President Bush has laid out a new National Security strategy –the first made public since 2003. It was in a 49 page report. He once again took a walk up Tough Street.
Mr. Bush made clear that he was reserving the right to strike first against terrorists and against hostile countries which threaten the use of biological or chemical warfare, or the use of nuclear weapons.
He said the doctrine of preemption “remains the same” –even though critics say it has been undermined by the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
“We do not rule out the use of force before attacks occur, even if uncertainty remains as to the time and place of the enemies’ attack ,” Mr. Bush said.
His strategy lists seven countries as “despotic” –Iran, which is getting the most attention these days, North Korea, Belarus, Zimbabwe, Syria and Burma.
Iran and North Korea, both with nuclear capabilities, received special warning.
The report said the US would take “all necessary” steps to protect itself against any aggression from either of them.
The document offered more emphasis on collegial efforts with European allies than Mr. Bush has in the past.
It also was calmer and more cautious than the last such report –in 2002, a year after the attacks of 9/11.
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