Dear Friend of CNI:
“Invading people and denying them their human rights is a funny way to bring stability, prosperity, and liberalism. Ask the Iraqis or the Palestinians.”
That’s from a piece I just published entitled “We Are All Humanitarian Interventionists,” rebutting an article by Steve Clemons, Washington Editor-at-large for The Atlantic magazine. Clemons has some incredible things to say about “American exceptionalism,” including this gem: “the U.S. has a moral responsibility to re-order the internal workings of other nations that constrain the freedoms and rights of their citizens.”
What nonsense—dangerous nonsense—in light of the fact that nearly 4,500 U.S. troops have died and more than 32,000 have been wounded in Iraq … not to mention the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi men, women, and children. In my article I say Clemons’ assertion “has to take the prize as a perfect framework for a tone-deaf foreign policy that will quickly lead to the end of the American experiment in republican government.”
In addition to the lives of American soldiers and Iraqi civilians, our government has bet about $1 trillion dollars on Baghdad’s ability to re-build the nation—that we we destroyed—according to Washington’s blueprints. The odds are not good.
Contrast the views of Clemons and his ilk with CNI’s mission: “CNI works for U.S. Middle East policies that serve the national interest; that represent the highest values of our founders and our citizens; and that work to sustain a nation of honor, decency, security, and prosperity.” It is not in America’s best interest to invade and occupy other countries no matter how lofty the battle cry—nor do such military actions meet any moral or strategic standard when taken on behest of another nation … like Israel.
I hope you’ll take a moment to read my article and to distribute it to friends—and the media.
The Council for the National Interest counts on its partners to engage in our war for the truth about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Your support is essential. This new year promises to be a particularly important time to question where America is headed, specifically in its relationship with Israel. With your continued encouragement, we are asking that question clearly and boldly.
Sincerely,
Phil Giraldi
Executive Director, Council for the National Interest
Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to the CNI Foundation.
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