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For 400 years, Jews, Christians and Muslims restlessly coexisted under the Ottoman Empire. But World War I saw the empire carved up into Allied booty. In this atmosphere of colonialism, Arabs bristled at gentle attempts to create a Jewish state. After World War II, this crossroads of cultures and birthplace of three major religions was arbitrarily bludgeoned into the state of Israel, thereby creating an immediate, violent paradox. Even if it took longer to reap the rewards of patience, a broader consensus may have taken away some of the inspiration and extremist rationalization for the current conflict. Instead, Israel became a touchstone for the excluded, a scapegoat for bitter hatred that feeds into the power of radical Arab elements.
2-Oil
No doubt, the 1945 West viewed Arabs as backward and insignificant. But as oil gained dramatic importance in the world, the amusing desert sheiks suddenly commanded power and attention. Unfortunately, they never shared western capitalism with their countrymen, hoarding the profits among a few families. The angry downtrodden gradually became ripe for Islamic extremism. With historic naiveté, the rich families simply bought off the radical threats with cash.
Today, Western energy depends upon reasonable relations with nations that uncomfortably straddle internal violent extremism with Western economic pragmatism.
3-Carter presidency
The Carter administration wasn't the first to blunder through inept policies. But Carter's bungles were legendary. Western intelligentsia swooned over the Camp David accords. Unfortunately, much of the Arab world was enraged, perceiving Anwar Sadat as abandoning Gamal Nasser's Palestinian commitment. Hard-line Arabs had raised great political stock by demonizing Israel, and could not afford an empty surrender. Sadat was soon assassinated.
But Carter's liberals weren't finished, famously slashing covert ops in an effort to be international pussycats. His full embrace of the Church Commission's "pattycake diplomacy" exposed incredible naiveté. This began a long series of liberal attacks on intelligence agencies, leading to years of deadly diplomatic weakness and failure.
4-1980's Liberal Congress
Nixon's demise led to a long, unnatural liberal domination of congress, coinciding with the communist/socialist infiltration of the Democrat party. While Reagan saw an ideal opportunity to defeat communism, the 80s Democrat congress clearly intended to save communism from the threat of freedom.
Reagan's attack on communist tyranny proved especially correct, of course, but long-term problems were incubated as the congressional left hamstrung overt and covert diplomatic operations, loudly dragging such operatives as Oliver North in front of congress. Unfortunately, the never-tried efforts now scream loudest.
5-Bill Clinton Presidency
Upon assuming command of the most powerful nation on Earth, Bill Clinton immediately frittered away virtually the coalition George H. Bush assembled. World leaders moved to take advantage of his inattentiveness. Russian mobsters scarfed up the $40 billion World Bank "loans." Immigration and security concerns were virtually ignored. Enemies were given secret technologies. Israel was browbeaten into a near-suicidal land-for-peace swap. Clinton's token "responses" to terrorism conveniently coincided with Monica Lewinsky's congressional testimony, driving moderate Arabs towards Muslim extremists.
For Americans who believe momentary peace equals no war, the Clinton presidency proves there is no safe time when a nation can afford a foolish leader.
6-Republican non-response
Republicans may claim Democrat policies were to blame for our current crisis. But they share significant blame. After all, when Democrats were mucking things up, who put forth a compelling argument? Grumbling and mumbling don't exactly inspire masses to follow. Passive conservative opposition to reckless liberals has come back to haunt America. It's one thing to have your house robbed. It's another to watch from your easy chair.
That is our road map to diplomatic defeat. It has a little of everything: naïve and self-serving leadership, uninspired opposition, and public stupidity. Unfortunately, this map isn't new. It's merely a re-tracing of previous misadventures across history. Fortunately, such road maps can be studied in the future. We can avoid the potholes, breakdowns, and highway robbery that await the wrong turns. If only we would read the directions.
This essay by Tom Adkins was published by permission. Mr. Adkins is the Executive Publisher of the Common Conservative.
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