On Thu, 4 Oct 2001, Seth Ackerman wrote:
> I agree with this. But at the moment Colin Powell is adamant that
> getting rid of the Taliban is not an explicit goal of the campaign.
I could of course be wrong, and time will show if I am. But I believe this is simply good diplomacy on Powell's part, as well as good intramural politics. There are many reasons why it would be better for the US to declare publicly that toppling the Taliban is not its goal while undertaking actions that will fatally weaken it. Which is why it is important for intellectuals outside government to make the case for it. So that when the opportunity "serendipitously" arises, they will sense support.
Michael
__________________________________________________________________________ Michael Pollak................New York City..............mpollak at panix.com