"the memo remains stuck in an intellectual rut, limited by a crudely conventional 'hard power' outlook. The possibilities it floats - a leaner and more aggressive U.S. military, pressure on madrasas' funders, covert operations to 'entice' the madrasas 'to a more moderate course' - are all essentially negative. They focus on coercion or manipulation, displaying the cynical worldview captured in the Vietnam-era quip 'grab'em by the balls and their hearts and minds will follow.'"
"Hard power" seems to be the only way Bush and officials of his administration think. They believe that in a highly competitive world, you must always use and demonstrate power. This is what they have done and it is obvious to all - even Rumsfeld - that it did not work.
It is time to try another approach: "soft diplomacy." It is time to use friendly persuasion, cooperative helpfulness and kind-spirited diplomacy. Instead of focusing on improving our war capabilities - they are already inordinately greater than that of any other country on earth - why not improve our relationships with other countries, starting with our allies? Instead of worrying about the funding of madrasas, why not concentrate all our energies to making peace between the Israelis and Palestinians?
The Bush administration must learn to cooperate with our friends, settle business and other conflicts in a friendly way and build a strong international community that favors peace and justice in the world.
Rumsfeld, write a new memo. Better still, visit Colin Powell and the two of you together write a memo. Offer suggestions for a cooperative diplomacy to complement a competitive military offensive.
