Reconstructing Afghanistan: A New Marshall Plan? Listen

Aftermath of US airstrike in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Forums: What should the U.S. do to help rebuild Afghanistan?

Read the speech that launched the Marshall Plan.

 Truman signs the Economic Assistance Act of 1948

In June of 1947, in the wake of the widespread destruction that World War 2 inflicted upon Europe, Secretary of State George Marshall delivered a famous speech at Harvard University. In it, he said, "It is logical that the United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world, without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace...[our] purpose should be the revival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist."

The United States has pledged support to Afghanistan as it struggles to rebuild after their most recent war. But is a Marshall-type plan the answer? How can the U.S. ensure that conditions in Afghanistan remain stable enough to prevent it from becoming a haven for terrorists once again?

Guests:

William Kristol

Forums: Should the United States be taking a more active role in the world?

Click for a history of the isolationsim vs. engagement debate in United States history

William Kristol's Project for the New American Century Listen

From its earliest days, the United States has struggled with the question of how involved it should get in world affairs. In his farewell address, George Washington took a decidedly isolationist stance, saying "The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible."

William Kristol says times have changed since America's early days of isolationism, and that the nation needs to embrace its role as a 21st century imperial power. He says American leadership is good for both America and the world -- and that such leadership requires military strength and a political will that most American leaders have been afraid to show. This hour, William Kristol's view of America's role in the post-September 11th world.

Guests: