WBUR.ORG : Special Coverage

9.20.2001

What do you think the new war will look like? Share your thoughts here.

The New Face of War

President Bush addresses the nation tonight to explain the military options the U.S. may take in response to last week's attacks. The President has called the attacks an "act of war" and Congress has authorized the use of force against those responsible. But how do we fight this kind of war?

John Parachini, a policy analyst with Rand, says "public diplomacy" -- the use of media like Voice of America to influence public opinion in foreign countries -- is one solution to the war on terrorism that has been largely forgotten.

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Guests:

John Parachini, Policy Analyst at the Rand Institute, a think tank on defense and national security issues

How is President Bush handling this crisis? We want to hear from you

Leadership in Times of Crisis

President Bush's approval ratings have skyrocketed since last Tuesday's terrorist attacks. New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is receiving almost universal praise for his leadership in the wake of the disaster. Even one of his biggest critics, former Mayor Ed Koch, says, ""some flawed people, in extraordinary times, lose their defects."

Historian David Halberstam says don't judge President Bush yet: Presidents have always had to learn on the job.

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Guests:

Mara Liasson, NPR's National Political Correspondent

David Halberstam, historian and author of "The Best and the Brightest"

Ronald Heifetz, Co-Director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University

Click here for memorable wartime Presidential addresses