On Monday, October 18, 2004 the International Awareness Club hosted a debate on foreign policy. There were representatives from the Republican and Democratic campaigns who gave their views on the actions that each political party is taking in regards to diplomacy. The Republican Party was represented by Craig Stapleton, an ambassador whom has worked closely with the members of his political party. He focused his opening statements on the issue of the war on terrorism and the measures President Bush has taken to address it. He brought up the fact that under Bush’s presidency no further attack has taken place on American soil since September 11, 2001. He also pointed out that although it may seem that the United States and Britain have entered this alone, there are many other countries that support the endeavor in Iraq. According to the ambassador, Libya has dismantled their nuclear weapons as a way to prevent the events in Iraq from occurring in their own country. In essence, the war in Iraq was effective and necessary!
The Democratic Party was represented by former congressman Jim Maloney. He implied that the Bush Administration has misled the community and the members of Congress. Maloney based his opening statements on the fact that the Bush administration failed to beat the Al Queda. He also suggested that the effort in Iraq was a failure which put a strain on the country financially. It was mentioned that 90% of containers in ports are not inspected and only 2% of cargo is inspected. In essence, the current administration ignored the issue of terrorism because of the intense concentration on the situation in Iraq.
During the debate it was mentioned that the United States only contributes 1% of its national GDP to foreign aid. After each side presented their opening statements, the audience was allowed to ask questions. An important question asked by a student was, “how does the United States (whether it is the Bush or Kerry administration) plan to assist in the crisis in Sudan?” Based on the answers given by both parties it seems that there has been no thought given to the issue. Both representatives appear to be focusing on the issues in Iraq, therefore becoming unmindful of other crises occurring around the world.
This reporter feels the United States needs to make it a point to assist other countries when necessary, rather than focusing on a country that does not desire their help. This is especially so considering that the United States became a successful superpower at the expense of many developing nations.