Victor Davis Hanson on corruption.
I’m beginning to tire of Victor Davis Hanson. His latest column, on corruption, says some good things. (*)
Hanson seems to miss a few critical issues. France and Germany may be not merely poor allies and fickle friends, but may have set themselves down the road of antagonism with the United States. These countries fund Palestinian suicide bombers and oppose key aspects of the Global War on Terrorism. America needs to reevaluate these countries as strategic partners. Perhaps we should no longer consider them such. Perhaps we should consider them enemies.
Furthermore, the larger game here is alliances. A league of nation-states opposed to terrorist groups and nation-state sponsors of terrorism would optimize the US and Israel’s chance for success in the Global War. An international security organization composed of the world’s democracies is a possibility. It could replace the UN Security Council.
On the other hand, an international treaty organization formally dedicated to opposing terrorists and their state sponsors might prove more effective. Such an organization could perhaps replace NATO. Stringent requirements for admission could block the entry of France and Germany, while allowing in countries like Italy, Spain, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The treaty would be one of mutual-defense. It could prove useful in isolating and changing the Iranian regime.