Letter: Foreign aid is fortunate

Friday, Oct. 26, 2001 | 4:15 a.m.

America is fortunate to have the eager cooperation of so many nations around the world. After all, the key to our success in the war on terrorism will be international cooperation. This cooperation is remarkable in light of the Bush administration's feckless foreign policy.

Prior to the monstrous acts of Sept. 11, President Bush had arrogantly and consistently poked his finger into the eyes of the international community, including our traditional Western allies and Japan. In addition, his inept foreign policy advisers chose a policy of benign neglect in the Middle East.

Prior to the events of Sept. 11, the Middle East was rife with rumors alluding to a major upcoming terrorist event in the U.S. Of course, the Bush Administration didn't pick up on those rumors and their disengagement from the Middle East didn't help.

During the presidential debates, Bush indicated his agreement with our 1983 engagement in Lebanon. That's when his role model, President Reagan, interjected a small contingent of Marines into a raging civil war in a feeble attempt at nation building. The result was the massacre of 241 marines and a hasty retreat. After viewing that debate, I knew our foreign policy would be in for bumpy ride if Bush should be elected.

KELLY KRIEG