The politics behind any decision in the United States boils down to how it will benefit the party in power. For example, during the Clinton Era it was popular to decide to add more teachers and police in an effort to make the Democrats look like they had a handle on domestic issues. Republicans are usually (excluding the current administration) better at foreign policy. This list therefore, is a natural consequence of Republican efforts in support of the War on Terror.

Now, put that in plain Texan. We made of list of 'bad guys' to enlist the aid of 'good guys' and try to convince the rest of the world that our 'War on Terror' is a grand idea. Both North Korea and Iran have used oppression to keep their people in line. The former using military force, the latter relying on theology. Both are attempting to keep their own populations under control and gain some notoriety by thumbing their noses at the world's only superpower the United States. See I gained much respect from peers when I smarted off to teachers and administrators as if to say, "I'm not afraid of you or your power."

Here is where problems come in. The world cares very little about a list of who we like and don't like. Its merely rhetoric which American Presidents are very good at. Backing up such rhetoric is another story. Reagen would not negotiate with terrorist but needed money for a private war against communist Nicaragua. In that case words did not match actions. Money and action being better indicators of whom the United States views as friend, foe, and other. We have spent lots and lots of money to occupy and try to democratize Iraq. That use of money and force is not lost on Iran. North Korea on the other hand sees the United States reduce its financial and military commitment to South Korea and therefore makes noises like, "Yeah keep walking away tough guys, we aren't afraid of you."

Politics is more about perceptions than it is about real action. If a foe perceives we are prepared to use force (economic or military) it will more likely back down. President Carter wrung his hands for 444 days trying to get Iran to let our people go. Reagan wins the election and viola! Perception; Carter was weak and Reagan was crazy enough to use force. The lesson here is how crazy others view our leadership. Currently, Iran and North Korea see Bush as crazy enough to take action but too weak to sustain it. The War Powers Act says he can send in Marines but after 90 days Congress either goes

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