Are fear and mutual respect ingredients for peace between opposing powers?

Question

Fear of nuclear destruction kept the USA and the USSR from engaging in open warfare. The lack of respect, however, for each others way of life fueled a cold war that lasted for decades.
It's reasonable to assume that our new enemy fears our military might. 9/11 established fear in the USA for this enemy. Although both sides now fear one another, niether side respects the other at this point. Without respect, it's easy for a people to demonize an enemy and kill them without compassion.
What can be done, if anything, to bridge this void of disrespect. What would our new enemy, radical fundamental followers of Islam, have to do to earn your respect? What would you imagine the USA might have to do to earn their respect? Do you think that if there can be one iota of mutual respect established between us a peaceful coexistence might follow?

Answer 1

You may have skipped a step; I think I agree with your tacit assertion that fear and mutual respect are ingredients for peace between opposing powers, but I'm not sure the current opponents of the USA have any fear of the USA. The USA would need to come up with something that would terrify them (using nuclear weapons, say, to wipe out something they value such as the city of Mecca), and there is no evidence that such a tactic would ever be considered. There is a story going around the internet these days (my mother forwarded it to me last week) that General John J. Pershing shot Muslim rebels in the Philippines with bullets dipped in pig blood, but there's no evidence that the story is true or that such a thing would be effective against Muslim enemies.

Answer 2

I think the outcome of the November elections, and the presidential election, will be watched with great interest by the rest of the world. It will demonstrate the mindset of the American people as nothing else can.

One thing I've continually heard people in other countries saying over the last few years--they don't believe the actions of our government represent the true nature of most Americans. The fact that Bush was re-elected really shattered that belief, but the turmoil that is happening in this country keeps giving people hope that we might be coming to our senses.

If we overturn the Republicans in the House and Senate, and elect a Democrat into the presidency, I think that will do much to bridge the void. How that administration handles themselves after the fact will determine whether or not peaceful coexistence is possible. They will have to hold to a tough stance, while still making overtures to start talking to people who are now bitter and distrustful after the last few years. Hillary (with Bill's experience to draw from) still shapes up to be the best choice to do that, in my opinion, but it will be a hard battle to get her elected, and keep them both safe.

Great question!

Answer 3

The cold war was the dawn of a new era creating the premis of which you speak. This however does not apply to present conflicts. Certain elements of man kind, Islam being one of them, have no fear what so ever and there is no mutual respect either. Countries such as N. Korea and Iran will never relent to UN (American) sanctions simply because they do not have to. They have their own allies on the Security Council.

You must face the fact that Islamic countries will never respect the Western way of life. China much the same, as well as, any other country that views American Foreign Policy as a phallic protrusion.

I am the Fringe and WW III will be in your lifetime!

Answer 4

Just as an individual has to respect oneself in order to respect others, I suspect that the same holds true for collectives such as nations.

To be Respectful is a choice that becomes habit. Look at the habits and you know the choices made be the collective. USA History speaks for itself in terms of choice and habit.

Answer 5

Not Necessarily, this time, it's different, Here you have Islamo-Fascist terrorists who want to kill all infidels
who do not believe in Islam and these idiots want to kill
all Americans, Europeans and Israel(JEWS) and these SOBs have already proven that they wanted to destroy the USA on 9/11/01.

Answer 6

Bush could invite Ahmadinejad to Graceland and convert him to Christianity,,,