After reading this article from the New York Times, I started wondering about America's current foreign policies. Ever since September 11, America's been dealing very harshly with other countries for the sake of "homeland security." Terrorist state this, states harboring or funding terrorist groups. The term "terrorist" has become too loosely used. Because the United States, the lone superpower in the world, has begun the finger pointing, other countries followed suit... like Israel, labelling the PLO as a terrorist state. And by doing so, Israel expected the United States (their big buddy) to join their efforts in ousting the Palestinians by force.
Anyway, as I read the article, I saw the list of countries labeled as "terrorist countries": Iraq, Libya, Syria, Cuba, North Korea. And because Russia is trading with these countries, America's ties to Russia are seemingly deteriorating. Now, I look at these countries... and sure they are doing some questionable things, but terrorist countries? Doesn't it seem like the definition of a terrorist country is loosening? I'd rather label those 5 countries as countries America doesn't like. Iraq, North Korea, and Cuba for obvious and similar reasons. Before Sept 11, these countries with the possible exception of Libya, weren't labeled as being terrorist by nature. They were just countries who didn't listen and still do not listen to what the United States says. In fact, they're countries that openly share that they hate America, and laugh afterwards about saying such a thing. But after the whole bin Laden thing, suddenly their status changes? I dunno about that.
To me, this whole thing looks like playground politics. The big kid on the block (America) ruled the playground until some small kid (bin Laden) punched him hard, knocking him down to the ground. Of course, everybody on the playground sees everything. Some people are shocked. Kids who didn't like the big kid to begin with (the labeled "terrorist nations"), point and laugh at the big kid who is now on the ground. The big kid being completely embarrased about the whole thing, now goes around the playground saying that anybody not with him is against him. He especially points out people he just doesn't like, and tells everyone to hate them.
This may very well be the death of the last superpower. If it does happen, some people will look at Sept 11, the initial punch, and say that that day showed the world that even the superpower is vulnerable. But really, if real life works like the playground, the turning point will be how America responded to the attack. And at this point right now, it doesn't look good. Strong arming nations and telling them who they can associate with, ultimately will cause nations to lose respect for America. Noboby really likes being told who they can talk to, do business with.
The reason why America is a superpower isn't the money, the military might, or the culture, although they all contribute to the reason. The reason is because the world at large respects America and its power. Respect isn't lost from one embarrasing incident. Respect is lost through something more long lasting. Respect is lost through its own relations with others. And at this point, America is losing the respect of countries around the world because of its restricting policies with non-terrorist states.