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From: brian@sequent.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.followup
Subject: Re: Air raid on Libya
Message-ID: <1956@sequent.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 8-May-86 19:03:42 EDT
Article-I.D.: sequent.1956
Posted: Thu May  8 19:03:42 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 14-May-86 05:54:03 EDT
References: <157@unido.UUCP> <858@ihlpl.UUCP> <733@epistemi.UUCP>
Reply-To: brian@sequent.UUCP (Brian Godfrey)
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems Inc, Portland, OR
Lines: 36
Keywords: Libya Europe

>There is a great deal of sympathy in Europe for the frustration felt in the
>US over terrorism.  The US is, however, the most powerful nation on Earth,
>and has vast influence.  

   I think we are very powerful militarily, but have very little influence 
with any countries who are not major exporters to the US. We do not use our 
military might as a consistent instrument of foreign policy. We have demon-
strated that we will provide massive aid to third world countries no matter 
how they talk about us behind our backs. About the only power we seem to
wield is the ability to tamper with the foreign exchange rates and influence
the economies of our trading partners. We even let Mohammar K(Q?) call the
shots in the Gulf of Sidra. 

>It is hardly surprising that this influence should
>be resented in many quarters, particularly if not wielded with the utmost
>wisdom and care.

   The problem is that when you have so much "power" you are heavily
condemned whenever you use any of it in any way. What seems like wisdom 
and care to some seems like stupidity and callousness to others.

>   One of these responsibilities is to be well informed, and you 
>really _must_ try to understand more of situations like the Middle East than
>is evident from recent comments.

   It seems that many people in Europe wish those of us in the US were better
informed. I think many in the US wish the Europeans were better informed. 
Maybe the problem isn't how informed we are, but the perceptions we generate
from this information. The realities of living in the US are different than
the realities of living in Europe or anywhere else. Those differences cause
people in various places to form different opinions and perceptions from a
given set of circumstances. It's called being human. Once you accept this
you will find yourself wondering why there is so much violence in the world,
not why this or that nation is so full of nuts and warmongers.

--Brian