[kabar]

I don't necessarily share your assumptions about what would have happened if we had invaded Afghanistan prior to 9/11. No one knows what chain of events would have ensued. Perhaps, we would have been more vigilant about a possible retailiation against the homeland if we initiated the attack on Afghanistan and the Taliban. The 9/11 plans of AQ may have been disrupted believing that the US knew of the plot and was taking preemptive action.

I will concede that 9/11 galvanized this country to action as no other event could have. If Clinton had been more of a leader, we could have used the bombings of our embassies in East Africa to marshall world and domestic support.

I take objection to your use of "PR blunder" as a reason not to take action. When our vital national interests are at stake, I want a President who will take action regardless of how it may affect the polls or our international standing or the personal consequences. One of the functions of leadership is to lead and build a national consensus. Clinton saw foreign policy as an extension of domestic politics and acted accordingly. We are reaping the whirlwind due to Clinton's failures.

[Capt. Tom]

I take objection to your use of "PR blunder" as a reason not to take action.

Apparently you haven't read what I wrote carefully.. I never said PR should have been a reason not to invade. I believe inadvertently we lucked out by not going into Afghanistan until afer 9-11.- Tom