Stardate 20010926.1119 (On Screen): I can think of no political action which would have more far reaching per cost effect than for the US to contribute a substantial amount of money to help feed Afghani refugees. This would prove first that the US is not fighting the nation of Afghanistan or its people, second that it doesn't want to needlessly victimize civilians, and third that it is not fighting Islam
per se. It would placate those in the US and in Europe who fear the US has or could become a raging animal. Finally, it would make it much harder for our enemies in Islamic countries to demonize us. The price for our involvement would be that aid provided by us should be labeled as such so that the people receiving it know who is reponsible. It should not be too difficult for food and supplies we provide (or pay for) to have small labels saying "Provided by the people of the United States" (in appropriate languages) along with a small US flag placed on the packages. Has any nation in the history of war ever directly and substantially aided the civilians of its enemy during a war? If so I've never heard of it. The price would be low and the propaganda value immense. It would also be a good act on purely ethical grounds. I do not believe we have an obligation to do this, but I think we should do it nonetheless.
(discuss)Update: It turns out this is exactly what we're going to do.
