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Bush report reiterates strike-first policy
Fox News - 16 March 2006

WASHINGTON — An updated National Security Strategy released Thursday by the White House lists seven countries as prime examples of despotic systems, and singles out Iran for its hostility and its nuclear weapons pursuit.

In the strategy, President Bush says the national security policy is "idealistic" about some goals and how to reach them and "realistic" about others. The 49-page report reaffirms the policy of pre-emptive strike, an approach that was first introduced in 2002, when the National Security Strategy was last reflect the realities of a post Sept. 11, 2001, world.

National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley gave a speech on the strategy Thursday to the U.S. Institute for Peace. "The president's strategy affirms that the doctrine of preemption remains sound and must remain an integral part of our national security strategy," Hadley said. "If necessary, the strategy states, under longstanding principles of self defense, we do not rule out the use of force before attacks occur, even if uncertainty remains as to the time and place of the enemy's attack."

Pre-emption has gained some criticism since the war in Iraq began, when the administration argued that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, but intelligence reports later proved to be faulty. "If necessary, under long-standing principles of self defense, we do not rule out use of force before attacks occur, even if uncertainty remains as to the time and place of the enemy's attack," the report reads. "We choose to deal with challenges now rather than leaving them for future generations. We fight our enemies abroad instead of waiting for them to arrive in our country," it says. The strategy does not say the United States will use force in all cases of emerging threats, and that the preference is diplomacy. But it doesn't shy away from the need to have all options on the table. "There are few greater threats than a terrorist attack with weapons of mass destruction. To forestall or prevent such hostile acts by our adversaries, the United States will, if necessary, act pre-emptively," the report reads. The strategy acknowledges the bad intelligence about Iraq and says "there will always be" some uncertainty about hidden weapons programs, but Bush makes clear he will not take chances. The strategy also restates his intention to spread freedom and democracy, in a quote lifted directly from the president's 2005 inaugural address. "It is the policy of the United States to seek and support democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world," the president said then and now.

The strategy lists seven countries that warrant special cause for concern — Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Burma, Belarus and Zimbabwe. It puts Iran and North Korea in a special category because of their nuclear programs, and vows to take "all necessary measures" to protect against them. It adds a particular warning on Iran, which it says supports terrorists, threatens Israel and disrupts democratic reform in Iraq. It also issues a dire warning. "We may face no greater challenge from a single country than from Iran. ... This diplomatic effort must succeed if confrontation is to be avoided," it says.
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