Related
Stealth Campaigns

Caveat Emptor

The next US president too will be hawkish on foreign policy and allied with corporate interests, says MOHAMMAD AMIR AHMAD KHAN

The Democrats in Pennsylvania have voted for Hilary Clinton to go to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Presidential Primaries. But, the duel between the Democrats continues, while the Republicans look on with growing confidence and merriment. These primaries are the most closely contested election in America's hundred and fifty year old history. The presence of a woman and a black man (or as the Americans would prefer: a man of colour) has also given this contest, which has fan groups from Obama, Japan to Park Ridge, Illinois, an eager international audience. In fact, sometimes the manner in which the campaigns are talked about almost give them the feel of an elaborate soap opera.

There have been many instances where I have been drawn into a discussion as to who would be better - Obama or Clinton. However, Clinton's comments on Iran during an early morning talk show on the ABC TV news network indicated that finally Clinton has yet again revealed, that ardent bellicosity during American Elections translates into votes. On being asked what she would do if Iran attacked Israel, she said: "If I'm the president, we will attack Iran... we would be able to totally obliterate them." These words are hauntingly reminiscent of when Al Haig, American Secretary of State, said: "You just give me the word and I'll turn that fucking little island [Cuba] into a parking lot." Both these comments reinforce the motto of the Democratic National Committee: "Strong at home, respected in the world." Strong being the operative word and therefore respect resulting from that. Perhaps, the U.S.A. has forgotten the atrophy of power, which first occurred in Vietnam.

***

The present elections and the current candidates are no different. The American president will inevitably have to be an advocate and supporter of the American Israel Public Affair committee (AIPAC) in Washington amongst other powerful interest groups.

--MORE--