Nation Building

After 9/11 – the defining moment of national terrorism in American terms – public discussion came to consider nation building. There were problems in the Middle East and Africa, South America, and other regions.

In the Middle East of course we were concerned with Al Qaida in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and Iran as well as many other countries – Egypt, Libya, Syria, etc.

African countries were struggling as well. So many small nations yearning to sustain their special way of life. Others failing massively on health concerns alone, let alone economic and political stability.

Yes we were concerned about the status of many countries and we wondered aloud whether we should help these nations survive and succeed. Indeed there were many then and now which we knew were tottering toward oblivion. The concern was not just humane living conditions, but also for political stability of entire regions. Stability which safeguarded American interests globally and at home.

Did we have a responsibility to get involved? Did we have an imperative to be involved?

Many suggested not! Others said yes, do help these struggling nations along.

Trouble was we didn’t know who the good guys were. Still don’t. Situational elements inform us of needs and risks to the local population and what they produce for the world and America. Do we need their products? Do we need their stability? What will fill the voids should they fail. And will this risk our safety in geopolitical terms?

It became the aim of America during the George W. Bush presidency to build nations. For geopolitical purposes. And we did get involved. In many places, mostly the Middle East.

The record is not good. We bought time to strengthen our allies and self interests but we did little to build lasting national infrastructures. Observe if you kindly will, the condition of Iraq and Afghanistan. Both are not stable. Both are not at peace internally or externally. Global politics impact those regions daily. It is not just Middle Eastern politics but global politics which drive these concerns. Global economics is part of the formula. Human living conditions is another. The peril of the unknown future 30 or 50 years from now beckons our interest as well.

No; we have not done well building nations. Friendly ones like Egypt and Saudi Arabia turn out to be less friendly, less an ally to our interests. As well they should; they have their own internal interests to govern and support.

It seems to me nation building belongs to the people of the nation that is or will become, not America. We can build commercial networks. We can build human care supports for food, health and education. We can do these things because we care, because our philosophy and spiritual underpinnings require us to do so as fellow human beings.

But as political and ideological purveyors we ought not be involved.

Rather we have our own work to do. Right here at home. Generations of citizens needing our care and nurture.

Ought we tend our own gardens? Now?

March 19, 2013