WHAT KIND OF ICE-COLD MINDS RUN THE WESTERN WORLD NOW?

During what was known as the Cold War there were periods of high tension. Names would be called in public, assertions of wrong doing and bad intent would sometimes fly for the cameras.

Though all of the above was seen to be true, what happened mostly out of public view, especially in the West, was that many cordial meetings took place between the two sides, smiles were exchanged and meaningful dialogue of mutual respect was engaged in.  

The above occurred at all levels. There was dialogue. Diplomacy took place... and eventually there was détente.

Agreements were made. Sometimes these agreements were truly momentous. Both sides searched for peace through trust. Hard bargaining no doubt took place but the goal to be achieved was valuable to both sides. Through diligent work, examining common needs closely to find areas of understanding they moved forward. They slowly bridged the gap between them by each demonstrating good faith.

The balance of the world relied upon the integrity displayed by the men and women who negotiated in those rooms where breakthroughs were made. And the world was made a safer place.

Where is there evidence of such dialogue today. Where is the elevation of the spirit required to attempt a meeting of minds of the level described above? Where is that greatest of all tools between nations in disagreement, with systems that conflict? Where is diplomacy?

Did diplomacy die on September 11th 2001? For it has hardly been seen since from the representatives of the USA. All we have seen since that date can be summarized in the words below, none of which relate to finding agreements, compromise positions or a way through dangerous instability toward new foundations that make stability possible once more.

We have seen promises of war. Accusations of evil. Naked demands for submission, contrition, the acceptance of total guilt and subsequent punishments. We have seen war and the threat of ever more war. We have seen uncompromising attitudes, slanderous accusations, hateful words, unwarranted inferences and accusatory opinions.

What we have not seen is any sign that a mutual agreement to find solutions is considered viable, valuable or even conceivable.

We have seen much talking between friends but little between those one side and the other they consider enemies. It is said you should talk with your enemies.

Were all the normal rules set aside on September 11th 2001? Replaced by an understandable but dangerous rage? All possible bridge building as a route out of potential disaster abandoned? Was all human warmth and capacity for making compromises for the sake of all drained from the minds of those now given the task of America’s recovery? Was it decided that any and all not bowing now to the USA were to be destroyed and that there would no longer be any recourse to compromise until absolute security was assured?

An end to dialogue to establish compromises? An end to seeking a meeting of minds to resolve the dangers that come with division in order to avoid minds ever far apart towards war.

Was war and ever more war until a desired total and absolute victory and thus perfect security decided upon? And with this decision no need for dialogue, only demands and increased pressure, propaganda and destabilization until all now bowing were broken?

Is this where we are now?

Where ice cold hearts and minds in the United States attempt to deliver the now unquestioned goals set after 9/11 where no diplomacy need apply, but only accusations, threats, demands and endless war are seen as the way forward?

Ice Cold Minds in an Ice Cold War...