Finally, Bush has succeeded in convincing his countrymen of the importance of war against terrorism. He has followed a strong and strict foreign policy like preemption, conditional multilateralism and spread of democracy to contain terrorism. I think in his second tenure in the White House these policies will get much more prominence and more swing. His victory poses a real threat to countries like Iran and North Korea which may further aggravate the armament process in those countries. The Bush administration may also take tough measures against Sudan, Syria and Lebanon on charges of assisting the terrorist groups.

Bush is also keeping a watchful eye on the much talked about election in Iraq to be held in January. Although it is reported that the UN would oversee the electoral process but I think the fate of Iraq would be much like that of Afghanistan. A puppet regime would rule Iraq and the US under Bush administration will carry out its duties to serve its own interests.

Moreover, the US may add new names to the list of 'Rogue States' in order to ensure its so called 'Security'. Establishing American hegemony all over the world is the ultimate goal of the Bush government.

Motasim Billah

Zia Hall

Dept. of International Relations

DU

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Although as a global citizen like many other fellows, I was also in the opinion camp for a change in the American presidency, still president George W. Bush has been re-elected by the Americans. That's the choice of the majority Americans and we have nothing to say except to expect President Bush to change his policies and to work genuinely for ensuring peace and security, not only for the Americans but also for the people of the whole world.

Whatever the election result is, I would like to extend my sincere appreciations to Sen. John Kerry for keeping the democratic morale high. We very much like the way he accepted his defeat in the election. Of course a huge number of Americans had also voted in favour of Kerry which confirms Kerry's standing as a leader par excellence! I think Kerry and the Democrats must have now got the point (s), why most Americans didn't vote for Kerry--perhaps on some socio-religious points, I guess.

Meanwhile our political parties in Bangladesh, particularly the defeated ones, should learn a lesson from the present American election-- how to accept defeat or acknowledge victory in election by keeping the democratic values and national interests above personal/petty gain or loss!