by Mark Silva
“We are all members of the 9/11 generation,’’ says Rudy Giuliani, the Republican candidate for president who served as mayor of New York when terrorism struck on Sept. 11, 2001.
Giuliani wants to “mobilize the 9/11 generation.’’
Already, the mayor maintains, we are fighting “The Terrrorists’ War on Us.’ And the United States, he argues in an outline of his views on foreign policy, has “responded forcefully… abandoning a decade-long -- and counterproductive -- strategy of defensive reaction in favor of a vigorous offense.’’
This is the argument that the former mayor makes in the September/October issue of Foreign Affairs magazine, part of a series of essays on the foreign policies of the 2008 presidential contenders. Giuliani happens to be his party’s frontrunner. And, lest we forget, this kind of talk got George W. Bush reelected in 2004.
This war “will be long,’’ Giuliani warns, and it will require “a stronger defense’’ and “determined diplomacy’’ if the next president is to build “the foundations of a lasting peace.’’
America, he says, is “a nation that loves peace and hates war.’’ But he clearly is determined to wage it as long as needed. “A realistic peace,’’ he says, “can only be achieved through strength.’’ See what else Giuliani has to say:
This is the candidate’s essay, from the fall issue of Foreign Affairs magazine. Democrat John Edwards has a piece in there as well. They’re both part of a series for the presidential candidates.
“We are all members of the 9/11 generation,’’ Giuliani writes.
“The defining challenges of the Twentieth century ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Full recognition of the first great challenge of the Twenty-first century came with the attacks of September 11, 2001, even though Islamist terrorists had begun their assault on world order decades before.
“Confronted with an act of war on American soil, our old assumptions about conflict between nation-states fell away. Civilization itself, and the international system, had come under attack by a ruthless and radical Islamist enemy.
“America and its allies have made progress since that terrible day. We have responded forcefully to the Terrorists' War on Us, abandoning a decade-long -- and counterproductive -- strategy of defensive reaction in favor of a vigorous offense. And we have set in motion changes to the international system that promise a safer and better world for generations to come.
“But this war will be long, and we are still in its early stages. Much like at the beginning of the Cold War, we are at the dawn of a new era in global affairs, when old ideas have to be rethought and new ideas have to be devised to meet new challenges.
“The next U.S. president will face three key foreign policy challenges. First and foremost will be to set a course for victory in the terrorists' war on global order. The second will be to strengthen the international system that the terrorists seek to destroy. The third will be to extend the benefits of the international system in an ever-widening arc of security and stability across the globe.
“The most effective means for achieving these goals are building a stronger defense, developing a determined diplomacy, and expanding our economic and cultural influence. Using all three, the next president can build the foundations of a lasting, realistic peace.
“Achieving a realistic peace means balancing realism and idealism in our foreign policy. America is a nation that loves peace and hates war.
“At the core of all Americans is the belief that all human beings have certain inalienable rights that proceed from God but must be protected by the state. Americans believe that to the extent that nations recognize these rights within their own laws and customs, peace with them is achievable. To the extent that they do not, violence and disorder are much more likely.
“Preserving and extending American ideals must remain the goal of all U.S. policy, foreign and domestic. But unless we pursue our idealistic goals through realistic means, peace will not be achieved.
“Idealism should define our ultimate goals; realism must help us recognize the road we must travel to achieve them. The world is a dangerous place. We cannot afford to indulge any illusions about the enemies we face.
“The Terrorists' War on Us was encouraged by unrealistic and inconsistent actions taken in response to terrorist attacks in the past. A realistic peace can only be achieved through strength.
“A realistic peace is not a peace to be achieved by embracing the "realist" school of foreign policy thought. That doctrine defines America's interests too narrowly and avoids attempts to reform the international system according to our values.
“To rely solely on this type of realism would be to cede the advantage to our enemies in the complex war of ideas and ideals. It would also place too great a hope in the potential for diplomatic accommodation with hostile states. And it would exaggerate America's weaknesses and downplay America's strengths.
“Our economy is the strongest in the developed world. Our political system is far more stable than those of the world's rising economic giants. And the United States is the world's premier magnet for global talent and capital.
“Still, the realist school offers some valuable insights, in particular its insistence on seeing the world as it is and on tempering our expectations of what American foreign policy can achieve. We cannot achieve peace by promising too much or indulging false hopes. This next decade can be a positive era for our country and the world so long as the next president realistically mobilizes the 9/11 generation for the momentous tasks ahead.’’
