Foreign Policy of the Bush Administration - Essay Example

Was the foreign policy of the Bush administration driven by fears of global terrorism? 04 April The "war onterror" has created a culture of fear in America. The Bush administrations elevation of these three words into a national mantra since the horrific events of 9/11 has had a pernicious impact on American democracy, on Americas psyche and on U.S. standing in the world1 The 9/11 world trade centre attack by Bin laden and his allies made immense changes in the foreign policies of Untied States. President George Bush made drastic changes in America’s foreign policies and claimed that these changes in foreign policies are essential to safeguard the interests and security of the American public. However, many people believe that most of the changes made in the foreign policies by President Bush were motivated by imperialism rather than patriotism or fears of global terrorism. Two of the major components of Bush’s foreign policies were the doctrine: preemptive strikes against potential enemies and promoting democratic regime change. In other words, Bush declared that America has the right to attack any other nation which promotes terrorism. Moreover, he also declared that it is the duty of the Americans to promote democracy in the world. The current war on terror conducting by America in Iraq and Afghanistan were the result of the foreign policy changes made by President Bush. Most of the Americans are against war on terror since they believe that these wars are destroying not only the economy of the country but also life of American soldiers. 9/11 was of course an unexpected and shocking incident for the Americans; however, majority of the Americans think that terrorism cannot be tackled with the help of war alone. Science and technology advances more and more and the terrorists finding new ways to attack their targets. Removing terrorisms from the grass root level is definitely the right option for the safety of the public, but it is not easy because of the widespread network of terrorists. President Bush was definitely aware of the fact that the terrorist network cannot be destroyed completely with the help of war on terror alone. Moreover, the immediate reason cited for Iraq war was the theory of weapons of mass destruction. However, even after the execution of the Saddam, no chemical, biological or nuclear weapons seized from Iraqi soil. Many people believe that the declared reason for Iraq war was not the actual reason for attacking Iraq. Some people argue that Bush Sr. was humiliated by Saddam earlier and Bush Jr. was taking revenge for that. Some others believe that Bush had sight on the immense fresh water and oil resources in Iraq which was the major reasons for attacking Iraq. America is currently suffering from huge energy crisis and shortage of drinking water resources. In any case, it is already proved that the declared reasons for the Iraq war were not justified. The case of Afghan war is also not an exception. Under such circumstances, it is logic al to think that President Bush had other intentions rather than the declared ones. Actually President Bush was trying to spread imperialism and he made use of the 9/11 incident to spread American imperialism. While declaring war on terror, President Bush kept meaningful silence on issues like; How a country can attack another country without convincing reasons? How the idealism of spreading democracy with the help of war can be justified? Is it necessary for America to take more pragmatic approach in fighting against terrorism?. Since Bush failed to answer these questions, it is logical to believe that Bush was motivated by imperialism rather than the fear of global terrorism. This paper argues that the real intentions of America’s foreign policy changes during the Bush regime was not for destroying terrorists, but for spreading American imperialism. Imperialism, global terrorism and Bush’s foreign policies ‘Imperialism’ can be defined as the attempt to dominate over other states with the help of creation and maintenance of an unequal economic, cultural, and territorial relationship between states. It is based on domination and subordination. Historically, imperialism prevailed in the world in different forms. The thirst for domination is in the blood of human even from the evolution itself. Holy Bible reported the first encounter for domination on earth; Kane the elder son of Adam killed Abel the younger one, simply because of jealousy and dominating mentality. From there onwards competition, struggle for existence and dominance, egoisms, thirst for occupying others property and wealth etc has started in the world. All these reasons resulted in severe wars between states, cultures and ethnic groups. We have already witnessed two world wars and the possibility of a third one is on cards at present. In short, imperialism prevailed in the world during ancient times; it is prevailing now and will prevail in future also. Bush’s foreign policy changes were actually motivated by the imperialistic thoughts rather than the thought for sustaining peace on earth. The core of Bush’s foreign policy changes were