Bernard Kouchner - Economic development is the best way to combat terrorism - IQ2 debate

Summary

Dr. Berar Kushner, former French foreign minister, critiques the War on Terror in a passionate address, advocating for military intervention to prevent mass atrocities under UN authority. He supports the ethical need to respond to 9/11 but questions the efficacy of the US-led invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting false premises and military failures. Emphasizing the complexity of regional politics, especially in Afghanistan, Kushner argues that poverty and illiteracy must be addressed alongside military action. In conclusion, he calls for a comprehensive approach, combining development, education, and diplomacy to foster long-term stability and peace in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Bernard Kushner emphasizes the 'responsibility to protect' and advocates for international intervention to prevent mass killings through both humanitarian aid and military action when necessary.
• 😀 He reflects on the creation of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), highlighting his belief that medical aid should transcend borders, even when doing so breaks national laws.
• 😀 Kushner stresses the need for a clear distinction between ethical, military, and political judgments when discussing the U.S. response to 9/11 and the War on Terror.
• 😀 He acknowledges the need to respond militarily to 9/11 but critiques the Bush administration's handling of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, arguing they were not successful in achieving their stated objectives.
• 😀 The Iraq War, according to Kushner, was based on false intelligence about weapons of mass destruction, and he criticizes the Western intervention for using 9/11 as a pretext to punish Saddam Hussein.
• 😀 Kushner suggests that military action alone is not enough to fight terrorism, and that addressing poverty, illiteracy, and political instability is equally crucial.
• 😀 He stresses the importance of a more holistic approach to international conflicts, including economic and educational development, to help prevent terrorism and promote stability.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the complex tribal dynamics in Afghanistan, where Western military forces struggled due to the lack of clear understanding of local customs, borders, and allegiances.
• 😀 While military force was employed in Afghanistan and Iraq, Kushner argues it was equally important to focus on improving infrastructure, education, and health systems in these countries.
• 😀 He concludes by advocating for international cooperation through the UN system and emphasizes that intervention should be multilateral, not unilateral, to ensure lasting peace and development.

Q & A

What is Dr. Berar Kushner's position on the right to intervene in cases of mass killings?

Dr. Kushner is in favor of the right to intervene in cases of mass killings, emphasizing the concept of 'Responsibility to Protect.' He believes that intervention is sometimes necessary to prevent atrocities, even if it means breaking existing laws in extreme cases.

What was Dr. Kushner's role in the creation of Doctors Without Borders?

Dr. Kushner was one of the founders of Doctors Without Borders in the early 1970s. He developed the organization to provide medical aid across borders, especially in situations where access to healthcare was restricted or denied due to conflict or political barriers.

What is Dr. Kushner's view on the War on Terror following the 9/11 attacks?

Dr. Kushner acknowledges that it was imperative for the US to respond to 9/11, but he critiques the Bush administration's approach, particularly the invasion of Iraq. He argues that while military action was necessary to address terrorism, the broader political and military strategies were flawed and did not fully achieve their goals.

How does Dr. Kushner describe the outcomes of the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Dr. Kushner points out that while some progress was made, particularly in education and infrastructure in both Afghanistan and Iraq, the wars were not successful in achieving lasting peace or stability. He believes that military intervention alone could not address the underlying issues such as poverty and extremism.

What critique does Dr. Kushner offer regarding the Bush administration's decision to invade Iraq?

Dr. Kushner critiques the Bush administration for using 9/11 as a pretext to invade Iraq. He argues that Saddam Hussein had no connection to Al-Qaeda or the 9/11 attacks, and the search for weapons of mass destruction was based on false intelligence.

What does Dr. Kushner suggest should have been done differently in the War on Terror?

Dr. Kushner suggests that the War on Terror should have been combined with efforts to address poverty, illiteracy, and economic development. He believes that tackling these underlying issues is crucial to preventing extremism and achieving long-term peace.

What role does Dr. Kushner believe the United Nations should play in military interventions?

Dr. Kushner emphasizes that the United Nations should be the central authority in deciding when and how military interventions occur, as it is the only international body authorized to make decisions on war and peace. He believes that interventions should always be conducted within the framework of international law.

What challenges did Dr. Kushner encounter in Afghanistan during the conflict?

Dr. Kushner, having worked in Afghanistan as a medical doctor, highlights the complex tribal divisions in the country, particularly the Pashtun people who are closely tied to the Taliban. He mentions the difficulties in addressing these divisions and the lack of clear borders between Afghanistan and Pakistan, complicating efforts to combat terrorism.

How does Dr. Kushner view the relationship between poverty and extremism?

Dr. Kushner believes that poverty is a significant driver of extremism, especially in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. He argues that addressing poverty and improving education are essential steps in combating terrorism and building long-term peace.

What is Dr. Kushner's perspective on the Arab Spring?

Dr. Kushner sees the Arab Spring as a hopeful sign, particularly in terms of the younger generation of Arab leaders who are striving for democratic reforms. He contrasts this with the previous generation's failures to establish democratic systems and believes the future lies with these emerging leaders.