Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
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Item Americans Are Finally Waking Up to the Failure of U.S. Policy in Iraq(Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), 2005-06-22) Eland, IvanIvan Eland discusses the growing discontent among Americans regarding U.S. policy in Iraq, highlighting a significant decline in public support for the war. Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans disapprove of the Bush administration's handling of the situation and believe the U.S. should not have invaded Iraq. This shift in public opinion has emboldened Congress to propose measures for withdrawing U.S. forces. Eland argues that historical precedents, such as the Vietnam War, show the importance of congressional oversight in ending unnecessary military engagements. He criticizes the administration's reliance on Sunni political participation and the establishment of Iraqi security forces, suggesting these efforts are unlikely to succeed before public patience runs out. Eland concludes that the administration should acknowledge the war's failure, set a withdrawal schedule, and negotiate a comprehensive peace settlement.Item Item Item Item 'Bush League' Trade Policy(Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), 2005-04-04) Powell, BenjaminBenjamin Powell critiques the Bush administration's consideration of "safeguard" quotas to protect U.S. textile and apparel industries from rising Chinese imports. He argues that protectionism harms consumers and fails to protect overall employment in the U.S. The Multi-Fiber Agreement's end led to a significant increase in Chinese imports, sparking calls for protectionist measures. However, historical evidence shows that trade policies do not affect total job numbers, as employment depends on labor force size. Powell emphasizes that free trade reallocates labor and capital to more productive areas, benefiting consumers with lower prices. Imposing quotas would raise consumer costs and reduce economic productivity, counter to economic theory and free trade principles.Item Can Lebanon Region Be Calmed? Will Hariri's Assassination Cause Further Destabilization? There May Be Ways to Avoid Disaster(Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), 2005-02-18) Gerges, Fawaz A.In this article, Fawaz Gerges discusses how the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri has significantly heightened tensions in Lebanon, threatening its fragile peace. Hariri, a critic of Syria's influence in Lebanon, was killed in a bomb attack that many suspect involved Syrian or pro-Syrian elements, though concrete evidence is lacking. This event has intensified international pressure on Syria to withdraw its 14,000 troops from Lebanon. To prevent further destabilization, the international community must engage Syria diplomatically and ensure Lebanon does not become a hostile environment for Syrian interests. The key challenge is integrating Hezbollah into Lebanon's political framework while addressing the broader Arab-Israeli conflict and instability in Iraq. Without comprehensive diplomatic efforts involving Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah, lasting peace in the region remains elusive.Item Critics on Iraq Policy Come Out of the Woodwork Too Late(Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), 2005-10-25) Eland, IvanThe ongoing crisis in Iraq and potential indictments of senior Bush administration officials highlight the failure of U.S. policy, according to Eland. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell's chief of staff, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, has criticized the "Cheney-Rumsfeld cabal" for controlling U.S. foreign policy, yet his and Powell’s delayed dissent raises questions about their accountability. This critique, similar to others by ex-officials like Richard Clarke, has drawn public attention to the administration's missteps. However, critics like George Packer argue that even a more competent administration might not have succeeded in restructuring Iraq, as such nation-building efforts are inherently flawed. The article underscores that U.S. public support wanes when wars of choice result in prolonged conflict and casualties, suggesting that American leaders should reconsider their interventionist policies.Item Free Commerce vs. National Security: Is There Really a Contradiction?(Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), 2005-03-21) Eland, IvanThe article "Free Commerce vs. National Security: Is There Really a Contradiction?" by Ivan Eland examines the conflict between free trade and national security using the Bush administration's opposition to a proposed natural gas pipeline from Iran through Pakistan to India as a case study. The administration opposed the pipeline to isolate Iran, despite the pipeline's potential to foster economic development and peace in South Asia. Eland argues that free commerce can reduce conflict and promote Western values over time, while sanctions and military actions are often counterproductive. He calls for a more thoughtful approach to national security that embraces free trade as a means to enhance global stability.Item Item