Dr Muravchik in staunch defence of US foreign policy on Newstalk FM

This morning Karen Coleman conducted a fascinating interview -with neoconservative Dr Muravchik-on US foreign policy.

Dr. Muravchik made a strong defence of US foreign policy.
He stated that it led to the defeat of Nazism , Fascism and Soviet Communism. Certainly the arms race which formed the cornerstone of Ronald Reagan's foreign policy helped bankrupt the Soviet economy and probably led to the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe.
He argued that with the weakness of the UN, US strength,generosity and self interest helped to prevent a Third World War. He stated that -depending on your point of view- we were either in the midst of a war on terror or in the initial stages. He stated that after 9/11 the US decided to wage war on terrorists. This fight back is making the war more intense.

He stressed that when -US invaded Iraq -that it was at war with Saddam Hussein but not with the Iraqi people. He agreed that the war in Iraq had not gone well but predicted that- if there were not a premature withdrawal of US troops -the world would be a safer place.

Is Bush winning the war on terrorism?

Whilst I have always doubted the wisdom of US military action in Iraq on the grounds that American forces could get bogged down in a prolonged war there are indications that in al-Anbar Province and some other areas, local Sunni sheikhs have switched their allegiance in recent months from Al-Qaeda to the Iraqi government and the coalition. This is a signal success for Bush.

The sheikhs originally viewed Al-Qaeda fighters as heroes. These fighters however attempted to impose strict punishments on the local Sunni population for smoking and drinking. They also began to forcibly marry Sheikhs daughters. The Sunni population has realised that life under Al Qaeda is hell.

Now some Sunni sheikhs are battering rams in the war against Al-Qaeda. Al Qaeda is being fought in the Middle East both in Iraq Afghanistan and Pakistan far away from US borders.

To a certain degree its energy is being sapped.

There has been no repeat of 9/11 on US soil. The US has beefed up intelligence gathering. There is intelligence sharing and cooperation between the United States European countries Australia et al. Also attacks have been averted.

Bush and the GOP can argue that they have successfully protected the security of the US. This is an important trump card in the 2008 Congressional and Presidential elections.