16 Oct 09
Originally posted by zeeblebotProbably has something to do with Europe having to endure WWI and WWII and seen the effects first hand on their own soil. Intelligence suggests you learn from your mistakes.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/13/AR2009101302654.html
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Former Republican senator Jack Danforth has described the practical effect of these European attitudes bluntly: "What it really says is: We will follow the U.S. provided the U.S. doesn't want to lead anywhere." What does it mean to "do the right thing in world af ...[text shortened]...
Hard power is essential. Soft power is useful. Star power matters mainly in Oslo.
17 Oct 09
Originally posted by Palynkawhen do you think the UN will get around to handling Zimbabwe?
I only hope Europe goes in the path that zeeblebot describes. We should not use force in other countries to impose our justice, unless this is done by the UN and is shared by all kinds of countries. We simply shouldn't go where we are not welcome.
The EU should keep expanding by means of peaceful cooperation and increased membership. That's the role I'd l ...[text shortened]... imilar to ours. War and force only creates an environment where the ruthless move to the top.
17 Oct 09
Originally posted by sh76Vietnam is a perfect example. just not in the direction most of its inhabitants (and oversea-ers) would have preferred.
Does he really need to explain how US guns and other policies helped bring long term peace to Japan, Germany and South Korea? Though, I will concede that I'm not sure what Vietnam is doing on that list.