August 20, 1998 M E D I A A D V I S O R Y

As the world reacts to the U.S. bombing of sites in Afghanistan and Sudan, Vanderbilt University sources are available to offer their perspectives. To reach the faculty members listed below or others, call Ann Marie Owens at 615-322-2706 (days), 615-269-7208 (evenings) or Liz Latt at 615-356-3101 (evenings) .

WAG THE DOG?

If Bill Clinton is using a foreign policy crisis to strengthen his presidency in a time of personal crisis, as has been speculated, he would not be the first. Richard Nixon made a major trip to the Middle East during the throes of Watergate. While Clinton's foreign policy actions will not change Ken Starr's report, it will likely boost his already strong popularity among the electorate.

Source: Thomas Schwartz, associate professor of history and specialist in American foreign policy

BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS

One of the ironic effects of the post-Cold War is that some militant organizations that the United States funded during the 1980s are now turning their weapons against their former friend. At one time, the United States funneled millions of dollars in support of rebels fighting the Communists in nations such as Afghanistan. The same military technology that once helped destroy Russian control of Afghanistan now could be turned against the United States.

Source: James Lee Ray, professor of political science and expert in international conflict, author of "Global Politics" (Houghton Mifflin, 1998)

-VU-

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