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Comments
Please..."the 9/11 generation"? I do not want this guy speaking for me. More fear mongering will not work...look at how well it has worked so far. And he and all other candidates should not forget the election of November 2006 when the people of this nation spoke out with their votes.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | August 15, 2007 6:53 AM
I wonder what Ann Coulter would say about Rudys use of 9/11 over and over and over.......
Posted by: bill r. | August 15, 2007 8:23 AM
"...the United States, he argues in an outline of his views on foreign policy, has 'responded forcefully….'
Unfortunately, we have responded in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The first step should have been to capture Osama bin Laden. And you can't tell me that with Pakistan on our side we could not have captured bin Laden between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Once Pakistan blew up and overthrew Musharraff, then we would threaten Pakistan (through diplomats) that if their nukes were used on anyone we'd blow them away.
Then we'd go to Saddam and say, "You can keep Iraq and help us contain Iran, or you can lose your kingdom." Having captured and rid the world of bin Laden and his # 2, such a threat would have carried some weight.
Having taken the worse path imaginable, we've lost all credibility in the Muslim world. And that is why people continue to die in Iraq.
And this is not just hind-sight. But even if it were, Guiliani still thinks we took the right path. Which labels him as John McCain lite.
If we're going to have a Republican in the White House, I'd prefer the real McCain to a poser.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | August 15, 2007 8:23 AM
Then there's the one trick pony candidate.
Posted by: Doug Zook | August 15, 2007 8:55 AM
Who the hell does this imeprialstic, war monger think he is? Look at what he saying, he is talking about "Extending American Ideals", through pre-emptive strikes and war. This is no different than the fascist or communist expansionist policies of Hitler or the Soviet Union. Attempting to force democracy on other nations with violence is just as evil as the expansionist policies of past dictators. STOP RUDY NOW.
We need a leader who can act responsibly, with a vision that can "encourage" nations to accept and reform there countries into democracies. Not try to force nations into democracy through violence.
Giuliani clearly wants "revenge" for 9-11, don't give him the chance to exact it.
Those who have the responsibilty of setting our foreign policies would be better to read a little Bob Dylan.
This from his classic song "Chimes of Freedom"
"Flashing for the warriors whose STRENGTH is NOT to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
An' for each an' ev'ry underdog soldier in the night
-An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing."
Posted by: Steve | August 15, 2007 8:59 AM
Did Judith write this speech for him?
Posted by: RomanB | August 15, 2007 9:05 AM
And now, Heeeeeerrrrrrreeeee's Rudy!!!! King 911himself. America's mayor. America's platitudinist. America's nonsense maker. Somebody tell me what he means by "international system." He uses that phrase several times without saying what it is. Somebody please tell me, before I vomit, whether or not Rodolfo is the penultimate Idealist. He did say ...Idealism must be our ultimate goal. This man is still wearing his dust mask. "Our economy is the strongest in the World" with the Chinese and others owning all the IOU's we've given them. What kind of reality is Don Guiliano looking at. He must be on crack. 911 defines the challenges of the 21st Century like the fall of Berlin Wall defined the end of the challenges of the 20th Century. Gimme a break!! I'm sure this essay will be a popular teaching tool in English 101 classes all over the U.S. The model on how to throw together a bunch of loosely connected ideas and make people believe you've said something profound.
Posted by: GW | August 15, 2007 9:06 AM
More fear mongering and scare tactics. This is the only thing this illegal administration and it's sheepish followers, like this quack Giuliani, can run on.
Giuliani talks tough about war and battles and the enemy but has zero military experience. He has no diplomatic or foreign policy credentials either. He believes he's entitled to be President because he was mayor of NYC on 9/11 when the WTC was attacked and he ventured down to groud zero. This man is a fraud, a liar, and a fool.
Posted by: Doug R. | August 15, 2007 9:28 AM
Does mobilizing for the "terrorists war on us" include resuming the draft as War Czar Lute has suggested?
The american people want to know.
Posted by: Mike | August 15, 2007 9:52 AM
To hear that one's "inalienable rights that proceed from God... must be protected by the state" makes me uncomfortable. Is this the role of government?
Posted by: ST | August 15, 2007 10:10 AM
He tells me what I don't want to hear. Terrorists are all around me. I just pooped my pants. This man talks tough. I'm votin' for him.
Posted by: Stan Woodbridge | August 15, 2007 10:12 AM
“A realistic peace is not a peace to be achieved by embracing the "realist" school of foreign policy thought."
Well, I'm afraid I'm more inclined to support a 'realist' school of thought than a 'fantasy' foreign policy like the Republikooks.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | August 15, 2007 10:37 AM
Stan Woodbridge,
The stench you detect of pooped pants isn't you - or even NASA astronauts - it's far-right Republicans contemplating the '08 election.
