This week, the world saw a very different picture of American power in action. U.S. Marines — aided by aircraft carriers and Seahawk helicopters — are delivering food and water to tsunami survivors in Indonesia.
Colin Powell is touring the devastated regions and President Bush is promising that the U.S. will stand by countries in need.
For many in this country and elsewhere, the images of U.S. soldiers in humanitarian rescue mode harken back to a time in World War II when American G.I.s in Europe were seen as saviors in a fallen world. But at a time when America’s international image is at an all time low — and with its troops still engaged in a bloody and controversial war in Iraq — can this rescue effort show American power in a new light?
Guests:
Robin Wright, Washington post diplomatic correspondent
Nicholas Kristof, New York Times columnist
Andrew Bacevich, professor of International Relations at Boston University and author of the “New American Militarism”
Narasimhan Ravi, editor of The Hindu.