cold war policy justified propping up many cruel despots, some just as bad or worse than Saddam. Instead of chalking terrorism and anti-Americanism up to "evil" and "hating freedom," it's time for America to realize that in part, we're reaping what was sown.

None of this is to say that Saddam Hussein or any other despot deserves to stay in power. But for the sake of our own security, and for the increased stability of the global community of which the United States is just one part, the Bush Administration must alter its policy perspective. Diplomacy and international pressure, even the threat of force, must be allowed to do their job. The US needs to set a precedent with a new approach to fulfilling its role within the international community. Avoiding war with Iraq would be exactly the right place to start.