Posted by: Doug Zook | August 15, 2007 10:51 AM
I don't know why everyone criticizes Rudy's foreign policy and anti-terrorism credentials. After all, he happened to be in NYC the day we were attacked on September 11. What more credentials could you ask for?
Posted by: Marko | August 15, 2007 11:16 AM
This man is a fraud, a liar, and a fool.
Posted by: Doug R. | August 15, 2007 9:28 AM
Hey Doug, put a Wo in front of "man" and you have perfectly described hillary as well!!! She is a fraud. She got on the ballot because of her last name. Her priorities are purely personal. Going down as the frist female President is a lot better than going down as the lady who lost out to Monica. Y'all can try, but nobody can convince me that her international embarrassment while first lady is what she is trying to reverse. If you, Doug, truely feel she cares about this countries people, that is sad. She has really sandbagged you to the point of no return.
Posted by: Rob S | August 15, 2007 11:29 AM
Rudy Guiliani is a family values candidate - after all look at how many he has.
Posted by: Doug Zook | August 15, 2007 11:34 AM
"Expanding our economic and cultural influence" Right, exactly what the Muslim countries want, more US cultural influence.
"The world is a dangerous place. We cannot afford to indulge any illusions about the enemies we face."
Yeah, well we are certainly disillusioned by thinking we are facing the true enemies in Iraq now aren't we? How bout facing the true enemies over there in Pakistan?!?!
Or why don't you wait another year or two while they get stronger and stronger and then hit us again, maybe even successfully infiltrating the White House this time!
Talking in circles again Rudy...you bore me O ..NEXT
Posted by: Bella | August 15, 2007 11:39 AM
“It is not in the interest of the United States, at a time when it is being threatened by Islamist terrorists, to assist the creation of another state that will support terrorism,” the former New York City mayor said.
“Palestinian statehood will have to be earned through sustained good governance, a clear commitment to fighting terrorism, and a willingness to live in peace with Israel,” Giuliani said. “America’s commitment to Israel’s security is a permanent feature of our foreign policy.”
Is the man on the Hamas payroll? I can't think of anything a US presidential candidate could say that would stregthen Hamas's hand more than telling the Palestinians that the US will actively work to maintain the status quo and keep the Palestinian people permanently occupied and stateless.
Great job Rudy.
Posted by: tony | August 15, 2007 12:18 PM
Mr. Talk Tough out of both sides of his mouth is at it again, spouting more nonsense and pretending to be a hero. His program is a catastrophe.
After all, he suffered just like the firefighters who responded on 9/11!
Posted by: athena | August 15, 2007 12:46 PM
Giuliani: Mobilizing for 'The Terrorists' War on Us'?
Rudy can't even mobilize his own family to vote for him.
Posted by: John E | August 15, 2007 12:59 PM
"Reform the international system according to our values"?!?!
What the hell is this guy talking about?!?! The modern day version of lebensraum! Only this time the world is armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons! Brilliant!!! What a great way to create global stability. To achieve this goal, we'll have to kill at least half of the humans on the planet. Maybe more like three quarters. Does he really think that every person on the planet "has an American inside just waiting to come out"?!?! To hell with the ninny/nabob duo of Hillary and Rudy. More of the same will not be tolerated. We need a fresh look at maintaining global stability, not a replay of the mistakes of the past two millennia. Anybody but a Republican or Hillary in 08!
Posted by: The Decider | August 15, 2007 1:15 PM
I liken what is going on in America, in response to the 9/11 attack, to a situation where a person's immune system goes haywire and attacks it's own body. People die that way. Rudy sounds like a threat to America to me.
Posted by: San Miguel | August 15, 2007 2:17 PM
"MUSOLINI SPEAKS"
MORE CRACK MORE CRACK MORE CRACK MORE CRACK MORE CRACK!
THAT IS HOW I RUDY MY BOY TOOK BACK THE STREETS OF NEW YORK.
MORE CRACK MORE CRACK MORE CRACK RHETORIC, MORE CRACK RHETORIC.
THAT IS HOW I RUDY WILL TAKE BACK AMERICA AND A NEW ID CARD TO ALL MEXICAN, MEXICAN AMERICANS ALIKE. FORGET THE Z PATCH.
NO MERIT IMMIGRATION FOR ANY OF YOU.
I RUDY WILL WIN WITH CRACK!
Posted by: Roger Morris | August 15, 2007 4:16 PM
This guy is a fanatic.
Posted by: C.Morris | August 16, 2007 10:33 AM