Over the course of the next several months, I will identify web resources that are useful in learning more about the United States and its relations with the world community. While this is not a new or revealing strategy, it is important for a newly elected administration to espouse the principles on which policies will be based. The fact that America continues to help countries that are striving for democracy is consistent with post-WW II policies that have been increasingly emphasized as America has grown in strength as a nation. It is the second part of this U.S. foreign policy that is of ever-increasing importance.
Political issues play an important role in foreign policy.
In addition, U.S. foreign policy is intertwined in the economic interests of countries around the world, particularly as they concern the welfare of U.S. private business concerns. One interesting message that America sends by placing General Powell in command of the State Department is that foreign policy of the United States is, indeed, focusing on dealing with rogue nations that desire to do America harm. Perhaps this is an important message at this juncture in our history. Recent news images from Iraq depicted Saddam Hussein haphazardly discharging a military-style rifle, slinging it into the air with one hand and squeezing the trigger. Lowering the weapon, he would raise his other hand to puff on a fat cigar.