the self declaration that America has the right to attack other countries if they assist terrorists. Moreover, President Bush declared that America is the savior of democracy and they have the right to spread democracy in the world. America or Bush attacked Iraq and Afghanistan in order to spread the above message. However, when we analyze these wars microscopically, we can see that the declared reasons were far from reality and the actual reasons were something else. We can consider the case of Iraq first. On March 20, 2003 America with the help of its allies attacked Iraq, accusing Iraq for possessing illegal chemical, biological and nuclear weapons which is capable of mass destruction. The attack on Iraq cannot be justified because of the following reasons Saddam’s regime did not present a clear and present danger to the United States; no proof of collusion against the US between Saddam and al-Qaeda has ever been shown; the switch from the war on terrorism, which led to the overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan, to the war in Iraq was a highly imprudent diversion of resources, and a contribution to—indeed a godsend for—terrorists, a classic case of self-fulfilling prophecy2 It is a fact that Saddam was a cruel dictator who killed many innocent people. Kurds suffered a lot under the Saddam administration. His son Uday was also a cruel person who committed many crimes in Iraq. Moreover, Saddam raised many threats to the neighboring countries like Kuwait, Said Arabia, Iran etc. In short, nobody has any doubt about the massacres conducted by Saddam and his family members. However, President Bush never cited these reasons for attacking Iraq. Bush was aware of the fact that these may not convince the global public since there are many other countries in the world at present which are administered by cruel dictators. For example, Libya, Egypt many of the Middle Easter Muslim countries and many of the African countries was ruled by dictators at the time when President Bush was assuming the President’s office. However, Bush never revealed any plans to attack these countries and targeted only Iraq and Afghanistan. The theory of weapons of mass destruction was a convincing one during the beginning stages of War on Terror since the public were not free from the shocks of 9/11 at that time. However, after few months from 9/11 incident, people were started to think rationally. Emotions given way for wisdom and people slowly started to realize the meaninglessness of Bush’s arguments. Reports from Iraq or Afghanistan were not substantiating Bush’s arguments which forced the public to think against war on terror. People realized that Bush had certain hidden agenda and he was executing it in the name of war on terror. The futility of Bush’s argument is clearer now; Iraq is not calm or peaceful even after the execution of Saddam. Many of the American soldiers are still losing their lives in Iraq even though America succeeded in putting a toy government in Iraq. Joe Messerli (2003) has argued that the current war on terror resulted killing many soldiers & innocent people. Moreover, Anti-American sentiment could grow in the world, creating new potential terrorist recruits because of the current war on terror3No weapons of mass destruction have been seized from Iraqi soil. In short, the first declared objective of the war on terror in Iraq became meaningless now, since America failed to arrest any terrorists or weapons of mass destruction from Iraqi soil. The second declared objective of Bush’s foreign policy was the spreading of democracy. Bush argued that majority of the non-democratic countries in this world are ruled by dictators and America has the moral right to assist people in those countries to fight against those dictators. However, after the execution of Saddam, America put a toy government in Iraq though a manipulated election. The violence and criminal activities in Iraq are increasing day by day which clearly indicate that America’s claim about the current toy government in Iraq is exaggerated one or fabricated one. The current Iraqi government appears to be democratic in nature, but it functions based on the instructions it receives from America. By definition, a democratic government is of the people by the people and for the people. However, the current Iraqi government is of America, by America and for America. In other words, Bush has modified the definitions of democratic government. Any government which functions against the interests of America seems to be non-democratic according to the Bush doctrine. In other words, Bush changed America’s foreign policies in such a way that America has the right to attack any sovereign states which oppose America in international politics. Even though, Bush underlined the right of America to spread democracy in the world, it should be noted that America is doing nothing to spread democracy in China. Chinese people are facing stiff challenges from the communist administration for the last few decades. Human right violations or suppression of human rights are reported daily from China. However, America’s efforts in spreading democracy in China remain on papers