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The advent of a fresh wave of terrorist attacks, which the Obama administration attributes to the wildly offensive "Innocence of Muslims" trailer, has caused foreign policy to once again become a big part of the Election 2012 conversation.
Personally, I find it hard to believe that this could simply be a protest that spun out of control; it was too well coordinated. While the film may have given impetus to the attack, it likely provoked existing militant terrorist organizations, as opposed to moving the ordinary, peaceful citizens of Libya to violence. This is a problem that existed beforehand and will continue to exist if we allow it.
Every action needs a reaction and this attack requires a response, regardless of where the attack originated. While I feel inclined to disagree with the President regarding the origins of the attack, I do think his proposed course of action is more sensible than Romney’s.
In the wake of the attack on the American embassy in Libya, Obama vowed to catch the terrorists, but remain on peaceable terms with the Libyan government, emphasizing his administration’s respect for religious freedom. While I find this to be a fair and measured response, I am anxious to see just what form it will take; it could easily lead to another—albeit probably necessary—foreign entanglement. Still, if we choose to take the President on his word—always a risk in politics—he’s at least going into the situation with the appropriate course of action in mind.
Here is where Mitt Romney comes into play. Romney argues that if he were President, something like this would not happen. Romney accuses Obama of “appeasing” hostile foreign entities and invokes the Machiavellian doctrine of fear as a political tool—the theory of provocative weakness—claiming that if he were at the helm of foreign policy, these people would “know their place."
In another era such an attitude would not be without its merits. One country could simply invade another, hostile armies and governments could be crushed. Through warfare, a message could be sent—a message that ultimately boils down to “We are not to be messed with.”
Our situation diverges from this hypothetical in two significant ways, however. First of all, we are not confronting national armies. Instead, the enemies are members of private organizations who can scarcely be found, much less attacked and strong-armed into seeing things our way. Secondly, if we presuppose that the Muslims terrorists are sincere when they cite religion as their motive, then we can assume they do not fear death. A bomb is not going to scare them straight.
In short, the President is right. The attackers need to first be found and then destroyed. An excessive display of force would not only set back our steadily improving foreign relations, but also most likely fail.
Romney might argue that such a power play would pressure other nations into doing a better job of fighting terror within their borders. Maybe, but this messy and indirect approach guarantees us neither justice for the deceased, nor safety in our future.
School, major and year: A&S, English (minor in Philosophy), 2014
Hometown: Bethpage, New York
What makes the Gavel so BANGin’? I’d say it’s our openness to change. We’re built to adapt to changing student needs. And that, I think, is pretty cool.
If you could go back in time and give yourself a pep talk the night before you moved into BC as a freshman, what is the most important piece of advice that you would give to your former self? Be honest with yourself about who you are—the good and the bad. Once you know who that person is, figure out what he wants, and how to get it.
What is your favorite study spot on campus? O’Neill, 1st floor, in the booths (when I can get one). Bapst is pretty and has that “Hogwarts” vibe but it’s too quiet. You sneeze, and people look at you like you’re a witch just begging to be given over to the cleansing flame.
What is your go-to meal at Late Night? Chicken strips and BBQ sauce. Wouldn’t say the chicken’s anything special, but I’ve got a weakness for BBQ sauce.
What is the #1 most played song on your iTunes? Honestly, my musical tastes are always in flux.
What is the best Halloween costume that you have ever worn? A fox! (What does the fox say?)
If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, which would you choose? The Cheesecake Factory! I won’t pretend it’s my favorite, but their sheer variety makes the whole “one restaurant” thing less of a deal breaker.
If you could befriend the main characters from any TV show or movie, who would you choose and why? Spencer Reid, from Criminal Minds. If you’ve seen the show, you know why.
