This op-ed in USA Today sounds like the vague, feel-good foreign policy pronouncements of Obama. Zinni has been an opponent of Bush and his policy in Iraq since the invasion. Here he was on 60 Minutes in 2004 denouncing Bush’s policy. Since McPeak’s meltdown, Obama needs a new retired general advisor and Zinni seems the best bet. Of course, Zinni was the Centcom commander prior to 9/11 so that isn’t the greatest endorsement I could think of, but what do I know ?
‘Feel good’ pretty well sums it up.
“…we must address the roots of these complex problems.”
I thought “root causes” was kind of discredited, ’cause one keeps going back farther and farther searching for “root causes”, and pretty soon we’re blaming the dinosaurs, or the Earth’s orbit around the sun.
“…Increased efforts such as these will help mitigate the extreme poverty and accompanying hopelessness that often fuel terrorist recruitment.”
Is there ever a link between economic status and violent crime? Most terrorists appear to be middle class or higher.
Also, while Zinni et al are pimping a feel good approach to foreign policy, there is fighting in Basra, home of the Brits and their ‘feel good’ policy.
This is such great information. I am looking for a little bit more information on this tho as I am learning the majority of it free lance and not in school. If you can direct me to any other sites that may have more info. please let me know. Some Great posts! Thank you