Osama bin Laden, the Saudi dissident whose organisation is believed to have been behind these attacks, had after all declared war on America He can hardly complain if they reply in kind. If US intelligence was, as it claimed, given proof of plans for further attacks on its citizens then the US could claim this as a preventive, as much as punitive, strike. But the fact remains that the world's leading power and the guardian of international law has launched unilateral military attacks across national boundaries, in the territories of nations whose governments were not directly responsible for the bombings of the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam. It has asked for no international sanction for its efforts (although, sadly, Tony Blair has rushed to voice his approval) The President has sought no prior Congressional approval. PRESIDENT BILL Clinton may well have launched bombing strikes on Afghanistan and Sudan whatever his other distractions. But then again he may not have ordered the strikes quite as quickly, nor have broken his holiday to return to Washington if it had not been for his domestic problems. Enjoying a holiday with his family had clearly become less attractive an escape once it became clear that his efforts at containing the Monica Lewinsky affair were only partially successful.
No one should doubt the right of the United States and its President to take action in defence of its own citizens. What about Russia now selling an even larger swath of Siberia to the US for a few trillion dollars, payable in instalments over several decades? Let me say at once that the idea is not mine. It was advanced, and not wholly in jest, by some academics a few years ago, when Russia's future was a matter for hope rather than despair.But the scheme has a compelling, if simplistic, symmetry. Russia would be assured the colossal sums it needs, over the period it needs, to turn itself into a clean and modern country, without running up debts it can never repay. Western expertise would be able to exploit Siberia's huge resources.
As for this further act of US expansionism - well, America can hardly become more powerful than it is already Would Russia buy the scheme? Probably not But only by asking will Mr Clinton find out.. Why otherwise throw good money after bad, when there are a score of more deserving recipients to be found around the world?That said, one tantalising historical precedent does exist. In 1867, America purchased the 600,000 square miles of Alaska from the tzars for a few million dollars. In this dispirited, enfeebled land, shorn of its self- respect, Bill Clinton will arrive next month like Superman.