the War ON/OFF Terror...
An Unfortunate thing happened in the West with the Collapse of the Iron Curtain. It was Handy to have a War going on that Provided a Reason for an Arms Race so that the Big (tax) Money stayed Rolling, but without the Corps Creating Battlefields that would Eventually tire the Population out...
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had become Unsustainable, coursed by the 'Maturing' of a New Generation. |
The 'Previous' Generation (like my Parents), who had been Conditioned enough by being put through the Second World War to 'Protect' themselves Never to have to face That again, were slowly being 'replaced' in the Democratic 'Voting Pool' by a new one who 'lacked' that Experience.
The Conflicts in the Gulf in the beginning of the 90's, followed by those in the former Yugoslavia didn't continue...
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In 1997, an American 'Think Tank', "The Project for the New American Century" (PNAC) appeared. |
According to it's founders it was a "non-profit educational organization"
Their 'Statement of Principles' ( June 3, 1997), makes some things clear:
" As the 20th century draws to a close, the United States stands as the world's preeminent power. Having led the West to victory in the Cold War, America faces an opportunity and a challenge: Does the United States have the vision to build upon the achievements of past decades? Does the United States have the resolve to shape a new century favorable to American principles and interests? " ....
"Cuts in foreign affairs and defense spending, inattention to the tools of statecraft, and inconstant leadership are making it increasingly difficult to sustain American influence around the world." ...
..." we cannot safely avoid the responsibilities of global leadership or the costs that are associated with its exercise." ... " If we shirk our responsibilities, we invite challenges to our fundamental interests. The history of the 20th century should have taught us that it is important to shape circumstances before crises emerge, and to meet threats before they become dire"
"Cuts in foreign affairs and defense spending, inattention to the tools of statecraft, and inconstant leadership are making it increasingly difficult to sustain American influence around the world." ...
..." we cannot safely avoid the responsibilities of global leadership or the costs that are associated with its exercise." ... " If we shirk our responsibilities, we invite challenges to our fundamental interests. The history of the 20th century should have taught us that it is important to shape circumstances before crises emerge, and to meet threats before they become dire"
Who were those people? our Old friends Tom, Dick and Rummy, 2 presidents of the "World Bank"
and another load of people that 'made' it into the Bush 'administration'. (check the list!)
Ok, we know Where they are Coming from... Where do they Want to Go?
"Our aim is to remind Americans of these lessons and to draw their consequences for today. Here are four consequences:
• we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global
responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future;
• we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values;
• we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom abroad;
• we need to accept responsibility for America's unique role in preserving and extending an international order friendly to our security, our prosperity, and our principles. "
• we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global
responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future;
• we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values;
• we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom abroad;
• we need to accept responsibility for America's unique role in preserving and extending an international order friendly to our security, our prosperity, and our principles. "
Their Biggest (public) Achievement was the September 2000 report; "Rebuilding America's Defenses: Strategies, Forces, and Resources For a New Century". Have a look:
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To cut through the 90 pages, A couple of quotes from it:
"And advanced forms of biological warfare that can “target” specific genotypes may transform biological warfare from the realm of terror to a politically useful tool."