or statements only. The above example clearly shows the dual nature of America’s foreign policies. America attacks weaker nations in the name of democracy spreading whereas in the case of stronger nations, America may not do so. The ongoing Libyan agitations and America’s approaches to these agitations can underline the fact that America is keeping a dual foreign policy with respect to issues of similar nature in different countries. Radcliffe (2010) argued that the war on terror slogan is not only worn and thin at this point but ultimately counterproductive. In his opinion, the timing of the war on terror is not correct especially in a recession period4. Many people believe that the major reason for the recent severe finical crisis in America was because of the huge expenditure made for conducting war on terror. When most of the Asian countries like India and China escaped from recession, America is currently facing stiff challenges. In other words, Bush’s foreign policy changes are acting as a boomerang for America now. Bush tried to exploit the wealth of Iraq and Afghanistan; however, America’s gains in these wars were much lesser than what they spent for these wars. 5 In fact United States got a golden opportunity rule the world because of the destruction of former Soviet Union. Even though China is raising stiff challenges, currently United States is the sole super power in the world. Bush was actually motivated by the above fact. He has realized that in the absence of a strong opponent, America can rule the world for a longer period. He wanted to threaten small nations which functions against the will of America. He miscalculated that the current war on terror will serve as a warning to other nations like North Korea, Iran etc (The two remaining countries in the list of the three “axis of evils” as described by Bush; Iraq was the third country). Both North Korea and Iran continuing their efforts to attain more nuclear power and the Bush’s threats were not impacted these nations very much. The Bush doctrine of spreading democracy through wars in middle east and Afghanistan like radical Muslim dominated countries have failed miserably which is evident from the fact that the war on terror is still going on even after nine years from its beginning. “Irans foreign minister has recently said that former US President George W. Bushs so-called war on terror has actually served as a guide for training terrorists rather than destroying the terrorists”6 Smith (2010) has mentioned that a group of "realist" scholars and activists have written President Obama urging him to reconsider Americas commitment in Afghanistan7 . American administration is in a dilemma at present. President Obama has no clue at all in deciding whether to continue the war on terror or not. He has realized that the declared aims of war on terror cannot be obtained easily and it is difficult for America to continue war in terror in this fashion. The support for war on terror among American public is decreasing day by day because of the huge financial crisis happened in America recently. War on terror started from Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, immediately after the 9/11 incident. Bush argued that the major culprits behind 9/11 incident were Osama Bin Laden and Mulla Omar (Taliban leader). He accused that these terrorists are currently operating from the Afghan-Pakistan borders and hence he started his war on terror in this region. At the same time, Bush has forgotten the fact that these hardcore criminals were once the friends of America and America used them effectively to discard the former Soviet presence from Afghanistan. It is widely known that the roots of contemporary terrorism originated in Afghanistan when United States sponsored Afghan mujahideen in their bid to repel Soviet Union which resulted in the formation of CIA trained terrorists united under the banner of Osama Bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda”8 Perhaps, Afghanistan is the most uncivilized country in the world. Majority of the Afghan population are illiterate and religious fundamentalism has deep roots in Afghan soil. America was actually responsible for developing religious fundamentalism in Afghanistan. American agents taught the Afghan public earlier that communism and Islamic beliefs cannot go hand in hand. America deliberately cultivated strong patriotism and religious fundamentalism in the veins of the Afghan people during the Soviet regime in Afghanistan. America made the Afghan people aware of the evil effects of communism. They spread the propaganda that Soviet regime may destroy religion from Afghanistan so that the dominant Muslim population in Afghanistan may be forced to avoid their religious beliefs in future. In other words, America did everything possible to turn the public opinion against the former soviet administration in Afghanistan. They never thought that one day; they will suffer from the hands of these fundamental groups. Even though America succeeded in expelling Soviet Union from Afghanistan with the help of religious cards, the same cards are currently causing problems to America. It is an accepted fact that