AKSAM- Columnist Izzet Sedes writes on developments in the wake of last year’s Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. A summary of his column is as follows:
A full year has passed, but still the world hasn’t been able to recover from the shock of the devastating Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The American people yesterday marked the first anniversary of the tragedy by holding ceremonies and remembrances. They remember everything, and their painful memories are keeping their lost loved ones alive.
This year, the US has showed the world that it won’t easily be deterred from its fight against terrorism. The Sept. 11 attacks, in fact, strengthened George W. Bush’s position both as a world leader and as US president.
Today we live in a very different world. The attacks have, in fact, dramatically altered the power balances and international relations all around the world. The US no longer hesitates to clearly express its views on a number of sensitive issues such as Iraq. ‘Do whatever you think is right!’ is the catchword of the new America. Washington doesn’t shrink from acting at will no matter what its allies think or believe.
However, the US still has deficiencies in its foreign policy. A number of goals continue to elude Bush. He has failed to capture bin Laden, whom he declared he wanted ‘dead or alive,’ and the Al Queda terrorist group is still threatening the world.
In the wake of Sept. 11 attacks, the most important changes have taken place in the Middle East. After the collapse of Taleban regime, a new government under the guardianship of the Bush administration was established in Afghanistan. Recognizing the fact that the US is the greatest power in the world, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf stopped supporting the Taleban. Musharraf is now standing by the Bush administration.
The issue of Iraq is currently another hotly debated issue among world leaders. The American nation sees Bush’s attempts to overthrow Iraqi leader Saddam as an inevitable part of their legitimate fight against terrorism, since Saddam’s drive to acquire weapons of mass destruction and develop nuclear weapons are well known by the world. However, the US should act calmly and think carefully before making such a dangerous move which might easily upset all power balances in the world. Such a restrained US Iraq policy would also be beneficial for Turkey.