After September 11, 2001, a number of nations watched to see how the United States would respond. There were places like Libya, North Korea, Iraq and Iran who wondered what sort of behaviour they could get away with (e.g. can we continue pursuing nuclear weapons?). Other up and comers, most importantly China, probably just wanted to see what the US was going to do. I think it was of utmost importance that the United States of America attack something. Anything else would indicate weakness. Now, I seriously doubt that bombing up Afghanistan scared off any terrorists, but I assume that it did "check" China. Now, rip roaring into Iraq is another matter. Historically speaking, invading Iraq strategically benefits the USA. The problem? This pissed off the rest of the world. So, we just vote out George W. Bush, vote in John Kerry, and all is repaired. I doubt I'm being very clear so let me reiterate: When all of this is said and done, the United States will have showed off their big weapons and big resolve. And, then a new administration will come in to mend our ties to the international community. "We're so sorry! Mr. Bush was just out of control. Let's forget this ever happened. (But remember the weapons we showed off.)"

Of course, I say all of this from the comfortable position of an unenlisted person. I don't have to die for this country to make a point. Then again, that's just complicated, morally ambiguous jibber jabber.