The Rising East
World may feel
the anger and resolve
of post-Sept. 11 AmericaEven though Americans are still sorting out the complicated changes in their personal and national lives a year after the stunning terrorist assaults of 9/11, one fundamental shift in the mood of the nation seems to have taken hold:
Americans today appear less tolerant, less patient and less willing to collaborate with other nations to achieve international security. That attitude is summed up: "If you are not with us, you are against us."
This new outlook did not begin with 9/11, but rather with the nationalistic stance initiated by President Bush when he took office in January 2001. The president began to assert that the national interests of the United States must take precedence over the counsel of allies and friends. He has been applauded for what supporters see as patriotism, while his critics scoff at what they call his "unilateralist" approach.
The attacks in New York and Washington gave fresh impetus to this new nationalism. Recognizing this posture is vitally important to Asians and everyone else who must deal with the Americans because it underlies everything from daily contacts to foreign policy. Many nations -- and some Americans -- may be discomfited by this new attitude but it has become a political reality.
An exception: Americans seem hesitant to have U.S. forces to invade Iraq without the support of allies, which for the most part has not been forthcoming. A poll by the Los Angeles Times showed that a majority of Americans, 59 percent, would approve U.S. military action to remove Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Of that majority, however, 61 percent said the United States should attack only with international backing -- meaning only 36 percent would be willing to go it alone.
Elsewhere, the main driver in the U.S. security posture since 9/11 has been America's wrath -- an anger not seen since Dec. 7, 1941, when Japan mounted the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor to bring America into World War II. Not in the Korean War, the Vietnam War or the Cold War has the wrath of America been so aroused.
Today that anger still floods the nation, although it may seem subdued as it has been transformed into a sense of unity and purpose. Said a newly naturalized American citizen: "We are at war."
The evidence of American resolve is everywhere. Polls show strong support for the war on terror, for the proposed Homeland Security Department, for prosecuting the war in Afghanistan. Americans may grumble at the inconvenience caused by counter-terrorist actions but seem to have accepted security measures in airports, public and private buildings, and at sporting events and political rallies. They have accepted some restrictions on civil liberties in favor of national security.
In particular, the response to Bush's addresses has been revealing. The key here is less what the president has said and more in the high levels of public approval shown repeatedly in the polls. In this robust democracy, that response has become a salient fact of political life.
After a shaky start, the president set the theme on Sept. 20, 2001: "Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." Similarly, in the State of Union address on Jan. 29, 2002, he said: "Some governments will be timid in the face of terror. And make no mistake about it: If they do not act, America will."
A counterpoint came on March 11 in a White House ceremony for partners in the war on terror to mark the six months since 9/11. The president said, "We have come together to mark a terrible day, to reaffirm a just and vital cause, and to thank the many nations that share our resolve and will share our common victory."
A new ingredient was added during the president's address at the Military Academy at West Point in June: "Our security will require all Americans to be forward-looking and resolute, to be ready for pre-emptive action when necessary to defend our liberty and to defend our lives." The polls have shown overwhelming support for that position.
In sum, Americans are not in the mood for diplomatic niceties or political correctness. That theme may show up this week as we mark the first anniversary of 9/11.
Richard Halloran is a former correspondent
for The New York Times in Asia and a former editorial
director of the Star-Bulletin. His column appears Sundays.
He can be reached by e-mail at rhalloran@starbulletin.com