The Softer Side of Preemptive War
Saturday, March 19, 2005
(SNN)Paul Wolfowitz has said that his image as the sadistic lunatic who designed the doctrine of preemptive war is only half the story. As an intensive lobbying effort to defuse opposition to his nomination and prepare himself for his new role, Wolfowitz has been meeting with many of the bank directors.
His image as the sadistic lunatic who designed the doctrine of preemptive war is only half the story.
The U.S. deputy defense secretary described his critics as "people who don't know me" and said when they once "get to know me they will realize fairly quickly that I'm about a lot more than military issues, about a lot more than just the Iraq war and that a good deal that has been written about me is an inaccurate caricature." Wolfowitz was quick to point out his involvement in community theater and his love of jazz dance.
Amongst Wolfowitz’s greatest beliefs is that countries should embrace a free market economy. He believes that true laissez-faire style of government is ultimately for the best of everyone. This “hands-off” style of government has grown increasingly popular in Latin America. After a dozen years of privatization, deregulation, and free trade, many Latin American countries sit on the brink of a complete economic breakdown, except of course in Venezuela, which is communist.
"I am certainly not going to impose the U.S. agenda on the bank." -Wolfowitz
Wolfowitz says he a firm advocate of the sanctity of the sovereignty of “the little” nations. This especially showed during the rebuilding of Iraq. The defense secretary believes that the people of a country have the ultimate say in what goes on with that country. He believes that as long as a democratically elected government doesn’t become selfish and put their own interests above the U.S. or corporate interests, they can do anything they want.
If confirmed in the post, Wolfowitz said that, "I am certainly not going to impose the U.S. agenda on the bank." Wolfowitz went on to say that he would not have to impose President Bush’s agenda. The U.S. deputy defense secretary contends it is in all countries best interests to want what President Bush wants. He also says that while he brings the countries around of these goals, he regrets any short period of discomfort that might be realized, such as an all out invasion and occupation.