Afghanistan needs radical changes in their administration and religious fundamentalism. The Taliban way of administration is unacceptable to a civilized world like ours. It should be noted that recently the Taliban fundamentalist removed the nose and ears of a young Afghan woman called Ayisha Bibi as part of implementing Taliban way of punishment in Afghanistan. It is impossible for a civilized society to accept such things. In other words, the necessity of putting a democratic government is Afghanistan cannot be criticized. However, President Bush was not so keen in establishing a democratic government in Afghanistan even though he declared so. It should be noted that Taliban were friends of America during the Soviet regime and at that time also such barbarian way of administration and punishments were there in Afghanistan. However, America silently supported all these activities during that time. They were keener in expelling the soviet administration from Afghan soil rather than establishing a democratic administration in Afghanistan. In short, the sincerity of Bush in attacking Afghanistan citing the issues like terrorism and democracy cannot be justified. America emerged as the sole global power after the collapse of Soviet Union. However, Osama, Mullah Omar, Saddam, Najad etc like people caused disturbances to the sleeping of Americans. These people prevented America from enjoying the sole superpower- ship for a longer period which forced Bush to fight against these enemies with tooth and nail in order to make America an unquestionable entity. War on terror was only a curtain for America or Bush to spread imperialism. America was actually looking for an opportunity to spread their supremacy and the 9/11 incident give them the ideal opportunity to start their effort to expand their wings. Conclusions Former American President George Bush has made drastic changes in American foreign policies in order to cement America’s supremacy in global political and economical matters. Bush declared that America has the right to attack those countries which assist terrorism. Moreover he declared that America has the right to spread democracy in the world. Because of the above radical changes in American foreign policies, America attacked Iraq and Afghanistan in the name of war on terror. However, even after nine years of intense war in Iraq and Afghanistan, America failed to achieve the declared objectives. They failed to seize any weapons of mass destruction from Iraq and also failed to seize Bin Laden or Mullah Omar from Afghan borders. In short, America failed to achieve the objectives which were cited for the reasons for the policy changes. Currently many people believe that the declared objectives of these wars were only a curtain for executing certain hidden agendas of former President Bush. Bush was actually trying to spread American imperialism through war on terror rather than saving the people from terrorists. In other words, Bush exploited the post 9/11 situation and the destruction of former Soviet Union very well to implement his secret agenda of spreading American imperialism. US have already opened two war fronts; one each in Iraq and Afghanistan and another two or three on cards in Iran, North Korea or in Libya. American economy is on the verge of destruction because of the huge expenditure made for conducting war on terrors. In other words, Bush’s imperialistic policies are currently attacking America as a boomerang. Many people are of the view that America cannot sustain its war on terror in this manner for a longer period and in all the probabilities it might be forced to cease the war on terror before achieving its actual objectives. The current American administration should reassess America’s foreign policies from a realistic point of view to get out from war on terror and to concentrate more on the productive sectors. Bibliography 1. Ahmed, N.M. (2005). The War on truth. 9/11, Disinformation, and the Anatomy of Terrorism. Publisher: Olive Branch Press; 1st edition (April 15, 2005) 2. Brzezinski Zbigniew (2007). Terrorized by War on Terror The Washington Post. March 25, 2007 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/23/AR2007032301613.html Accessed on 04 April, 2011. 3. Cost of Iraq War and Nation Building. (2008). http://zfacts.com/p/447.html Accessed on 04 April, 2011. 4. Hoffmann, Stanley Out of Iraq, (2011). http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2004/oct/21/out-of-iraq/ Accessed on 04 April, 2011. 5. Iran: US War on Terror, Plot to Train Terrorists.(2010). http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=119836§ionid=351020101 Accessed on 04 April, 2011. 6. Messerli Joe (2003), Should We Use Military Force to Unseat Saddam Husseins Government? http://www.balancedpolitics.org/iraq_war.htm Accessed on 04 April, 2011. 7. Radcliffe Royce (2010), Pros and cons of the war on terrorism, http://www.helium.com/items/1033367-pros-and-cons-of-the-war-on-terrorism Accessed on 04 April, 2011. 8. Smith, Ben.(2009). Realists Warn on Afghan War. http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0909/Realists_warn_on_Afghan_war.html, Accessed on 04 April, 2011. Read More