It is true that 9/11 changed everything, but not the way that the Bush regime intended. It changed how many in the world perceived the U.S., for sure, but the U.S. response to 9/11 has done more to change such perceptions. As the ashes began to cool from embers of what was once the World Trade Center, allies and enemies alike expressed solidarity with the U.S., and shed tears and sympathy. What a difference six years makes. What was once solidarity, has cooled to bitter toleration, and barely disguised anger.
Remember the so-called coalition of the willing? It has dwindled in number and fervor. Politicians know enough to talk the talk, but precious few are willing to walk that walk. Even America’s staunchest ally, England, has marched its troops out of Basra in southern Iraq under cover of darkness. In many of the countries where leaders signed up to join the U.S. crusade, their people have voted them out of office, and sent some leaders into political retirement. Such are the wages of democracy.
At home, the war has deepened divisions not seen since the ravages of Vietnam. And the president? Not only are his numbers in the basement, but he’s pulling his party into the cellar with him. His latest ploy to buy time by pointing to the General Petraeus report neatly juxtaposes the power relations between civilians and military. Civilian leaders, in a democracy, aren’t supposed to do what military leaders say. The military is supposed to obey their civilian political leaders. But since 9/11 the nation has fled so far, so fast, from any real semblance of democracy, that listening to the most profoundly undemocratic institution in the American republic seems almost normal.
A war began in bad faith, cannot end well. From the day George W. Bush announced Shock and Awe, and commenced the bombing of Baghdad, we have seen nothing but a long train of disaster. The General Petraeus report won’t change that. From death row, this is Mumia Abu-Jamal.
These commentaries are produced by Noel Hanrahan for Prison Radio.
