Q:  So how do you feel about the war on terrorism?

A:  I think dealing with terrorism is one of the most important foreign policy issues and I support the president’s efforts.

Q:  How did you feel about the war against Afghanistan? 

A: That was completely clear. We were attacked; we had to go after al Qaeda. On top of that, we had the UN and the other countries behind us. [1] 

Q:  How do you think President Bush is handling the war on terrorism?

A:  Pretty well. He’s a strong leader and seems determined. [2] I think he probably needs to use more diplomatic methods. [3]

Don’t get me wrong—I realize this game is rough. We should try to find the terrorists and if we do, we should kill them. [4]
But overall, I think Bush tends to overemphasize being assertive rather than being cooperative. [5] 

Q:  But isn’t the lesson of 9/11 that we can’t wait for other countries when it comes to using military force against threats to the US? 

A: Hmm. Actually I think the major lesson is that we need to work more closely with other countries.

Q: Overall, do you feel safer as a result of the government’s efforts in the war on terrorism?

A: I can’t say that I really do. Maybe a little. [6]

Q: Doesn’t  the fact that no attacks have occurred on U.S. soil since September 11 mean that the Bush administration’s efforts have worked?

A: Not really. [7]

Q:  So you don’t think it is important for the US to be assertive in confronting terrorism?

A:  I do think it is important--I just think we are overemphasizing it, and this can make people mad at us in the Islamic world, and when that happens it’s easier for terrorist groups to recruit new members and raise funds. [8]  I think we need to make greater efforts to improve relations with people in the Middle East. [9]

Q: So you don’t think there is a fundamental clash of civilizations that makes that impossible?

A:  No, I think we can find common ground. [10]

Q: Do you like President Bush’s idea of trying to promote democracy in the Middle East?

A: Democracy is good thing, and it would be great to see it spread. But I’m not sure we should try to impose it on people. [11]  Overall, I think the people in the Middle East want us to play a less dominant role, and I think we should, too. [12] 

Q: Would you reduce the U.S. military presence in the Middle East?  Would you pull US troops out of Saudi Arabia?

A: Yes. Now that Iraq is no longer a threat [13] And over the next five to ten years we should probably reduce our overall military forces over there. [14]

Q: But aren’t those forces important for fighting the war on terrorism?

A: Actually, I think they increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks. [15]