A4

By Paul Chapman

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Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed two old superpowers wielding their influence, and highlighting the fact that the USA no longer holds the position of strength they had prior to President George W. Bush's first term.

I do know that the American decision to go into Iraq had and continues to have direct implications for Canadian military families. Had they focused on the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, American military and economic prowess might be seen in a more positive light, and perhaps fewer of our young men and women would have died in the war.

I say might, because trying to say what would have happened "if" is a mug's game. I think its safe to say, Bush Junior did not improve the American image in the world.

As for the two old superpowers, they are busy showing off what they were busy doing since America started pouring billions of dollars into fighting a war. They have been reestablishing themselves as superpowers, and the way I see it, it's working.

China has impressed us with the entire Olympic package. The venue's are stunning, the games are exciting, and the Chinese results impressive. You can almost feel the confidence of a nation blossoming before your very eyes. We all read how the Chinese wealth is growing, but this Olympics is visible evidence of how far a society that a generation ago was very poor.

Russia was given a gift by the government in Georgia by moving into a disputed territory, which gave the Russians justification to go in a crush the military and spirit of the people in this democratic republic, while thumbing their noses at the NATO. The aggressive Russian response, and their provocative attitude towards protesting governments, also are evidence of growing Russian confidence, and a shifting of world power.

I think it was political satirist Jon Stewart from "The Daily Show" who best put the recent events in Georgia in context.

After reporting that American Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, said that America would never allow Russia to "put back up an Iron Curtain in eastern Europe and Asia," Stewart added that was mostly because "the curtain clashed with the blinds the US has up in Iraq."

There is an old curse, often attributed, but not verifiably, to the Chinese which says, "May he live in interesting times."

Like it or not, we live in interesting times.

Paul Chapman is a local freelance writer.