JTW News - Clinton: U.S. cannot isolate itself to fight terror

JTW News

Clinton: U.S. cannot isolate itself to fight terror

Source:Swissinfo

August 9, 2005 12:20 PM

PARIS (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said on Tuesday the United States needed to build alliances rather than pursuing policies that might foster terrorism.

"We cannot isolate ourselves from the world behind walls. We cannot kill all our enemies," he said in an interview with France's Le Monde newspaper.

"We need a strategy which will create more partners and fewer terrorists. Americans' destiny is closely tied to that of other people."

He cited the example of U.S. aid raised for victims of the December 26 earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean, and linked it to an increase in the proportion of Indonesians who had a favourable opinion of the United States.

"It can't but improve our image when we show that we can be selfless, that we want to build a world with others, by understanding their problems, by helping them both for our interests and for shared objectives," Clinton said.

He also urged the use of religion to resolve conflicts rather than to create them.

Clinton said he regretted the rejection of the European Union constitution by French and Dutch voters in referendums earlier this year.

"It is difficult to overcome the reflexes of national identity. But you will get there. The world needs Europe and a demonstration that intelligence, reason and goodwill are stronger than historical fate," he said.