US boxed in by Bush's strike-first doctrine

Key Clinton adviser assesses the dangers of America's new national security strategy

James Rubin
Wednesday October 23, 2002
The Guardian

Reading the National Security Strategy of the United States one is reminded of the old story about America's First Lady in 1865: "So, Mrs Lincoln, other than that one small interruption, how did you like the play?"
For more than 20 pages, this new document lays out the political, economic, and military objectives of the United States in the world, reflecting a post-September 11 consensus regarding the importance of fighting terrorism, stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and promoting democracy, peaceful resolution of disputes and market economics.