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scarlethiney -> RE: Obama wins Nobel Prize (10/14/2009 7:14:05 AM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: AnimusRex
quote:
ORIGINAL: Musicmystery
I strongly believe that the Cheneys of this world are wrong, that an open dialogue with other nations is not a sign of weakness and kowtowing but an absolute necessity with friend and foe alike. We don't have to like what we hear, we don't have to listen to it, we don't have to change our attitudes and decisions based on it necessarily, but to make any kind of progress, now or eventually, we must have that dialogue. No, that doesn't mean we should seek to placate our enemies, and no, it doesn't mean that they are just poor and misunderstood. It does mean that without dialogue, only force is left. Dialogue doesn't remove force from the table, but relying on force alone limits our strength quite considerably--especially in Iran and North Korea, where our force is insufficient (i.e., we invaded Iraq because we could...not so easy with Iran and North Korea, as the consequences and repercussions would be far more severe). If we can't even talk, we are the ones unreasonable.
Much of the rest of the world feels this way (especially Europe), so it's not surprising that Oslo does. Obama opened the door to the possibility of a real change from an eight year era of frigid relations with friend and foe alike--again, a policy isolation that I believe is foolish, dangerous, and short-sighted. We aren't as all-powerful as we like to fantasize. Being part of the discussion serves us much better, even when we disagree with the direction of that discussion. We should at least be there to say so and why, willing at least to listen to alternative proposals, if not necessarily accept them.
So a tiny corner of the world decided to take $1.4 million and use their only chance at a large stage to express their congratulations on a change in policy, a change that they apparently strongly believe is crucial to peace in the world.
Are they right? And is this a good use of the Prize? That's all fair game for debate. But they're also well within their rights to do with it as they please--and they have.
Amen- reprinted to echo the thoughts. the last 8 years of foreign policy gave proof to the maxim that when all you have is a hammer, everything begins to resemble a nail- military force was not a last option, but seemingly the ONLY option ever considered.
Dialogue was considered weakness and appeasement, and foreign policy became really just a Kabuki dance of domestic politics,with each candidate outdoing each other in a show of masculinity and bluster.
The world is reacting with hope and approval that this Administration is heading in a different direction- half of foreign policy is gaining trust and alliances- after 8 years of bullying allies and turning the world against us, earning the trust and confidence of the world is a good start.
[sm=applause.gif]
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