IRAQ: American brand disaster?

Following on from debatum's special 'US Presidential race' debates, today we look at how the Iraq war has affected the global image and power of America, and more importantly, what should the next American President do to gain back this global standing.

5 years is a long time in international affairs. A lot can happen in that space of time, not least because the way the world works significantly changes too. Power has often been viewed as a major asset when influencing global events, and this was demonstrated with the US led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Legally of course, this war is still contentious; morally, the war is criticised; ideologically, it is faulted. But when US missiles rained down on that late Baghdad evening on 20th March 2003, not only was this the beginning of a subsequent change in the wind upon the sands of the Middle East, but clearly a detrimental effect on the United States global image.

The war has been a disaster. President Bush Bush claims history will judge that. But it is not history that will answer for the thousands of Iraqi's and coalition troops dead since the war began.

The winners of the war are those who opposed it. al Qaeda operates freely, Iran is empowered, and Saudi Arabia is able to control global oil prices because its Iraqi counterparts are having problems starting up their industries again. Almost daily, Iraqi oil fields and tankers are attacked by insurgents. Hardly a ideal way to conduct business.

The losers, well their are two; one is the occupier, the other the occupied. If the US thinks it has the global power it once did, it must re-evaluate. The great superpower has lost prestige in the international community, has given up ground to other states to re-emerge (most notably China), and is losing the hearts and minds of not only disenchanted jihadists, but Europeans too.

Opportunity

The election of a new US President however, presents a new opportunity. With the end of the current administration, a fresh new President can take the opportunity to build bridges that were previously burnt. A new approach and new agenda can help the world once again use America in a positive light, rather than the negative one is espouses.

Freedom, democracy, human rights, all words that have not typified the war in Iraq.

There is no doubt that this administrations war will have a knock on effect into the future administrations conduct in foreign policy.

But whoever the next President is in 2008, one needs to ask, what foreign policy direction should the new President take? Do you think the USA should negotiate with al Qaeda? Should the new President take tougher action on Israel? Should a resolution over Darfur be core policy for a future US President?

Post your ideas here, and all ideas will be forwarded onto the individual webpages of the candidates.

Whatever it is you think, speak up and be heard.