America at a Different Perspective

nName

nInstitution

nDate

n

nReagan and “Evil Empire”

nFormer president of the United States Mr Reagan in his speech in the House of Commons in 1982 described the Soviet Union as “Evil Empire.” He reportedly repeated the term in 1983 while delivering his speech to the convention of the National Association of Evangelicals (History, 2007). This hard-line stance warned against dangerous trend of tolerating the U.S.S.R attempts to spread communism in Third World countries and developing the nuclear weapons. In this regard, Reagan declared that Soviet should understand that United States would never compromise its principles and standards due to aggressive desires of an evil empire (History, 2007). Therefore, he advocated for continuous efforts of United States to fight against the evil principles from the Soviet Union.

nReagan decided to establish counter-measures that would prevent the efforts of the Soviet Union. His administration increased his military spending and to use force if conditions demanded so that he could roll back expansion efforts of the communists (History, 2007). In addition, his government provided military assistance to the afghan mujahedeen in the war against Soviets. Similarly, his administration provided military aid to groups fighting Sandinista government such as Nicaraguan. Furthermore, he explained the U.S efforts to reduce development of missiles as an attempt towards peace mission (History, 2007). President Reagan also decided to pursue agreements with dictatorial governments.

nAmerica would be different if this event had not occurred because it would have increased the expansion of communism in Third World countries. In addition, collapse of communism would not have taken place in 1990 hence escalation of Cold War. Further, if the event could have happened differently, America would not be the sole world superpower. Therefore, communism would be spread throughout the world hence contributing to economic suffering of the Americans.

nFirst Gulf War

nThe President of Iraq Saddam Hussein invaded and occupied neighbouring country of Kuwait in 1990. Saddam also defied UN demands to withdraw his troops in Kuwait. Therefore, US led other nations in Operation Desert Storm that was known as First Gulf war. President H.W. Bush launched air offensive against Iraqi troops, which led to early success in the war (History, 2014).

nHowever, Arabs nations such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait turned to North Atlantic Treaty Organisations (NATO) for support. Therefore, George H. W. Bush immediately condemned the action and announced Operation Desert Shield in 1990 (History, 2014). Air bombers were sent in Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt to guard against attack to neighbouring nations. In January 1991, U.S led air offensives in Iraqs oil fields, communications networks, oil refineries and weapon plants. By February 1991, Saddam surrendered from the war. The U.S troops were successful in killing more than 9 000 Iraqi soldiers. However, the forces were not successful to remove Saddam Hussein from power (History, 2014).

nAmerica would be different if the event had not existed because it would have encouraged other authoritarian government to violate international laws, treaties and human rights. Besides, there would be great expansion of terror groups that interfere with the lives of Americans. In addition, if the event happened differently, the U.S government would not be in a position to control production of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that threaten the lives of Americans. Moreover, if President Bush had not acted against Saddam, Middle East would be a region with perennial conflicts between states.

nIn conclusion, both President Reagan and Bushs actions on communism and Gulf War influenced U.S foreign policy. This is because Reagan term “evil empire” contributed to escalation of Cold War. Fortunately, his policy contributed to collapse of communism in the world hence marking the end of Cold War. On the other hand, President Bush decision to attack Iraq during the first Gulf war led to America victory against global dictators. This action symbolized the new beginning of America against dictatorial governments across the world. This was the U.S government new effort that positioned it as the sole global superpower.

n

nReferences

nHistory,. (2007). Reagan refers to U.S.S.R. as “evil empire” again — History.com This Day in History — 3/8/1983. History.com. Retrieved 23 July 2014, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/reagan-refers-to-ussr-as-evil-empireagain

nHistory,. (2014). Persian Gulf War – Facts & Summary – HISTORY.com. HISTORY.com. Retrieved 23 July 2014, from http://www.history.com/topics/persian-gulf-war