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Mr. Barack Obama in his inaugural speech told - 'America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace'. A very encouraging statement, which kindled hopes of all peace loving people throughout the world. However the President, by choosing to continue the ‘War on Terror’ on already established lines, has lost much of the positive image he had created for himself. He has committed himself, in a rather mundane manner, to eradicating the terrorists in the ‘most dangerous’ Afghan-Pak region, by deploying more troops in Afghanistan and by announcing substantial aid to Pakistan to help fight terrorism.
Mr. Obama believes that the Al-Qaeda poses a continuing threat to America and hence they should be pursued wherever they are; the perpetrators of 9/11 need to be brought to book. This is simply continuing the same line of thinking as that of his predecessor. The results can also be expected to be on similar unsuccessful lines. One expects a much more imaginative and fresh approach from him.
Basically why should America send its troops half way across the world to thwart a possible terrorist attack? Instead it can strengthen its defenses and maintain a high state of alert, which would be less provocative to the disturbed mind of the terrorists. There is a view that the presence of American troops in Afghanistan is itself the perpetuating factor of terrorism in Afghanistan/Pakistan.
Obama should remain true to his expressed hope that America should play its role in ushering an era of peace. He should take the bold step of gradually reducing the troops in Afghanistan, whatever are the logical arguments against it. He should have confidence in peace and in the fact that peace begets peace. He should avoid getting into the vicious cycle of action-reaction against terrorists.
While commenting on the Bush era, Obama said that George W. Bush made some bad choices. ‘The most dangerous region in the world’ can be gradually turned into a safe place, provided he makes some good choices and avoids the repetition of a Vietnam or an Iraq.
