Iraq is but a part of the broader “war on terror.” However, this “war” is as much a cultural battle as it is military. Let’s double our efforts to find new ways to win over minds and hearts by working with moderate Islamic leaders (yes they are out there.) This could include funding education in the Middle East to counter the Wahabi strand of Islam coming out of Saudi Arabia. We must work harder to make friends around the globe to help us achieve this vital objective. Experts are saying the best way to fight the war on terror is through partnership and interdependence with other nations. We can capture and kill, but we must get at the root cause of the conflict. We must get involved in improving economic freedoms and improving education. If we don’t counter the spread of radical Islam into new countries with alternative views that are well funded, we will only see more terrorists being developed, not less.
Energy Independence
President Bush took a noteworthy step toward beginning a national dialogue on energy policy when he admitted that the United States is “addicted to oil.” However, the president has done little since then to make energy independence a priority of his administration. People are worried about energy for several reasons: high gasoline prices (though they have come down as of late); the effect our “addiction” has on the environment; and how our “addiction” leads to the financing of rouge states such as Iran. We must find new ways to incentivize the use of clean, renewable energy sources to begin making headway on this significant policy matter.
Public Diplomacy
Finally, we must try to heal some of the hatred that has emerged around the world against America. When I’m traveling throughout the world I’m always amazed at just how much people hate President Bush. In response we must realize two things. First, that some people will always hate America no matter what we do or who our president is. Second, that there are also some things we can do to turn some of the popular opinion in our direction. One innovative way to do this would be to give new Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson expanded authority to help shape international trade strategies that would improve international relations and our image across the globe.
The American people voted for change last week. The president would be well served to follow the example of Governor Schwarzenegger and adjust to a new political climate by changing strategies on important matters. It might be tough medicine for Republicans at first, but it may prove to be just what the doctor ordered come November 2008.