It appears inevitable that the United States will soon go to war. If by chance of a miracle we do not fight Iraq, we will continue to engage with absolute certainty against the state of domestic and international public opinion. In one of this week’s featured articles, we explore America’s diplomatic strategy to persuade Turkey, a tactically necessary ally, to join us in our attempt to rid Iraq and the world of Saddam Hussein in the face of mounting worldwide and pressure to give UN Weapons inspectors more time to carry out their work. Through out President Bush’s initiative to eliminate Hussein, our relationships with allies with differing opinions on the stability of the Middle East and the need for a military solution to the Iraq issue, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and most recently the reluctant and outspoken Germany and France have been tested and strained, now standing at their most fragile points in years.
Domestically, President Bush’s decision to continue with mobilization has sent his approval rating to pre-9/11 levels. Less than a quarter of Americans think that we should launch an attack with out UN consent and participation.
The effects of these sentiments extend far beyond military and diplomatic arenas. It’s interesting to consider how American multinational businesses will fare in the face of heightened anti-American feelings sparked not only by the war and higher oil prices, but also the Bush administration’s strident approach to handling adverse world and domestic opinion. As if a world wide recession weren’t enough of an obstacle.
Allen Narcisse
Editor In Chief
